Page 22 of Sorry Season

“You’re kidding?”

His horrified expression sent a warm glow through her. He still cared about her, even if she didn’t want him to.

“There’s no way you’re staying here. A locksmith on a job today said almost every café and restaurant along this strip has been broken into late at night or in the early hours and he was called out this morning to the sushi place next door.”

“Really?”

She hadn’t heard. Then again, theNichehad been running on one speed—flat out—since she’d opened around eight. “Did they take much?”

Stepping closer, he laid a hand on her upper arm, his touch sending slivers of searing heat crackling through her.

“They didn’t only rob the place. They knifed one of the kitchen hands who’d come in early to do some prep.”

“That’s awful.” Her stomach roiled in shock at such an horrific, violent act happening so close to home. “Was he okay?”

“It was a woman. Which is why you’re not staying here on your own, no matter what you say.”

Shrugging off his hand, she squared her shoulders. “I’ll be fine. I’m used to taking care of myself. And besides, I have an alarm.”

His lips set in a thin, stubborn line. “You don’t think they had an alarm next door? Or all the other places along this precinct?”

Running a hand through his hair, his jaw set, his exasperation was palpable. “These guys are professionals and after slashing that poor girl even after she’d handed over the takings, it’s pretty obvious they’re brazen, hardened criminals who don’t give a damn about who they hurt or how badly. Or ruthless kids out for a quick score. So there’s no way you’re staying here alone. Haven’t you got someone you can stay with?”

“Do you think I’d be sleeping on a dodgy fold-out camp bed in the storeroom if I did?”

The sarcastic response popped out before she could think and she mentally clamped a hand over her big mouth. Great, now he’d think she was a loser with no friends, when the truth of the matter was, apart from Anna, who rented a single room in a boarding house, she wasn’t close to anyone.

She’d liked it that way, had fostered her independence deliberately when she’d first come to Melbourne, eager to obliterate her painful memories of Blane and her traitorous parents and the baby-that-would-never-be by burying herself in making theNichethe best café this city had ever seen.

She’d learned it was easier not to rely on people, for they always let you down no matter how close or how much you loved them.

“Well then, there’s only one other option.” She didn’t like the intent in his eyes, his rigid expression. “You’ll have to stay with me.”

“No way.”

The corners of his mouth twitched. “Would you like some time to think about your answer?”

Shaking her head, she backed away from him. Silly, really, as if physical distance could stop the current vibrating between them.

“Thanks for the offer, but—”

“Cam, this is non-negotiable. You’re not safe here and there isn’t a hope in hell I’m taking no for an answer. You’re staying with me until your renovations are done, and that’s final.”

She huffed out an exasperated sigh and folded her arms. Tilting her chin up she glared at him, hating his high and might attitude while a small part of her couldn’t help but admire this new, take-charge Blane. He’d always been so laid-back, so unruffled, and she’d loved that about him, yet this new commanding, take-no-prisoners guy was pretty impressive too.

“This doesn’t have to be complicated.” He held his hands out, palms up, as if he didn’t have any tricks up his sleeves. “I’m not trying to pressure you and this isn’t some underhanded, dastardly plan to get you where I want you.”

Crossing the small space between them, he cradled her face before she could move, his touch warm and soothing. “I care about you. And if it makes you feel any better, consider my offer as that of a friend, no strings attached, okay?”

Was he insane? No strings attached? Not only were they bound by strings, they were lassoed, hog tied, and entangled in thick unbreakable rope.

If seeing him again after all this time was hard, living under the same roof would be pure torture.

She couldn’t do it.

However, she hadn’t got as far as she had in the city without a healthy serve of common sense and right now, her street smarts were telling her she may be taking her independent stand to extremes.

She could trust Blane. He’d always been a man of his word and if he was offering her a safe place to stay, she’d be smart to take it. TheNichemay be her life but she’d be stupid to risk losing hers over it.

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