Page 48 of Capture My Heart

She whipped around at the deep baritone. Trey stood with his hands in his pants pockets. The relaxed demeanor didn’t reach his jaw. The tick of his muscle beat in time with her heart.

Relaxed? Not even close.

“I wouldn’t use the word okay. But I will be fine.”

He nodded. “I bolted the back door and will get a new lock tomorrow. Grab what you need. I changed the sheets and you can have my bed. I’ll take the couch.”

“No, I can go to my mom’s.”

“Don’t be silly. It’s almost 1 a.m.”

He had a point. Besides, she was too tired to argue. She nodded and packed her essentials, a T-shirt, and sleep shorts, and followed him out.

She turned to lock the door and froze. A chill ran through her. She wasn’t safe in her home. The anger thawed the ice in her chest.

Her hands fisted. Screw that! No one chased her out of her own home.

Oh, she’d stay at Trey’s tonight but she’d be damned if she’d let them win.

She’d be back tomorrow. Slamming the door, she slung her bag over her shoulder. The door flung back open. She sighed. Stupid broken lock foiled her dramatic exit. Her bag slipped as she turned her back on the door.

Trey opened his door and the streak of black startled her.

“Don’t worry, he’s friendly.” He took her bag from her and disappeared down the hall.

She squared off with the woodland creature. Not counting the other day, she hadn’t been this close to one since Girl Scout camp in fourth grade, and that didn’t end well.

“Here, give him a carrot. He’ll be your friend for life.” He held out the orange veggie.

When did he get back? She finally took her gaze off the animal and switched her hesitation to Trey. With two fingers, she took the carrot.

Stinky rubbed against her ankle like a cat.

Amy jumped. “What the—”

He laughed. “Relax, you deal with hardened criminals. I’m sure you can handle an affectionate pet.”

She shot him a side-eyed glare. He was right, damn it. She knelt and extended the treat. Stinky gently took the vegetable and using his little paws, held it as he ate.

The stiffness left her spine and a smile tugged at her lips. “He’s adorable.”

“I know.” Trey rocked back on his heels. “But don’t leave anything shiny out. He’s a bit of a kleptomaniac.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, one time he stole my car keys and it took me three days to find them. I turned the apartment upside down.”

She rose, shoved her keys in her pocket, and gave a stern look at the little thief. “I got your number, buddy. I’m watching you.”

Stinky blinked up at her. “Yeah, you know who’s the boss.”

The skunk turned—his tail waved in the air. Amy flinched.

Laughter filled the room. She shot Trey a nasty look.

He raised his hands. “Sorry, but the look on your face when you thought you’d be sprayed. Priceless.”

“Have you ever been sprayed by a skunk? Trust me, it’s not a good time.” The farmer’s field flashed in her mind. “Skunk!” Paulie screamed. The bags of sweet corn fell to the ground and they took off for the road. Her friend outran her with those long legs of hers.