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“I was wondering if I could redeem that coffee I brought up before,” he said, putting his hands in his pockets. “Are you free tomorrow at noon?”
My mind immediately drifted to Griffin along with the slight disappointment that wished it was him asking me that very question. But I dispelled it since I didn’t want to get too hopeful and put all my eggs in one basket.
I couldn’t fully invest myself in Griffin, even if the thought was tempting.
Besides, I didn’t want to be rude.
“Yeah, that works for me,” I answered easily enough, even if I was fighting to push my neighbor out of my head.
Noah looked pleased at that. “Great, meet me at River’s coffee shop. I’ll see you then.”
Keeping it simple, he nodded, then turned as I agreed to it.
As he went on his way, I found myself looking forward to getting to know him.
It would be nice to get to know someone else, and I didn’t see the harm in it.
Chapter 17 - Griffin
The usual smooth rock played through the shop speakers to accompany the sound of wrenches and sanders, and the usual auto shop smell lingered in the air.
While some of the guys were somewhat weary of me, they welcomed me into the fold regardless, and I found the work engaging. Overall, Donovan’s had been a solid choice.
Once break time hit, I made my way out the garage door and stood in the parking lot to soak in the sun. Getting fresh air always helped me navigate the current fixes I was working on.
I wanted to enjoy my break by myself, but someone wandered up wearing the usual gear for the Task Force. Glancing at him, I offered him a nod and didn’t think twice about it.
But he glanced between me and the car I had been working on that could be seen from the doors. I left the equipment where I last used it. “This what you’ve been working on?”
I nodded. “The frame’s shot and needed some restructuring.”
He analyzed me closely, and I noticed his nametag read Noah. “Do you have the proper safety equipment to be welding?” Noah peeked inside and tried to assess my workspace. “In fact, is the garage in a suitable condition for this kind of work?”
Completely lost as to who he was or what he wanted, I furrowed my brows. “What are you talking about?”
“A loose spark could set the whole place on fire if you aren’t careful. We can’t have another fire like the one your gang set before.”
My expression fell at the implication. Despite his feigned concern, I could sense the shit-eating grin he was trying to repress.
Trying to keep myself from losing it on him, I narrowed my eyes. “Is this about the old attacks? I thought we’d already been over this tired conversation.”
Noah shrugged, gaze testing me. “I can’t be too careful. I’m keeping an eye out for any potential problems. That’s my job.”
I scoffed at his gall. “That’s funny, it seems like you’re sniffing around for a problem I don’t have. You’re assuming I’d do something to attack this town because of the past conflict.”
“Whoa, there. Calm down, Griffin,” Noah said, putting his hands up in defense. “You’re getting fired up. Watch yourself.”
His arrogance didn’t help my already fragile anger. That irritation flared inside me. “What’s your problem?”
Noah glanced toward the garage as if making sure nobody was watching. Hardening his face, he jabbed my chest. “My problem is, you’re an ex-gang member from the same group that brought absolute terror to the people I protect every day. Forgive me if I have my suspicions. I won’t tolerate you hurting anyone who lives here.”
“You look real stupid threatening me right now,” I growled, feeling a rush of anger. “I’m not here to hurt anyone!”
“I’m sure that’s what you think now, but what happens the moment someone gets on your bad side, huh? You get angry, then what? I can tell you’re quick to anger,” Noah pushed.
Getting in his face as a warning, I muttered, “You don’t know anything about me.”
“And how would Rowan feel about his right hand getting into it with one of Rose Valley’s peace officers? I don’t imagine that would bode well for the new treaty.”
