Page 68 of Renewal After Dark

They pulled out of the driveway and headed for North Harbor.

After a couple of miles passed in silence, he felt her looking at him.

“What?”

“Is everything going to be different now?”

He glanced over at her. It was a lot like looking directly into the sun. “What do you mean?”

“You said nice things about me. I said them about you. Does that change everything?”

“What if it did?”

“I’d be sad if we were awkward with each other. I thought we were becoming friends.”

“We are friends. I don’t want to mess that up any more than you do, but I can’t help that when I look at you, I just…”

“What?” she asked, sounding as breathless as he felt.

He tightened his grip on the steering wheel. “It’s important to me that I not take advantage of your need for the apartment or our proximity or anything that would be inappropriate.”

“That’s the last thing you could ever be.”

“How do you know that?”

“I just do. That’s not how you roll. You’re a gentleman, or my grandmother wouldn’t have given you the time of day.”

“Oh, well… I was kinda rough around the edges when she met me.”

“You’re not anymore.”

“Sometimes I am.”

“Well, I haven’t seen that. I’ve seen a kind, generous, sweet man who helps people without expecting anything in return other than friendship. I see someone who goes out of his way for me, which is something I’ve never had before.”

“I like helping you.”

“I know you do, and that makes you the sweetest man I’ve ever known.”

He scowled. “I’m not sweet. Quit saying that shit.”

“It’s the truth, so don’t be grumpy about it.”

“You’re supposed to think I’m tough and intimidating.”

“Oh, didn’t realize that. Sorry.” Under her breath, she added, “Not sorry.”

“I heard that.”

Her laughter was almost as captivating as her smile.

“The mood’s apt to be a bit somber tonight. Heard they found Jim Sturgil’s body.”

“Oh no. That’s so sad. Poor Tiffany and Ashleigh. And his parents…”

“I know. He could be an SOB, but you’d never wish something like this on him.”

“No, never. Even Tiffany said that.” McKenzie pulled out her phone. “I texted her to tell her how sorry I am about the news and to let me know what I can do for her this week.”

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