Page 24 of Hogging the Hunk

“I saw you in front of Trixie’s cafe,” he said. “You were almost on your hands and knees, crawling in front of the windows so she wouldn’t see you. Why?”

“Maybe it’s none of your business how I travel.”

“You’re right. It’s not. My apologies.”

“Accepted. Now,” I tugged on my clothes to straighten them out, “if you don’t mind, I have a long walk ahead of me.”

I waved, cheerfully pretending there was nothing weighing on me. As I walked, the sound of Milo’s idling engine never faded. Glancing over my shoulder, I watched as he slowly crept nearby.

I stopped again. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“Making sure you make it home alright.”

“I know my way there.”

“Didn’t say you didn’t.” He drove his truck up alongside me again. “I’m no expert on human ailments, but I bet your knee isn’t entirely healed. It’ll be aching terribly by the time you get home.”

As if my knee was all too happy to betray me and side with Milo, a faint pain throbbed deep in the soft tissues.

“I’ll be fine.”

“You will. You’re tough.” The truck was put into park once more as Milo patiently waited. “That doesn’t mean you have to endure hardship just because it’s come upon you.”

I stared at the toes of my boots. One was already scuffed, and for some reason, that made all the big emotions Greg had caused to resurface. The edges of my boots went fuzzy, and I blinked furiously to make the tears go away. If they fell, I wouldn’t be able to stop.

“I’m not really in the mood to talk.” My voice wobbled worse than an inexperienced tightrope walker.

“And I have no problem with silence.” Leaning across the passenger seat, Milo opened the door for me. He smiled. A lazy smile. A dangerous smile. “Get in the truck, Beckett. I’m here to help.”

Chapter Seven

Milo

When I drove away after Beckett was settled in my truck, I intended on taking her straight home. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out she was upset. Granny and Maren would probably know what to do better than me.

Halfway through town, Beckett brushed a finger across my arm, light as a lacewing fluttering. I might not have noticed it except I was already on high alert for three reasons—Beckett was in my car, she was upset, and I was keenly aware how weird it was that I was shirtless. “Do you have any appointments?”

“You’re not putting me out by taking you home. Most of my days are fairly fluid, so long as there’s not an emergency. My clients know I’ll get to them when I can.”

“No.” Her hand returned to her side, and her eyes remained on her lap as she fidgeted. “I mean, I don’t want to go home right now. I was wondering if I could ride along with you.” She quickly amended, “Temporarily.”

Something about the word made her giggle. Not her usual, lively giggle. This one was tainted by her distress, like it was coming out of her in the minor key of a funeral march. Saying nothing, I casually side-eyed her and changed my course away from the Kents’ farm. She was welcome to talk or not. I had no expectations attached to helping her.

While I drove, she held a breath as long as she dared, until it came out in a whoosh. “I was laughing at my choice of words. Temporary. That’s the timing I attached to being here in Button Blossom. A breather while I figured out the next step while Greg and I… Turns out everything in my life is temporary, even the guy I thought I was going to end up with forever.”

Beckett had the right to do what she pleased, though the thought of her leaving didn’t elicit any tender sentiments. I couldn’t help myself, and asked, “You were with Greg today?”

“How did you guess?” She pulled down the visor and used the mirror to repair her smudged makeup with her fingers. I lifted the center console and offered her a napkin from one of the fast-food restaurants where I’d recently eaten. She accepted it and made quick work of her wandering mascara. “Thanks.”

Though I’d only met Greg twice, I didn’t care for the way he treated Beckett. Leaving her flustered and upset was a signature move for him. Though I had plenty to say on the subject, I kept my opinions about Greg to myself. Same with my hope that Beckett would stay in Button Blossom. She was a great addition.

For you or for the community? My inner voice was being awfully sarcastic.

Beckett lightly blew her nose and crumpled the napkin. “Anyway, I don’t want to talk about him right now. Let’s discuss you.”

“Me?”

“Yes, you. Why on earth are you cruising around shirtless when it’s barely above freezing outside?”