Page 72 of Deeper

“How long will you be here?” she questions.

“Until I’m not.”

I’m here until my job is done. She must have put those pieces together by now. Placing my hand against her lower back, I lead her toward my place for our long overdue conversation. Rylan is a loose end. Something I’ve never let walk the earth before. She knows more about my secrets than anyone left breathing does.

The bang of a nearby door makes me cringe. I hurry Rylan with quicker steps, but I’m too late, and Willy waves his hand and gives us both a huge smile. A deep exhale of frustration pushes through my lips.

“Thought you could sneak a girl inside without me seeing, huh?”

“Willy,” I greet without much enthusiasm.

“Don’t be rude, boy. Introduce me to your friend.”

“Willy, this is Rylan Pierce. Rylan this is my pain-in-the-ass neighbor, Willy.”

“You are a beautiful young thing,” he flirts.

“Thank you. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Sweetness coats her words in a way that is so unlike her that I actually do a double take. She smiles at Willy and seems even younger than she already is.

He has a way with people. Even me. Somehow, I’ve warmed to Willy, but it has taken me time to get Rylan alone and to be somewhat cooperative, and Willy is interrupting that.

He takes her hand in his and gives her an endearing grin. “Rylan, where do I know you from? Your face looks so familiar. I could never forget such a beautiful girl.”

Her smile dips just a bit before stretching back into place. “I’m sorry, sir, but you must be mistaken. I’m very new to town, and I haven’t been out and about much. I must have a look-alike you’re confusing me with.”

“Maybe, but I don’t think so. I remember you from somewhere, but I just can’t place it. Don’t worry. It’ll come to me.”

She shifts, suddenly looking uncomfortable.

So, I actually do something gentlemanly, and I save her. “Sorry, Willy, but we can’t chat. We’re a little busy. I’ll come swing by tomorrow.”

With my hand back in place, I steer Rylan toward my door, and she lets me.

Willy calls out just as I’m about to close the door behind Rylan and myself. “Remember what I said about the horseshoes, boy.”

“Yeah, yeah, I remember,” I mumble and give him a wave.

“What about horseshoes?” Rylan asks as she invades my space and looks around.

“Nothing. That old man is senile.”

“He seemed pretty with it to me.”

“With it enough to remember you from somewhere. Where?”

“He was confused,” she states with conviction.

“Didn’t seem like it.”

“You said yourself that the man is senile.”

I let the question go because I have much more important things we need to talk about. I said Willy is senile because I didn’t want to explain to Rylan what he meant by the horseshoe comment, but he’s far from losing it. There is nothing wrong with that man’s mind.

“Sit.” I motion to the couch behind her. “Do you want something to drink?” I move to the cupboard to grab something for myself.

“I’ll have whatever you’re having.”

I pour us each a stiff drink, hand Rylan hers, and sit next to her on the couch. She fidgets and refuses to look me in the eyes. This woman, who is always so confident, squirms with a timid nature that is so unlike her. It kind of fascinates me.

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