Page 35 of Tall, Dark, & Ginger

I stayed with Indy to count out the deposit so we could drop it off, but we sent the others home about thirty minutes ago. As we walk down the dark sidewalk to the bank, I lean into him, bumping my arm against his.

“A little different from last year, huh?”

Indy chuckles. “A little, yeah.”

We make it to the bank and he drops the bag of money in the drop box.

“You’re happy though, right?”

Indy practically beams now. “So damn happy. I spent almost twenty years chasing the wrong life.”

“Maybe, but you might not have known this was the right path without the other one.”

“Wise words.” He squeezes the back of my neck as we walk back to the house. “How are things going with you?”

“Can’t complain. Been spending time with Wren. He flirts with insomnia too.”

“I heard.”

“What do you mean?”

“Wren told Salem about his sleeping challenges and that he hangs out with you at night sometimes.”

Nodding, I glance at my feet then back up again. “Anything else?”

“No. Why?”

I shrug. “No reason. Just wondering if Wren said anything more about me than that.”

“Still pining for him?”

Chuckling, I bump into Indy again. “We’ve been messing around a little.”

Indy’s eyes go wide as he nods. “Seriously? When did you close that deal?”

“It’s been a few weeks. It just sort of happened. He instigated it.”

“Interesting. You guys are dating?”

“Nah, nothing like that. His ex did a number on him, you know? I think he needs an outlet and to feel wanted by someone. It’s low-key and very casual.”

Indy studies my face. “Uh-huh.”

“What?”

“Nothing. Sounds like you know what you’re doing.”

“I do. We agreed to keep it chill and professional. I’m just rolling with it.”

“Cool.”

I laugh. “Cool?”

Grinning, Indy grips the back of my neck. “All I’m saying is this is interesting. You’ve been crushing on him since he walked into the bar and now you’re messing around. Might not be so easy to walk away when he’s ready to.”

Indy’s words tug at a part of my chest I do my best to ignore. “If I’m honest—and I know I can be with you—I try not to think about it. I know he’ll move on someday. He’s a guy who wants to settle down and be domestic and shit.”

“You still can’t see it for yourself?”

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