“Ugh! He’s a pest.” I raise my hands to my head, massaging my temples.
“A very good-looking and courteous pest,” Nina says under her breath.
“He just wants to help.”
Headlights shine on us as a car pulls into the detective’s drive. “Looks like you’ll get your peek,” I groan, determined to remain bitter about his unwanted chivalry.
The detective steps from his car, looking in our direction. “Ladies,” he drawls.
Nick West is a god among men. According to the local gossip, that is. Every woman in town is fascinated by the single loner badass who lives next door. Their words.
Even I can admit that he’s handsome. Strong jawline lined with salt-and-pepper scruff that matches his unruly hair, which looks like someone ran their hands through it recently, chiseled cheekbones, straight nose, all sitting atop a carved-from-stone body. I’ve seen it out my kitchen window in the summers. It’s awe-inspiring, if you like well-defined abs and a V that disappears into a man’s shorts.
“Everything okay?” His smooth, throaty timbre washes over me, and my eyes narrow in response.
A hand raised in acknowledgment of our presence I expected, but the man uttered actual words.
“Yes,” Lanie and Nina say in unison.
“Just having a girls’ night, officer,” Nina offers, ever the calm one.
His husky chuckle irritates me. Is he flirting with them?
“It’s Nick after hours.”
Oh dear lord. He is.
Nina giggles, and I pull a face, looking at her out of the corner of my eye.
“Alyssa?”
Lanie pokes my back, and I twist around to glare at her.
“What?”
“He asked how you’ve been.”
I take a deep breath, turning back to face him. “Better.” It’s all I offer, because what else is there to say?
Nick smiles, probably not believing a damn thing I said. “Better is good.”
It’s the most he’s ever said to me, and I’m caught off guard. I’m two seconds from bolting inside the house so I don’t say something rude and look like an ass. I shrug, because after the day I’ve had, that’s the best I’ve got. “Well, I’m sure tomorrow will bring a new set of feelings.”
“That means we’re alive.”
“I guess that’s the issue; not all of us are.” As soon as the words are out of my mouth, I hate myself. Both girls gasp, Nick grimaces, and I snap my mouth shut so hard, my teeth hurt.
“I’m so sorry. I had a rough day. I really do appreciate you asking, and I agree, better is good.”
He bites the inside of his cheek, rocking back on his heels, likely weighing what to say next. “You know I’m always here if you need anything.”
I nod. “Thanks. Well, we should be going in.”
If he says anything more, I don’t hear it. My back is already to him.
As soon as the front door is closed and the light turned on, the girls practically jump me.
“Oh my god, Alyssa. What was that?” Nina’s shrill voice is almost comical.
