He shuffles his feet in front of him, gaze off into the distance at nothing in particular. “Maybe you have a point.”
“Of course I do. I’m almost always right, you know.”
I honestly don’t know what’s come over me. I prefer relationships to be shallow—that’s basically the golden rule. Those are safe. Why the fuck am I asking him questions about his life? I’ve never even been remotely interested in asking anyone what someone had for breakfast.
But for some reason, he’s different.
Maybe he’ll invite me for a drink. Maybe there is actually something there. Is that too much to hope? But as soon as the thought settles into my brain, Jason stands, says good night, and walks out the door.
So much for that.
Chapter Six
Jason
I head upstairs and shower off the hard work I put in, but Levi’s words echo in my mind. Maybe I do need to get away from here—blow off some steam. When’s the last time I didn’t fall asleep in my chair reading up on medical procedures?
I can’t remember.
Tucking my keys into my pocket, I make my way out into the cool summer night and down the trail to the neighborhood bar. Maybe a couple of beers would be a good way to relax.
Levi’s certainly turned my life upside down since he came into town. The more I think about him, the more complicated my thoughts get. He never fails to irritate me when we’re together, but I can’t stop thinking about him when he’s away. He’s admittedly unbearable most of the time, but I guess he’s not that bad. Pretty charming when he wants to be. And it’s better than being alone.
The owls in the woods hoot in the dark, gravel crunching beneath my feet. The shadows of the surrounding trees keep me on the road, safe in the starlight. It’s peaceful up here. Even though unknown creatures lurk these woods, I feel safe. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.
It’s not a particularly long walk—judging by the way the sky goes from a milky lavender to pitch blackness—before I get to the rundown shack of a bar on the side of the pavement. The crickets sing as my footsteps go down the rough pavement. It’s a Friday night, so it’s busier than normal, but that only means there are eight trucks instead of the usual three.
Before going inside, I try calling the detective again. He answers quickly this time, only to dismiss me with a sharp, “Good night.”
Fucking hell, this cop and his work ethic are pushing me over the edge. I really need a drink. The scenarios start running through my head—kidnapped, in a hospital, or worse. But there isn’t a single thing I can do about it right now.
Instead, I push the door open, and the bartender’s kind eyes turn to me.
“Jason!” He throws his rag over his shoulder. “What are you doing here?”
I run my hand through my hair, pulling slightly. “Same as everyone in here, Eric. Getting a drink.”
“Have a seat.” He motions to the bar top, and I pull up a stool, setting my elbows on the counter. “IPA, right?”
“You know it.” Perfect for my dry mouth right now. That phone call really got to me. I scan the bar—just the normal townsfolk sitting in their booths, playing pool, and shooting the shit. It’s a pleasant change of scenery.
He slides me a cold glass, foam fizzing at the top. I take a quick swig, and the bitter hops coat my tongue. “Just what the doctor ordered.”
“Well, you’re the only doctor in here, so I’ll take your word for it.” He shoots me a smile.
I raise my eyebrows. “Hey, Eric, don’t you want me to start a tab?”
He shakes his head with a pleased grin on his face. “Nope. Drinks are on him tonight.” He points across to the other side of the bar to a booth with a single person sitting alone.
Levi.
For fuck’s sake, I can’t go anywhere without seeing him.
I try to focus on my beer, but I spot Levi sauntering over from the corner of my eye.
Levi pulls up a seat next to me. “Not even a thank you?”
“Thank you. And I’m assuming you’re covering everyone, not just me.”