Page 266 of Worth the Trip

Nyla headed toward the door, then turned toward me.

“Alarm is already set for night mode. Jasmine has morning. And don’t come up here at six.”

“Nyla, go home.”

She smiled, then looked at Landon.

“Keep her out of here before nine.”

Landon lifted both hands. “That ain’t my assignment. I can influence conditions, though.”

“Good enough.”

Malcolm opened the door for Nyla.

She stopped.

“Don’t get used to that.”

“I open doors for everybody.”

“That wasn’t what I meant.”

“I know.”

She stared at him, then walked outside.

Malcolm looked toward me. “Good night, Hershey.”

“Good night, Malcolm.”

He nodded toward Landon. “Big Dawg.”

“Drive safe.”

Malcolm stepped outside.

Through the glass, Nyla immediately said something that made him laugh. He shifted the box beneath one arm while she used both hands to explain whatever complaint had already developed.

I watched them walk toward the parking lot.

Then turned away.

Their story could wait for them.

Mine was standing beside Scoops & Stories with my new book in his hand.

“You ready?” Landon asked.

“Not yet.” His brows lifted. I pointed toward the pair of wide, low reading chairs tucked beside the far window. “Sit.”

“Bossy.”

“Persistent.”

“That’s my girl.”

Landon settled into one chair while I disappeared into the back. When I returned with his private pint and two spoons, I lowered myself into the matching chair beside his, turned sideways, and stretched both legs across his thighs.