Page 178 of Show Me

“You’re staying with me for a while.” The words come out easily. Too easily. Like the decision was already made somewhere in my head before we even left my house this morning.

Ruby blinks once. “Xavier–”

“No.” I point toward the window. “Somebody threw rocks through your house less than eight hours ago.”

“I have cameras.”

“Two of which got destroyed last night.”

“That’s dramatic.”

“That’s accurate.” I appreciate her attempt at levity, but it’s not going to distract me. Whoever is messing with her isn’t stopping.

She exhales, rubbing a hand against her forehead. I can practically see the argument forming behind her eyes. Not because she wants to stay here. Because she’s trying to figure out what staying with me means.

The dangerous part is that I’m trying not to think too hard about that too.

“It’s temporary,” I say, leaning back against the seat. “Until we know things calm down.” There’s no question that she’s more comfortable in her own home. As long as she’s safe.

Ruby studies me for another second. “Okay,” she says. “A few days.”

Relief settles low in my chest before I can stop it. “Good.”

She disappears inside while I walk the property again. I did it last night before we left. And again, before I took my pickup to the shop.

Samson watches me from inside the pen like he’s personally offended I showed up without food. Again. “You don’t make the best security system.”

The pig snorts hard enough to suggest disagreement.

A truck pulls into the driveway behind Ben’s a minute later. Sam climbs out, hoodie pulled halfway over his hands against the cold. “Morning.”

“Morning.”

For a minute neither of us says much. Just stands there looking at the house. Then Sam kicks a rock across the driveway.

“You were right. Lindsey’s weird.”

“That sentence never goes anywhere good.”

“Yeah.” He crosses his arms over his chest, causing the top of his coat to gap open. “When I told her I didn’t think we should see each other again, she got angry. It felt excessive since we’ve only hung out a couple of times.”

“I was afraid of that.”

“You going through with her deck project?”

“Unfortunately, I don’t have a reason not to.”

Sam glances sideways at me. “Good luck.”

“Thanks.”

This time, his chuckle carries the humor it lacked earlier. I punch him in the bicep. “Asshole.”

The back door opens as Ruby steps outside carrying a small overnight bag. She locks it, then hesitates for half a second after the deadbolt clicks into place.

Sam tips his head toward the house. “You need anything moved over later, let us know.”

Ruby gives him a small smile. “Thanks.”