He keeps talking about the repairs as if he’s unaffected by the conversation we just had. Meanwhile, I’m panting like a dog in heat.
My fingernails dig into my palms. I know what he’s trying to do. I’ve figured out his little game. But I need to stay strong, to keep him at a distance. Letting him in will only end in hurt feelings and awkward vibes that I don’t want in my everyday life. Lacrosse is my world, the field my safe haven. I won’t let anything jeopardize that.
No matter how good it might feel in the moment.
“I’m gonna head back into the garage.” I rub my temples in small circles. I haven’t been in there since I hurt my neck, and it’s mostly due to procrastination. “There’s so much crap in there.”
“Let’s go assess.” Landon holds open the door for me as he steps onto the porch. “I’ve got some time before I have to take my mother to the doctor.”
“Is your mom okay?”
“Yeah, she’s going for her annual checkup. She doesn’t need me to go with her, but I’d like to hear what the doctor has to say, and ask any questions I might have.”
As soon as I pull up the garage door, we’re hit with a powerful odor. Rotten eggs mixed with sulfur.
I spin around and gag. “What the fuck is that?”
Landon covers his nose with his shirt. “Smells like a skunk.”
My eyes go wide, and I jump behind him. “Oh, my God. There’s a skunk in here?”
“Judging from the smell, he might be dead.”
I nudge him further into the garage. “You have to find him.”
He scoffs. “DoesMiss Independent who can do everything by herselfneed my help?”
Don’t get me wrong, I’m one of thosestrong independent women who don’t need no mantypes. But thereareexceptions. This is one of those times. I might not need a man, but I strongly prefer one when wild rodents are concerned.
“Pfft. You think I wanna get sprayed and smell like that?” I nudge him again. “No, thanks.”
Landon scans the garage, and grabs an old broom I keep propped against the wall. He leans forward, poking the nearby boxes with it.
My heart sits in my throat, a knot coiling in my stomach. I press my hands against Landon’s back, peeking around his shoulder to watch what he’s doing.
“I think I see something over there,” Landon whispers.
I gasp. “Where?”
Landon aims the end of the broomstick at a stack of boxes labeledChristmas decorationssurrounded by a few black garbage bags.
“It looks furry. I’m going to check it out.”
“Oh, God,” I whisper yell. “What if it’s alive?”
He glances at me over his shoulder. “Why don’t you go in the house?”
I shake my head. “What if he attacks you? I need to be out here to take you to the ER when you get rabies.”
“That’s comforting.” Landon bends his knees, and holds the broom like a sword.
I’d laugh at him if I weren’t so scared.
He crouches down as he approaches, prodding the bags.
“Do you see anything?”
“No. I have to get closer.”
