“Ledger,” I reply, tight smile locked in place.
I glance toward the door where Erick has just vanished, like he saw a ghost—or, more likely, Ledger. “Why did he leave when he saw you?”
“What?” Ledger tilts his head, all faux innocence, like he wouldn’t squish a bug.
“You scared him off,” I snap, crossing my arms. “Do you have some kind of ‘menacing’ setting you switch on when I’m around?”
He shrugs and lowers himself into the seat across from me like he’s been invited. He hasn’t. “Stinson always scares easily.”
I frown, thrown. How does he know Erick? He’s a newbie like me, right? He’s just passing through. “You know him? He said he’s new in town.”
Ledger shakes his head with that maddening smirk firmly in place. “Seems to me you need a tour guide. Someone to keep you safe from all the townies who might want to take advantage of you.”
I narrow my eyes, not sure if I’m more irritated by his audacity or his implication. “And you think you’re the guy for the job? My guide?”
“Who better than me? I mean, we know each other pretty well, don’t we, darling?”
I gape at him, torn between throwing the rest of my latte at his head or storming out of the café altogether. How is this my life?
“Unbelievable,” I mutter under my breath.
“You’re welcome, by the way,” he adds, leaning forward, elbows on the table like he’s settling in for a long conversation.
“For what?” I demand, my voice just a little too high.
“For saving you from whatever bullshit Stinson was about to pull,” he replies smoothly, his words laced with that usual arrogance. But there’s something softer beneath it, something genuine that throws me off balance, even as I fight the urge to shove him right back out the door.
“He—”
“Oh, come on. He was herejustfor you, darling,” Ledger cuts me off, his voice dropping to something that might be considered gentle, if it weren’t dripping with smugness. “How about this: take a car ride with me, and I’ll give you a history lesson while I drive you around. A little town lore. That way, you can save yourself from all the predators you should be worried about.”
I should say no. I should. Because let’s be honest—the biggest predator in this town is sitting across from me, flashing that grin that somehow makes me forget my own name.
But maybe I can have a truce with him. Just for a little while. Information is power, and he knows far too much for me to ignore. Can I trust him though?
ChapterTwelve
Galeana
I really should decline.Yes, I definitely should. Yet, as Ledger reclines confidently in his chair, an air of smugness surrounding him like an invisible crown, something within me snaps.
He’s sitting there as if he owns not just the café, but the entire town, perhaps even the chair he lounges in. That self-satisfied smirk and those piercing blue eyes challenge me, pushing against my resolve. I’ve never been one to walk away from a challenge.
“You want to give me a tour?” I question, raising an eyebrow, my voice laced with a mix of skepticism and intrigue. “Fine, let’s go.”
His smirk wavers slightly, betraying his surprise at my agreement. “Fine?”
Rising from my seat, I sling my purse over my shoulder and clutch my latte a bit too tightly—maybe this is a terrible idea, but curiosity and a hint of desperation propel me forward. After all, isn’t Erick Stinson potentially perfect marriage material? “Let’s go, Timberbridge. Show me your version of Birchwood Springs.”
He stands and gestures grandly toward the door, playing the part of a gentleman with a flourish. “After you, darling,” he says, his tone dripping with charm.
I climb into his SUV, the leather seat cool against my skin, and watch him settle into the driver’s seat with an ease that speaks of his comfort in this environment. The engine purrs to life under his confident touch.
Ledger casts a sidelong glance at me as he maneuvers out of the parking lot. “Rule number one of Birchwood Springs: everyone knows everyone. You always spot the newbie, and the newbie has to be careful. I can’t believe no one has taken you under their wing to protect you from . . . the rest of us.”
“I think Delilah is supposed to be that person for me, but she’s currently out of town,” I mention casually.
“Huh? You and Del?” Ledger’s expression shifts to one of mild surprise. “Makes sense. If I recall, your mothers were best friends, after all.”
