Page 27 of Home Changes
“I really like you, too.” He chuckled and then drew a long breath. “I’m not good at the small talk, Allison. I never have been. I guess I get that from Chester, but when we’re together, it’s good. I mean, you’re so fucking sexy, I could devour you.”
Her gasp was audible. “What?”
“I know you said you were insecure. You don’t need to feel that way with me. Woman, you light every fire I have. I know that probably isn’t the most romantic thing to say, but it’s the truth. On top of that, you’re fun and easy to be with. I don’t have to work at it, you know? You are easy in the best possible way.”
“Seth Hansen, did you just call me easy? Twice?”
He laughed at her mock outrage. “Maybe, but I meant it in a good way.”
She laughed and then quieted. “I really like you,Seth. You light my fires, too, and for you, I’ll be easy.” She paused and then laughed, adding, “To be around.”
“Get some sleep, woman. Lord knows we both need it.”
“All right. Call me if you need me. I will always answer.”
He smiled. “I will. Good night.”
“Good night.”
Allison sether cell phone on the small table near the couch and clicked off the television. The soft glow from the screen faded, leaving the living room dim and quiet. She smiled in the darkness and closed her eyes. Flirting with Seth sent a rush of energy through her, and she wished he were on the couch with her now. She wanted to feel the warmth of his big body against her. That tingling sensation whenever he was around ghosted through her, and she could smell his cologne. His deep rumbling voice on the phone had set her body on fire. What could he do to her with his hands? His lips? A full-body shiver ran through her, and her core ached in a way she’d never imaginedpossible from a phone call. My God, the man was amazing, and she prayed she didn’t screw it up. Open, honest, and no secrets. She nodded to herself. If this relationship didn’t work out, it wouldn’t be because she didn't express her emotions correctly.
She glanced at the clock on the wall. It was nearing nine.
With a sigh, she walked into the kitchen, her footsteps echoing softly against the old wooden floorboards that creaked with familiar comfort. She moved with purpose, opening the fridge and pulling out what she needed.
A large turkey sandwich, stacked high and wrapped in wax paper, went into an insulated bag. She added two bottles of water, a small take-out container of salad from the diner, and then paused.
Pulling a clean sheet from her to-do list pad, she flipped it over and wrote on the back in neat, looping script:
I think you need this. I won’t hurt you. I live above the bakery. If you need help, come to me. I promise the people of this town are safe.
She signed her name and tucked the note into the bag. On impulse, she added a couple of packets of ibuprofen, a small pouch of hand wipes, and thecandy bar she’d been trying to resist all week. It was chocolate with almonds, which was her favorite.
She sealed the bag, then made her way down the narrow staircase to the rear entrance of the bakery. The quiet of Hollister at night always felt different than the day. There was no traffic, no farm trucks rumbling by, or teenagers hanging out by the gas station after school. Just the occasional gust of wind sweeping across the prairie, carrying the scent of hayfields and pine.
She lifted the garbage can lid and slipped the insulated bag into the clear liner she’d already placed inside. She carefully closed the lid and glanced around, letting her eyes adjust to the dark.
The alley behind the bakery was barely lit, with only a single overhead bulb glowing near the back door. The edges of the building cast long, soft shadows onto gravel, and beyond that, the wide openness of rural South Dakota stretched toward a star-splashed sky.
“If you can hear me,” she said softly into the darkness, “there’s no need to be afraid. If you’re in trouble, we can help.”
She rubbed her arms against the chill, the night breeze pressing against her skin. She’d pull out an old coat tomorrow and leave it in the clean liner ifthe woman didn’t approach her by then. Nights were getting chilly as October was fast approaching. Allison waited a bit. But no shadow moved, no figure stepped forward from the gloom. Allison stood for a few more moments, listening. With a quiet sigh, she walked back upstairs, her hand sliding automatically into the pocket of her hoodie to check for her keys. She turned the lock behind her, not because she was afraid, not in Hollister. But because, when she’d first moved out of her parents’ house, her father had made her promise always to lock the door at night.
She smiled at the memory. Every so often, her dad would stop by just to make sure she had. He never asked, just tugged on the knob with satisfaction and nodded when it didn’t budge.
Even now, she was still their baby. The only child of a close-knit family, she understood their concern. Her parents could be protective, but they’d always given her space to grow and build her own life. Only two things were mandatory. She needed to lock the door and come home for Sunday dinner.
She ensured the house was tidy and all appliances were off before flipping off the lights. Out of curiosity, she went to the window and gently pulled backthe curtain. Outside, the can sat still beneath the weak glow of the alley light.
The lid was off. Allison smiled sadly. She prayed the woman had heard her words, and, hopefully, whoever she was, would realize she was safe there and that she wasn’t alone anymore.
No, the woman in the alley wasn’t alone anymore, and neither was she. She had Seth now, didn’t she?
CHAPTER 10
The waiting room was quiet. Only the faint rustle of magazines and the soft hum of the HVAC system filled the space. Seth sat stiffly, one leg bouncing with his hands clasped tightly between his knees. Across from him, Chester stared at the television mounted in the corner. The volume was off, but news headlines scrolled across the screen, something about congressional hearings.
“Mr. Hansen?” a nurse called out cheerfully. Seth stood, automatically reaching for his father’s elbow. Chester swatted his hand away but stood without complaint. They followed the nurse down a long hallway that smelled faintly of antiseptic. As they passed rooms filled with murmured conversations and sharp fluorescent lights, Seth felt his jaw tighten.
