Page 60 of More Than a Helping Hand

Me:Awesome. On your phone?

Clarence:No. There is top secret stuff on my phone. She took the pictures on her phone and sent them to me.

Me:And now she has your number. I bet you a steak dinner that you hear from her before the end of the weekend.

Clarence:I only have eyes for you, dear.

I don’t doubt that because Anderson oozes loyalty and integrity. And dating someone I can count on makes me realize how much was missing in previous relationships.

I’m about to tuck my phone away when another text pops up.

Clarence:I owe you a steak dinner. I’ll look for a nice place on the water.

I laugh as I put my phone away. It’s not a surprise that she texted him because she has no clue that we’re dating. What is shocking is that he doesn’t get asked more often. Or maybe he does and chooses not to tell me.

And I don’t blame him.

CHAPTER22

ANDERSON

I’m out of bed extra early so that I can do chores before driving into San Antonio to meet Brooke for breakfast. But I need to check on Dallas first.

While knocking, I push open the door. “You alive in here?”

He groans. “Yes, but I’m not sure I’m happy about it. This sucks.”

“Sorry. What can I get you from the mess hall?”

“I think something from Beau’s liquor cabinet would be more helpful.”

“Nope. I will not help you carry out bad ideas. Food, Powerade? What do you need?”

“Sneaking around is a bad idea, and I help you. You aren’t being fair.”

“Perfect. I’ll bring you lots of food and something to keep you from getting dehydrated. You sound a bit delusional, so you definitely need fluids.”

“I’m not delusional. You know keeping secrets is going to either come back to bite you or end badly.”

“You might be right, but it’s a risk I’m willing to take. I’ll be back in a bit.”

“Thanks. Don’t bother knocking when you return.”

I race through my chores, then grab food and lots of stuff for Dallas to drink—but nothing containing alcohol—and take it to him.

“Here you go. Want to eat now, or should I put this in the fridge?”

He pushes up to a sitting position. “I’ll eat. Did you bring coffee?”

“Three bottles of Gatorade. I’ll put two of them in the fridge.” I give him the food and make sure his drink and the medication he needs are easily accessible. “Okay, I’m headed out to meet up with my sister. But Ava said to call her if you needed anything. Or I can call your aunt.”

“Don’t you dare.”

“Then be nice.” I laugh as I walk to the door. “I’ll check in when I get back.”

I climb into the truck and drive into town. Sweets is busy when I walk in, which isn’t a surprise for a Saturday. Lettie waves, then slides more donuts into the case. “Morning. You want us to surprise you again today?”

“Nah. My sister requested that I stop bringing her donuts. Something about a freshman fifteen, so I’m only getting one for me and coffee for the road. And I’ll take one of those.” I point at Primrose’s favorite.

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