Page 27 of The Wild Card
Though it wouldn’t be the first time this week I’ve gotten in the car with a stranger. Or a man Ithoughtwas a stranger.
I’m not picking up eitherI’m a serial killerorI’m interestedvibes from Wolf. More likeI’m just your average friendly neighborhood small-town weirdovibes. But still.
Then again, Collin might be there …
The idea is suddenly very appealing.
“Kalli will vouch for me,” Wolf says.
I glance over at Kalli, who smiles reassuringly. “Wolf is safe. Despite his crimes against fashion.”
“See?” Wolf puts his hands on his hips, which somehow manages to make what he’s wearing look even less appropriate. I drop my gaze to the dregs of my latte, wishing I’d ordered a larger size.
“While she’s making up her mind, I meant what I said,” Kalli says. “Wait outside.” She points to the door, and Wolf hangs his head, shuffling outside.
“Think about it,” Wolf says as he slips outside. I nod, though I can’t look at him. I’ve seen enough of his thighs. “You haven’t really been to Sheet Cake until you’ve been to Backwoods Bar.”
Once the door closes behind him, I glance over at Kalli. “Why do I both feel like Ineedto go and also like I should definitelynotgo?”
She laughs. “Wolf is a character. But heisa decent man, and he’s right that the Grahams often hang out at Backwoods Bar. Well—there and at Dark Horse, James’s brewery. How do you know Collin?”
I decide to skip right over the boyfriend thing for now. “His sister is married to my brother.”
Her eyes widen. “Oh! You’re Chase’s sister? Cool. He and Harper come in sometimes when they’re in town.” She grins. “They’re adorable.”
I shouldn’t be surprised that people in this small town really do all know each other—and the Grahams. If anything has become clear to me, it’s that the Grahams are Sheet Cake royalty.
“They are. Disgustingly so.”
Kalli laughs. “Wolf’s coffee is ready if you’re considering his offer. You would be safe with him and at his bar—I promise. Despite all the theatrics and his pantslessness, he’s a gentleman.”
I hesitate. “I don’t know …”
“No pressure,” Kalli adds. “I can get you a refill on the house to go if you’d like. I close in an hour, but you’re welcome to stay until then. Until I get a few more employees, I’m only open mornings and afternoons,” she explains.
For a moment, I waver. Stay here alone. Or take a ride to a bar with a man confident enough to walk around in the world wearing chaps over a Speedo.
I could just stay here and drink another caramel latte alone while waiting until it feels safe to go back to the loft. Or I could make yet another choice that’s out of my comfort zone.
Making a decision I hope I don’t regret later, I stand up. “I’ll take that to-go cup.”
CHAPTER 7
Collin
When I returnto the loft after a drive to clear my head, I’m in no way surprised to find my dad waiting for me.
Tank is leaning against his truck, arms crossed, looking smug, like he’s caught me doing something. I know that look because I’ve seen it a lot over the years.
But right now, the only thing I’m guilty of is wasting gas while driving aimlessly, trying to make sense of my day.
Which, given the circumstances, is impossible. I’m just as confused as when I dropped Molly off down the street.
“How long have you been waiting here, Pops?”
He only grins. “Let’s take a ride,” he says, escorting me to the passenger side of his truck like a prison warden who expects me to make a break for it.
I almost do. But I’m honestly not sure I can outrun my dad.
