Page 9 of When The Noise Stops

She was watching my face, waiting.

"Well?"

"It's fine," I grunted.

She laughed.

"Fine? That's all I get? I spent three hours on those."

I nodded.

"That's all I got for you."

She waved me off, turning to Tiny and Hawk, with the box extended.

"I'm Lila. Here. You two want one? They're blueberry lemon. And those ones"—she pointed to a different row—"are salted caramel. Take as many as you want."

Tiny didn't hesitate. He grabbed three. Hawk took one, more cautious. His eyes flickered with surprise when he bit into it.

Lila turned back to me. Her gaze traveled down my body. Slowly. Appraisingly, then back up.

"You smell like motor oil," she said.

"I work at a garage."

"I know. That's fine. Go shower before you come over tonight."

I frowned.

"Come over where?"

"To my place. For dinner." She said it like it was obvious.

“We discussed this?”

"No. I'm making steaks and potatoes. None of that greasy takeout that shows up at your door every night."

"I’m not g—"

"Six o'clock. Don't be late." She patted my chest—actually patted my chest like I was a pet—and then she was walking away, box tucked under her arm, hips swaying in that yellow sundress.

I watched her go. Couldn't help it.

"Did she just—" Tiny started.

I turned and walked inside. Closed the door behind me. Leaned against it, staring at nothing.

I could hear them laughing through the door.

I didn't care.

I was too busy trying to figure out what the hell had just happened.

Chapter 4

Knox

It was 5:40. I stood at the bathroom mirror, towel around my neck, and stared at the reflection looking back at me.