Page 107 of Sugar and Skulls

“It’s those damn eyes,” he admits laughing.

I rub my hand over his chest, my mood turning serious. “Please let her help you.”

He pats my hand. “I’ll try. Okay?”

I nod, biting back tears. “It’s all I ask.”

“Okay then.” He lets his hands slap down on the bed, coming to terms with his new living arrangement. “Go get me some food, woman.”

Chapter Forty-Three

Jesse

???

As I’m heading out to the shop I pause in front of the door leading to the garage. I watch as Rachel helps Raffe out of his wheelchair. She walks backwards keeping her arms circled around his waist for support as he moves one foot in front of the other slowly, bracing himself on the bars. He’s come a long way in only a month.

Dirk comes up behind me wrapping me up in his arms, his chin resting on top of my head. Raffe must say something funny because Rachel looks up into his eyes, laughing. He stares down at her, his eyes full of mischief. Dirk and I gasp in unison as Raffe dips his head, capturing Rachels lips with his own.

Rachel’s hands leave his waist to slide around his neck pulling him closer. The simple kiss quickly turns into one we should definitely not be eaves dropping on. Dirk places his hand over my mouth, backing us up quickly until we are out of their line of vision. He pulls me into the other room before spinning me to look at him.

He searches my face. “Are you okay?”

“What? Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?”

“I mean you and Raffe...” He runs his fingers through his hair, tugging on the ends making them stand straight.

“Are friends,” I finish for him, placing my hands on my hips.

He spins around in a circle. “He kissed my sister.”

“Areyouokay?” I ask.

He stops in front of me. “I…I don’t know.”

“They’ve gotten close over the past month. And, you know she has your mood ring eyes, so…”

He smirks. “My mood ring eyes?”

I suck my bottom lip between my teeth. Shit. “Yeah, your eyes are like mood rings. I can tell what you are feeling by the color they are at any given moment.”

“What am I feeling right now?” his predator gaze emerges.

“Um. Dirk. I have to go to work. You know it’s my first day back.” I back up two steps as he advances one.

“What is it that you think I’m feeling?” He takes another step and I jump back quick. “You seem a little jumpy.”

“Dirk, I have to go. You’re going to have to wait.” I grab my bag off the hallway table, slowly edging for the door.

He laughs. “I don’t have to wait for anything, Jesse.”

He lunges at me as I dart out the door. As I’m pulling out of the driveway he yells, “You can run but you can’t hide.”

I laugh in the rearview mirror as I watch his figure disappear. Damn, I’d like to let him catch me but like I said it’s my first day back. I’ve missed Dan and the shop immensely.

When I open the door, the little bell tingles my arrival. Dan lifts his head and smiles at me. “Hey, partner, long time no see.”

“Oh, you’ve seen me.” I tease.

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