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The dogs run out and start playing in the yard, running, smelling, and rough housing with one another. It’s a sunny day with just the right amount of breeze mingling with the low-70s temperature.
After working for nearly an hour, making great strides, I stop when my phone buzzes in my back pocket. Pulling it out, I see Jack’s name.
“Hey, Jack. Thank you for calling me back.”
“Of course, I got your message about the locked room. None of the keys are working?”
Sitting back on my calves, I use the back of my hand to move the hair that’s fallen from my ponytail out of my face.
“Correct. I was hoping to go through there and the attic next week to see if I can find anything. Family photos, anything really.” A few days ago, I found a door in JD’s study, and no keys that were given to me worked to unlock it.
“I don’t have anything. I’m sorry; I gave you all the keys I had.”
“Shoot. Okay, I will have to call a locksmith. Do you have a number or name for one?”
“I sure do. I can send you the info. How’s everything else? Settling in okay?”
I pause, thinking of how I want to answer that. “Yes, I’m doing all right. I got a job at the grocery store in town. So, it’s been a nice distraction. Still feel a little weird being here, taking up his space, not knowing who he was. There’s a daunting feeling a bit.”
He hums. “Yes, that makes sense. No need to rush it. Take your time adjusting. I will stop by next week when I’m back in town from visiting my son. You need anything else until then, let me know.”
“Yes, of course. Thank you for all your help, Jack.”
“Certainly, and hey, Hanna? Your grandfather was a great man. I don’t know the whole story of why he didn’t come find you, but I do know he would want you to be happy and comfortable here. So, try to settle in. The rest will follow.”
I look down at my hand, picking at the frayed hole in the knee of my jeans. “Yeah, sure. Thanks again, Jack. I’ll talk to you soon.”
He says goodbye, and I take in what he said.
“Who are you talking to?”
I jump, shrieking, my phone flying into the dirt I just planted seeds in. Spinning, I see Theo towering over me. He looks sexy as sin in his worn jeans, Henley, and boots.
Hanna! I scold myself.
“You know, doorknob, you’re like a mosquito. Can’t see ya coming, and then—bam! There you are, to cause hell. What are you doing here?” I drop the tools, stand, and remove my gloves, turning to face him.
“Ouch, greens, I was coming to check on you. My sister said you seemed spooked last night when a random person off the highway got lost in your driveway.”
“Brenda,” I huff out. Thank God I only told her about the truck and not the dream. “I’m fine. Just got a little jumpy.”
“Why so jumpy? You have nothing to be afraid of, right?” He places his hands on his hips, the stance and his question coming off like an interrogation.
“What’s with the whole cop vibe?” I flap my hand at him, and he readjusts, standing normally but this time crossing his arms over his chest.
“Just want to know why you were all jumpy. This is a small town, but we get a lot of people passing through, and they tend to get a little lost with all the random turnoffs. Don’t get too up in arms, greens.” I roll my eyes.
“Can you not call me that?” I put my items in the bucket and head up the stairs to the front door, Theo on my heels. What is he doing here, seriously?
“Listen, I wanted to check in. That’s all. So are you all right?” He sounds genuine. Turning before I step inside, I release a slow breath.
“Yes, I’m fine. Thank you.”
“Good. Here, hand me your phone,” he says, reaching out his hand.
“What? Why?” My brows furrow.
“Hanna. Hand me the phone.” His voice is curt, the demand sticking to me in a way I’m afraid to admit. It was… hot.
“Um, okay. Sure, here.” I fumble to grab my phone from my back pocket, hating that I let him see even an ounce of me interested in him. His fingertips brush against mine as he takes it. He doesn’t see me or my reaction, but that sent an electric bolt straight to my core. How embarrassing that I’m reacting this way.
Undoubtedly, Theo is extremely attractive, and I do mean extremely. In fact, I would say he is the most handsome, well-built man I’ve ever laid eyes on. Which is why it’s important I nip this in the bud. Fawning over a man I could never bag isn’t good for my self-esteem or my lady bits.
