AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Something about his tone makes me blush again, as if “cupcake” has a double meaning. I fight the urge to fan myself while I offer him a white sprinkled treat.
“Did you move to town all alone?”
I go still as if this is the moment in the thriller where Victim#2 misses obvious signs before her eventual murder.
Despite my fears, Hobo looks at me in such a direct way that I can’t deny him an answer. “Yes.”
“Where are you living?”
“Off Rural Route 4. I’m renting the back house from an older woman.”
“You mean Velma’s tiny house?”
“It’s all I can afford,” I mumble, hurt by the homeless man’s negative reaction to my living quarters.
“You got any friends yet?”
“No.”
“Well, you do now,” he says and winks at me. “I’m a good friend to have, too.”
“I’m sure you are.”
Hobo settles back on the stool, making me worry he’ll fall. “I know you’re just humoring me, but I’m being serious. You’ll see, Xenia.”
My name sounds sexy in his deep voice. For a split second, I forget about my problems. All I can think about is how his beautiful blue eyes are watching me. For the first time in forever, I feel genuinely hopeful.
That’s why my heart drops when Hobo stands up after finishing his third cup and the cupcake.
“There’s a storm coming, so I best get moving.”
“Do you need a ride?”
Hobo smirks. “No, I got a tent set up not too far from here. But you best close up and head home early. Don’t want to get caught out in the downpour.”
“Okay,” I say, wishing he wouldn’t leave.
Hobo rests two twenties on the counter and holds my gaze. “I’ll come around again and try one of your sandwiches. Will you be open?”
Nodding, I can’t see past him long enough to remember how much money I waste every day by running the shop.
“See you soon,” Hobo says and heads out.
“I’ll get your change.”
“Keep it as a tip for the good company,” he says over his shoulder.
I literally swoon when Hobo offers me a warm smile before leaving the shop and returning to the woods. I don’t care if I’m crazy to nurse a crush on a homeless guy. He might be wild and possibly dangerous, but he’s the sweetest, sexiest man I’ve ever met.
And thanks to him, I get to hold on to my dying dream for a little while longer.
