Page 56 of Snow in Texas

She made a disagreeing sound. “What do you even want with Dusty? What’d he ever do to any of you?”

Colin sighed. “Can you tell me where he lives, or not?”

She shrugged. “I can tell you.” Her eyes narrowed, and her gaze became calculating. “But you’ll need to do something for me.”

Aw shit. “What?”

“Lift your shirt up.”

“What?”

Fifteen uncomfortable seconds later, he stepped back into the dining area of the restaurant, shuddering, Dusty’s address saved in his phone.

Jenny was at the register, enjoying a brief lull in customers, and turned to him as he approached. “Get what you need?”

“At a cost.”

“Cost?”

“Your manager…” He fought not to shiver again, revulsion crawling across his skin. “She wanted to touch my stomach.”

Jenny stared at him. Blinked. And burst out laughing, grabbing at her own stomach as she doubled over.

“Gladyouthink it’s funny. Meanwhile I’ve been traumatized.”

“Ha!” She tossed her head back, blonde hair shimmering. “Seriously?” she asked as she tried to catch her breath. “Touch your stomach?”

“And she kinda…” He grimaced and gestured toward the violated area. “Rubbedme a little.”

That sparked a fresh outburst from Jenny.

Colin folded his arms and glowered at her. But his girl ignored him, taking long moments to work past her laughter and draw in a deep breath.

“You didn’t like it, did you? Secretly? A little?” she asked.

“Bite me, Snow.”

“No, I think Rosemary wants to do that.”

“Can we please stop talking about it?”

Jenny dabbed at her eyes and composed herself, finally. “Yeah. Sure.” She cleared her throat. “So you got an address.”

“Yeah.” He shook off the remnants of disgust and frowned as reality set in again. “Candy wants me to go with Fox.”

“Ah. Well, you’ll be in good hands, then.”

“Yeah, but will you?” He shot a glance across the restaurant to where Talis sat devouring a plate of chicken with mechanical proficiency. For some reason, it was always spooky to watch the guy eat. Like seeing something inanimate come to life.

Jenny’s hand stroked down his arm, her touch eliciting pleasant goosebumps across his skin. “It’ll be fine.”

He gave her a disbelieving look.

“You doubt Talis? Come on. You have to admit that he even gives you the creeps. He’s good at his job.”

Colin frowned. “Yeah, but that’s the thing. To him, it’s a job.”

Surprise flared in her eyes. A slow smile curved her mouth. “Well aren’t you sweet.”

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