Page 8 of Maneater

I chuckle. “Yeah, my friends thought I was nuts to move here. Especially since I don’t have any family or a job lined up.” I gesture to the application. “Which is why I’m grateful for the opportunity.” I shift on my feet. “I was wondering, are there any places for rent or anything that are close by? I’m staying at a motel about an hour away, so finding somewhere closer would be necessary.”

Not that I’m angling for lodging, but I’m angling for lodging. Hopefully, I’m not being too obvious.

His features fall, and I already know the answer. “Not that I’m aware of, but I can keep an eye out, let you know if anything comes up.” He rubs his chin. “Most of the surrounding area belongs to the national park. There are sections where people can have homes, but they don’t own the land outright; they’re leasing it from the government.

I nod. “That’s what I was afraid of. There are a few places like that in the Angeles Crest Forest. I was on the waiting list for an area with about thirty houses next to a ranger station. Basically, about two city blocks of homes. By the time I moved away, my name had been on there for over two years.” I sigh. “Which only added to my plethora of reasons to leave LA.”

Rex smiles. “Would you still like to fill out the application?”

He sounds sad enough that I can’t say no. Plus, I don’t want to say no. I might get lucky and be able to move closer. It could happen.

“Yeah, I definitely do.” I smile to lighten the mood, which has taken a decidedly depressing turn. “Even if I move somewhere a little closer, it could work.”

The phone rings, and he glances at it, almost as if he’s pondering whether he can get away with ignoring it.

“Excuse me, have to grab this.”

While Rex speaks with whoever is making a reservation, I fill out the application with a heavy heart. How ridiculous am I being? Pretty ridiculous. I’d probably enjoy working here until I figure out my next move, but it won’t be the end of the world if I don’t.

I press my lips together as I outline my job experience. Let’s face it. It’s not the job—it’s Rex. A thread of anxiety courses through me, uneasiness over the surprising interaction taking hold. Maybe the situation is for the best. Then I can simply put the whole experience out of my mind and forget about whatever is happening with me.

Folksy Foods Natural Market, here I come.

By the time Rex hangs up the phone, I’ve finished the application.

“Here you go.” I hand him the paper. “You’re probably busy, so I’ll get going. It was great meeting you, and thanks for giving me a chance.”

Rex takes the paper from my hand slowly, blinking several times. “Uh, sure.” He gives a slight shake of his head. “Of course. I’ll look this over and ask around to see if anyone knows of a place to rent.”

I plaster on a smile and offer up my hand for another shake. I can at least get another manly grip out of the experience to remember him by—which makes no sense, but whatever.

“Thanks so much, I really appreciate it. It was very nice meeting you. Love the Inn. Maybe I’ll stop by the café sometime.”

Not me going over the top. Nope. Not at all.

Rex grins. “I’d like that.”

He would? Why would he like it? Would I like it?

I need to get the fuck out of here.

“Heh heh. Cool.” I quickly turn so I won’t have an excuse to continue babbling. “See you around.”

I cringe, awkwardly rushing to leave, pulling the door instead of pushing, and nearly cracking my forehead on the glass.

Captain Graceful strikes again.

I keep my cool as I drive away, somehow managing not to peel out of the parking lot in a cloud of dust. No way am I going back there. My heart pounds as if it might burst out of my chest like an alien baby. I left LA to avoid stress, not add to it.

With resolve, I refocused my energy on the cozy little market. That’s more my speed. All natural, organic, chill, lacks the presence of hot guys who make me think inappropriate thoughts…

I growl. No thoughts. There are no thoughts.

Chapter Four

Rex

A ding from my laptop breaks into my thoughts. The distinctive sound alerts me to a message from the Monster Network, and I shake the cobwebs from my head. I peer down at my personal computer, the one that stays with me in the back office. I don’t dare keep it out where others can snoop through it.