Page 2 of Sofa King Safe

Well, crap, he’s caught me.I can't lie because he can see it with his own eyes.

"The place I was going to rent fell through.I’ve been trying to find another, but it hasn’t worked out.”I don’t mention that everything is so expensive and I'm focused on making rent for my shop."Please don't tell anyone."Heat rushes to my cheeks, and I hate the embarrassment I feel.I should be proud of myself because I’ve come a long way from where I started.

"Hey."His hand grabs mine, and I automatically jerk it back.Rhodes holds both his hands up in front of him and steps back, giving me room.

"Sorry, that wasn't because of you."

"Habit?"He tilts his head to the side, and I shrug."It's not safe parking out here.Even if it's on my land."

"Oh, that’s how you knew I was here.It’s your land."That explains why he’s out here.

"Sure."

Sure?That’s not really a yes.

"I'll find somewhere else to stay tonight.I really am sorry."

"I don't give a shit if you stay on my land, Quinn."A small flutter fills me when I hear my name on his lips.It comes out gruff, which matches him.

There isn't anything fancy about Rhodes.He's wearing jeans, boots, and a simple green flannel that matches his eyes.He's really got the whole lumberjack thing going on.I know he's got the money to be flashy, but he's not.At least that's what I've heard from the What's the Stitch ladies.They know everything.

"But it's not safe being alone out here."

"I've been okay."

"So far you have.But you’re safe until you're not."

I wrap my arms around myself.He's right.I sleep like shit when I have to park somewhere more secluded, but I'm running out of places to park in town without drawing unwanted attention.

"I don't have a lot of choices," I admit.

"You could stay with me," he offers, and my head snaps up to meet his gaze."I live alone, but if that makes you uncomfortable, you can at least park your van next to the house.Then we’d both know you're safe and…" He lifts a shoulder."No one has to know."

Rhodes gets it.Or at least understands enough of this situation to give me a safer way to live and to keep it private.

“Can I think on it?”It’s a tempting offer, but I need to be sure.

“You can, but now that I know what you’re doing, I’ll end up parking next to you wherever you go next.”

“Really?”I let out a small laugh because that’s insane.

“Swear it.”His green eyes lock with mine, and he’s dead serious.

“Are you sure it’s okay if I park next to your house?”I don’t want to get in his way even if this would really help me out.

“Never been more sure of anything in my life.”

I really wish I could say the same.

ChapterTwo

RHODES

I’m sitting in one of the rocking chairs on my front porch so I don’t pace.It took some convincing, but Quinn agreed to drive her van to my house where I told her she could shower and get changed for work.

She tried to turn me down by saying she had showers at her shop, and it took everything in me not to lose my temper.Who hurt this woman so badly that she thinks she should shower in the same place as her animals?Granted, she takes better care of the animals that come to her shop than most people take care of themselves, but that’s beside the point.

On top of not having a place to live, she was frightened of every little sound around her.Hell, I tried to touch her hand to ease her fear, and all it did was make it worse.I felt like a complete asshole, and I should have known better.Someone has obviously done a number on her heart, and I need to remember to take it easy around her.

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