Page 28 of All Inn Thyme
“Yeah, we’ve got this,” Ty calls as he stands beside me. He looks at me, and like he’s reading my thoughts, he says finally, “Mellie, have you met Sam Sr. yet?”
Okay, that was crazy. I feel like he just understood me, and I didn’t even tell him I was apprehensive about someone I didn’t know being here. How Ty and I can be in tune like we are, I don’t understand. Somehow, he just gets me, and I like how it puts me at ease.
Trying to get back to a calm place, I say, “No, but I’ve seen you around town. It’s nice to finally meet you, Sam,” I say as he carries a few of my bags into the house.
Sam is the silver fox that everyone in town talks about. He has a son that he had pretty young, who I’ve never met before but have heard is back in town. I would put Sam in his mid-forties, but he doesn’t look it, aside from his silver-gray hair. I’ve seen him play at the tavern with Evan a bunch of times. The ladies in town all like to jump at the chance to bring their vehicles in for him to fix at his shop, just so they can tell the story to their friends. I’ve heard Sam Jr. looks a lot like him, only he’s in his twenties.
“You, as well. I’m sorry you’re in a jam like this, but you’re in good hands here with Ty.”
For sure, I think to myself. Ty is definitely good with those hands—holding me on the dance floor, pulling me in for kisses that make me wonder what else they can do.Oh, Mellie, rein it back in.If I’m going to make it work living with him, I can’t be thinking about him like this all the time.
Evan says to Sam, “I heard Sam Jr. is back. I need to reach out. How’s he been?”
Sam Sr. looks a little defeated when he replies, “He came back a few weeks ago after getting out for good. He wants to lay low for a while. Needs some time. You know how it is.”
Evan nods. “I get it. It’s hard adjusting to civilian life again. I’ll give him some time and then reach out soon.”
“I think he’d like to see you. I don’t know what to say to help him… Maybe you could get through to him.”
Evan claps him on the back as they head back outside.
Once we get everything unloaded, Evan gestures at my phone and says, “I’ll check in with you tomorrow.”
I nod back. “Thanks.”
“And later when we aren’t so exhausted and can laugh about this, I’ll get you a gardening costume.” He grins and quickly pulls the door shut behind him before I can say anything back.
I turn to see Ty hiding a laugh before he straightens and looks away. “Of course you told him.” I shake my head.
My face warms with embarrassment, but that’s part of why I get along so well with Evan. Instead of treating me like a fragile doll, he teases me and considers me to be a normal person.
I’m not fragile. I’m rebuilding my life one brick at a time, and with every day that passes, I’m stronger than I was before.
I head inside to find Nova on my bed. “Oh my… What are you doing in here?” She responds by planting kisses on my face and jumps down, her little nub of a tail wagging so fast that her whole body wiggles.
Just then, Ty comes down the hall and stands in the doorway. “Come on, Nova.” The dog scurries out after him. He runs a hand over his chin. “You need anything else tonight?”
I realize I’m frozen against the wall and slowly slide away. He gives me room and steps back. I’m relieved he doesn’t push me and just meets me where I’m at. But damn if he’s not scorching while he does it. And honestly, I don’t mind him in my space, I’m just nervous. His smile with his perfect beard is just… Damn.
“Don’t be nervous,” he says softly. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“I’m just… I was wondering if you had an extra lamp.” I look away, embarrassed. “I don’t like the dark.”
“Of course,” he says softly and heads toward the other side of the house. I hear his footsteps coming back a few minutes later.
I’m scratching Nova’s ears as she leans in and lays her head on me.
“She likes you,” he says as he sets up the lamp.
“I like her, too.”
“How about me?” he says, his tone flirty.
“Maybe someone else, too,” I say back, putting my hands on my hips.
We both look down again and she’s now lying with her head on her paws, gazing at me in adoration. My heart softens, and I realize I’ll probably fall for both this man and his dog.
“So, you’re off tonight?” I ask, trying to change the subject.
