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“Are you kidding? Don’t ever be sorry. Just point me in the direction of your creepy-ass stalker and I’ll gladly shove my foot up where the sun don’t shine. Did the police already talk to you?”
I nod wearily. “They’re conducting a search of the perimeter, but it’s getting too dark to keep going. They’ve already contacted the owners. They’ve luckily got insurance to cover this sort of thing.”
“What? Arson?”
“Fire in general, but yes.”
Taylor sighs, shaking her head. “You must be cursed or something. We need to get you, like, some healing crystals and burn some sage. Your vibe is all off.”
“Gee, thanks.”
She turns and grins at the man she came with. “You know a guy that can hook us up with some Himalayan salt crystals, right, Charlie?”
“I told you, sugar, he’s a scam artist. I don’t know why you keep giving him your money—”
I lock eyes with Charlie, stunned and confused by his presence. “What are you doing here?”
“You’reTaylor’s roommate?” he asks, sounding just as surprised.
“How do you two know each other?”
Taylor hooks her arm around Charlie’s, resting her cheek against his shoulder. “He’s my, um…” she whispers the next part, “mywhale.”
My mouth drops open.
Something clicks in place, like the final piece of a puzzle I had no idea I was putting together. I remember the deal he made with Walton, how Hunter gave him shit for taking out a loan. I didn’t think too hard about his reason for taking Walton up on the offer, but now…
I don’t stick my nose in Taylor’s business, but I know for a fact that she charges a pretty penny for her time. I’m not sure what my face is doing, but it prompts Charlie to say, “Please don’t give me that look.”
“You’re… Oh, wow.”
“And how doyoutwo know each other?” Taylor asks.
“We… work together. Worked. At Star Rider Studios.” Charlie clears his throat, handing Taylor the keys to his car. “Why don’t you go get the spare blanket from the backseat, sugar. Your friend might catch a cold.”
Taylor hops up on her toes and gives Charlie a big sloppy kiss. He doesn’t seem to mind. “I’m on it, babe.”
The second she’s gone, Charlie says, “Walk with me.”
We don’t go very far, just a few feet away toward one of the fire trucks, the fire fighters packing up. Charlie stuffs his hands in his pockets, looking a tad sheepish.
“So,” I say, mildly amused, “you and Taylor, huh?”
“Don’t sound so judgmental.”
“I’m not judging.”
“It’s in your eyes.”
“Mm-hmm. I’m just fascinated by how small the world is sometimes.” I cross my arms.
“What?” he says dryly.
“You’re a good-looking guy, is all. I didn’t think it was that hard for you to meet women.”
“Nowyou’re being judgmental.” His expression softens. “Look, I know it’s unconventional, but the moment I saw her… I knew. There’s nobody quite like her. We were actually out on a date when she got your call.”
“I’m sorry,” I mutter.
