AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Bet you’d love that, Indie,” Tess mutters.
For years, Tessa has called Levi Indiana Jones—the silly hat might have something to do with it.
“It’s long overdue,” Levi admits, finishing his beer.
“It’s been real.” He stands and claps a hand over my shoulder. “Talked to Dad. It’s been quiet…for the most part.”
“What does that mean?”
Levi glances at Tess as she heads over with a large shopping bag of take out. “I’ll let him tell you—I need to get back.”
“Might wanna ease up on the pie, pretty boy…” She motions to Levi’s solid abdomen before handing over the shopping bag.
“I ordered food without the entertainment, Tessa.”
It’s the first time in a while I’ve heard Levi call Tess by her actual name. Usually he refers to her as Rogue or Trouble…because if there is trouble in town—such as parking violations suddenly erased from the system—it’s usually the clever doings of Tessa Hart.
I like her. Anyone who can rile up my oldest brother is a winner in my book.
I place an order for a couple of sandwiches and a pumpkin pie with Tessa.
“Wanna drink while you wait?”
“Thanks, no. I’ve got to head out soon. Is Dad around?”
She winks before heading to the kitchen, calling back. “I’ll grab him.”
“Should I be planning your bachelor party?” Noah teases.
“I just need to find out if Dad’s heard anything.”
“We asked. No concerns. Where’s Pepper?”
“At the house.”
“Everything alright?”
“It will be once I get this guy off her trail.”
Noah narrows his eyes, assessing me, like I’m one of his clients he doesn’t trust. “What are you so worried about?”
“Something’s off with Pepper.”
“What do you mean?”
“She’s been…spacing out.”
“Like completely—is this a medical issue?”
“No. No—forget it.” Perhaps mentioning this to my overthinking brother is not the best idea.
“You leave her alone?”
The question comes from my dad behind the bar. His tone is not casual. It’s more judgmental.
“She’s been alone before. It’s not like she needs a babysitter,” I insist, highly doubting myself at the moment.
Dad glances back, eyeing one couple sitting at the back table and lowers his voice. “Chase—I wouldn’t take Troy’s interview at face value. He may have just acted clueless to throw her off.”
