Page 50 of Spiritwarrior

“I’m sorry.”

Sophie shrugged. “Don’t be. Some parents are shitty. My mom and dad made up for Marty. They protected me from him. We had to move from state to state. No matter how hard theytried, Marty would find us, and he would make our lives a living hell. He would find my parents, call them, and make terrible threats to them. To tell you the truth, I felt relief when the lawyer contacted me to tell me he was dead. I would have thanked whoever killed him, but now it seems he may be the one who wants that money Marty owes him.”

“Don’t worry about him. The sheriff and Greer are keeping their eyes out for him, and he can’t get on our land without us knowing he’s here.”

“I’m glad you have cameras here. It makes me feel safer.”

“Good. I want you to feel safe.” Jody rose from the couch, neglecting to tell her there wasn’t a camera on the property. “The fridge is full. Feel free to eat anything you want.”

Jody noticed, when he stood up, she moved farther into the kitchen, putting the counter between them. Whenever he drew close to her, she always managed to place herself away from him. The only time she allowed him in her private space was when she was tired or upset.

“Ginny said you’re going out with Joel to the music festival.”

“Yes, he seems like a nice man.”

“He is,” Jody agreed. “He’s good people.”

“That’s good to know.”

“He’s just not for you.”

Her eyes widened at his words. “Why not?”

“You’re wasting his time, and yours, too.”

“I don’t know why you think that. You’ve only known me for a few days.”

“You’d be surprised at what I know. For instance, I’m aware you’re attracted to me.”

“I’m not.”

Jody clicked his tongue at her. “Don’t lie. I wasn’t the only one who felt as if lightning struck when we first saw each other.”

Her cheeks flushed a bright red. “You’re a very attractive man, but that doesn’t mean I’m attracted to you.”

He clicked his tongue at her again. “Another lie? There’s no need to be embarrassed. I’m very attracted to you, too.”

Stiffly, she came from behind the counter to snatch up the bags she had brought into the trailer. “I should have known this was too good to be true.”

Jody blocked her path to the door. “There’s no need to get on your high horse. I don’t expect you to sleep with me just because we’re giving you a place to stay. All I’m doing is putting it out there that I’m interested in you. I’m not getting regulated to the friend zone just because you’re afraid to admit you’re attracted to me.” Jody turned toward the door to let himself out. “See you tomorrow. Sleep well.”

He closed the door behind him. After what he had said, he would be lucky to find himself in the friend zone with her.

As he strode to Silas’ house, he wanted to take his frustration out on Deputy Bevere for daring to ask Sophie out. She was going out with Joel, who had nailed more women than he had ever considered doing.

He walked up the steps and went through the front door without knocking. Silas and Fynn were sitting in the living room. Fynn was staring at Silas defiantly as Silas broke off from talking to him.

“What’s going on?” Jody asked, throwing himself down onto the couch next to Silas.

“What do you care? You’re just like Silas—both of you just take up for Logan.”

“Why wouldn’t we?” Jody stretched his legs out to prop his feet on the living room table. “Logan doesn’t do anything to you, yet you’re constantly picking on him.”

Fynn’s expression lost steam. “I don’t know why. There’s something about him that sets me on edge.”

Silas regarded Fynn seriously. “I’ve told you why. Your gifts are combating with Logan’s. You have to get better control of yours.”

“So, Logan is stronger than me?” Fynn snorted. “Not likely.”

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