Page 3 of Ink
I giggle and unwrap the piece of gum on the counter. The minty fresh scent soothes me right away.
Ink glances down at his watch. “You’re late closing, aren’t you? It’s after eight.”
“Oh shit, really?” I check the clock on the computer and sure enough, it’s a quarter past. “Yeah, I gotta get this place shut up for the night. It was good seeing you. I’m sure we’ll bump into each other tomorrow.”
He smiles and heads toward the door. “Indeed. Tomorrow I’m fixing the drywall around the bathtub, so I’m sure I’ll need something. You take care, little bunny. Drive safe.”
“Will do,” I say, ignoring the fact that my panties are soaked.
Chapter Two
Ink
I’ve bought and sold at least ten cabins up here on the mountain, but this is the first one that I’ve wanted to burn down.
I knew the flooring would need replacing, and everything from the kitchen to the bathrooms needed a face lift, but I didn’t expect the water heater to go up right after discovering mold on the drywall. That was a week after the fucking roof started leaking. It’s been a nightmare, and right now, the best option for all of this is a can of gasoline and a match.
“Shit, man. You’re headed back to the hardware store again?” My buddy Reaper stands in the driveway with his arms crossed over his chest.
“This place is a pain in the ass. Remind me to never do this again.”
He laughs. “You said this before too, then you bought this place. You’re a glutton for punishment.”
“I think I am. Yeah.” I toss some old drywall into the bed of the truck to dump on the way to the store. “What’s up with you?”
“Nothing big. I was on my way up to my buddy’s ranch. He’s had a few guys take off lately and I’m helping him out while he’s shorthanded. Thought I’d stop by and see how you were doing on my way. I can help with that drywall this weekend if you need a second pair of hands. Hell, I’d bet all the guys would do you a solid.”
“I know, but it’s my problem. I’ll fix it. Thanks, though.” Who am I kidding? I need the help, so I should take it. Unfortunately, I’ve had trouble with that for as long as I’ve been alive. I’m not sure if it’s pride or a fear of disappointment that keeps me from letting other people in. Either way, I don’t do it.
Reaper shakes his head and waves me off. “You know who to call if you need the help, man.” He laughs. “Maybe you just like running to that hardware store every night.” He walks down the driveway back toward his bike as he talks.
I climb up into my truck. He’s not wrong about the fact that I like going to the hardware store, though it’s not because I love browsing the aisles. For me, it’s about seeing Bunny, which is really fucking weird because I’m not that guy. I don’t go places to run into women. Hell, usually I don’t give a fuck if a woman is around me at all. In fact, I prefer the opposite. In the past, women have been one big disappointment after another. And at my age, I want peace.
It was a promise I made to myself after things dissolved with my ex a few years ago. That woman was a nightmare. We couldn’t see eye to eye on anything, and when she left, she took a whole bunch of my handmade furniture and a picture of my late grandma because she liked the frame. I think there’s a country song in there somewhere.
Someone grab me a pickup truck, a dog, a bottle of whiskey, and a guitar. I’m headed for the Grand Ole Opry!
I promised myself the day she finally left that I wouldn’t fuck around with anyone again. I’d rather be alone than unhappy.
That said, everything about that little bunny has me wanting to break all the rules I set for myself. She’s sweet and hardworking, and knowing she’s pregnant has me wanting to protect her from the world. Then again, maybe I wanted that before knowing. When she was throwing up in that hardware store all alone, I wanted to pick her up and take her home, snuggle her in a blanket, and feed her compliments until she fell asleep in my arms.
That’s why I wait until after three to head over there. I need my fix. I need to see her pretty little face and hear her tell me all the things that happened in school. Now, I need to know more about this pregnancy and the asshole ex that’s complicating her life.
When I arrive at the store, it’s nearly seven p.m. It’s later than I’d like to show up, but when I go this late, the store is quiet. Inside, there are a few folks browsing the feed aisle. They’re an older couple in their sixties or early seventies. I’ve seen them around town a lot.
“It’s you!” Bunny grins. “The guy who studies everyone when he walks in.” I hadn’t realized other people could notice.
“It’s a habit,” I laugh. “I’m always looking for somebody.”
“You on any active hunts? Any suspects on the loose?” She smiles and I swear to fuck it lights up the room.
“Some dude from Ohio is believed to be hiding out here. He has a bounty for grand larceny, but the police think he might be moving into building bombs. I’ve been on his trail for the last week.”
“Bombs?” She swallows hard and rubs her small hand over her slightly expanded stomach. “Like to detonate here… in Rugged Mountain? Who would want to blow up this mountain? Everyone is so sweet here!”
“No, not Rugged Mountain. I’d bet he builds them out here and takes them into the city somewhere. I doubt he could get enough supplies here to build a super destructive explosive, but with some fertilizer and propane, I’d bet he could do some damage.”
She narrows her gaze. “Fertilizer and propane?”