Page 22 of The Darkest Knight

It took Reese a good second to realize he was kidding, something he didn’t do often enough she guessed. “Well, when you have a break in your schedule,” she winked, “let me know. Tanner is excited to come and take a look at the property.”

“I’m going to ask Ledge to build the kennels.”

“Great. That’s definitely needed, I suppose.”

“Meeting with the trainer, he’ll be able to tell us exactly what we’ll need.”

Things felt stressed between them. “Seth, are you okay?”

There was a long hesitation. “I don’t know how into the bar scene you are, but a few friends are getting together this evening and you’re welcome to come along if you’d like. Probably better than sticking around here.”

“Wouldn’t I be intruding, you know, with the ‘guys’ and all?” She knew how men could be when they got together. They swapped more than just memories of the old days. With her being the only female, she knew she’d put a wrench in their plans.

“A couple of the men have wives and girlfriends, and I’m sure they’ll be there too.” He narrowed his gaze on her. “I understand if you think it’d be inappropriate…”

“If I’m welcome, then why not?”

“Having you there will keep the usual questions at bay, like “Why don’t you have a date?’”

Reese shifted from one boot to the other.

“Is there something you want to say?”

“I hate to ask and don’t wish to be a bother, but I’m out here more than a walk away from any stores and—”

“You need a ride?”

“Is that too much trouble?”

“Not at all. In fact, I need to run a few errands myself. You ready to leave now?”

“Whenever you’re free.”

“What better time than the present? Let me close up shop and I’ll meet you at the truck.”

“Sure.” She left the garage and as she made her way down the dirt path toward the truck, she counted to ten backward, forward and side to side, hoping to manage the nagging sensation in the center of her stomach. She wasn’t sure what it was about Seth that ripped her lungs of oxygen and made her a nervous wreck. Maybe the badass expression that could puncture the bravest man’s armor. She had a feeling he didn’t trust her, and truth be known, she wasn’t sure he could be trusted. Yet if they planned to work together, they’d have to learn to have faith in each other.

After she was planted in the passenger’s seat of the truck with Abby panting from the heat, she spotted him coming from his cabin and she swore the dog’s pants became heavier. He had pulled on a shirt, but it didn’t take away one sliver from his broad shoulders, coiled abs, and slender hips. If anything, the shirt could be compared to gift wrap and bless the woman who was privileged enough to open that present.

Giving her head a quick shake, she reminded herself that she’d dealt with a lot of men for the last six years who were built like trucks. Some had heads as big as a house, and others were teddy bears at heart. So, which side of the fence did Seth fall? One could easily mistake his self-assurance as narcissism, but she knew better. She saw something in him that reminded her of her own despair and uncertainty. Maybe that’s what drove her to him?

What was she talking about? She wasn’t “driven” to him, or anyone.

The driver’s door squeaked open and she met his gaze before he slid inside. With a turn of the key, the old reliable truck roared alive and they were off. The windows were down and the cool breeze tangled her hair, but she didn’t mind one bit. Reese couldn’t remember the last time she’d had the wind blowing through her hair and music playing on the radio. She liked it. A lot. She missed driving and not having to depend on anyone for her needs. Or needing to live within a certain distance of stores, doctor’s offices, and civilization. Losing her independence had been debilitating. But she was alive and, for that, she was grateful.

“I’m afraid the town’s not very big, but we have a drug store, grocery, and a diner. Is there anywhere in particular you’d like for me to drop you off?”

“How about the drug store?” As they drove into town, she found that it was a nice, quaint area with privately owned shops one would expect to find in communities located close to tourist’s spots. The sidewalks were lined with flower pots, benches, antique lights, and a welcoming community that waved as Reese and Seth passed by. Brick buildings with a historical flare lined the streets, broken up by more modern stucco and lavish structures like internet cafes and boutiques.

“Luckily, you don’t have to worry about a crowd,” he said as they turned onto another street.

“Are there many tourists who visit here?”

“Further north there are more resorts, closer to the popular spots. Here, we get a few stragglers, but not many.”

“You didn’t grow up in a small town, did you?” she asked

“When my mom became sick, Dad bought a vineyard on the eastern coast of Virginia and that’s where we grew up. I guess he didn’t want us in the city.”

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