Chapter 6

I startled awake, surprised to find a pair of soft brown eyes staring into mine. The little puppy poked me again, gently on the nose with his own snoot, then, seeing me awake, gave me a soft kiss before toddling toward the edge of the bed and whining.

Groaning, I grabbed my glasses and stared at the puppy, wondering what he wanted. He whined again, and my bladder reminded me that it was full. Oh!

“Hang on a second, little guy.” I scrambled out of bed, threw on some clothes and gathered the squirming ball of fluff into my arms.

I didn’t run into anyone on my way out, fortunately, and I put the puppy in grass still glistening with morning dew. He quickly squatted to pee, and I could practically feel his relief. I walked him a bit longer, cleaned up after him, and we headed back to the building.

Maybe I’d get lucky and get a chance to actually brush my hair and put on fresh clothing before I ran into Oliver. I still hadn’t met any of the other tenants. He said it was normal. I thought it was weird as hell. Maybe I should start knocking on doors and bringing over tasty cookies or something.

The puppy stopped, yelped, and darted backward, just as a large creature slunk into my path. I scrambled back, reaching down and scooping up the puppy. The creature looked vaguely doglike, but it clearly wasn’t actually a dog. It looked like a shadow had detached itself from the wall and taken the shape of a large, lean dog, except it had six legs. It stalked toward me in the early morning gloom. A faint scent of baked goods wafted over from the coffee shop, strong enough for me to notice, despite my fear. They must have been making cinnamon rolls. The cheerful scent contrasted sharply with my fear.

“Oh god,” I whispered, backing farther.

The puppy trembled in my arms but didn’t try to get away.

The creature blurred into shadow, swirled around me, and solidified on the other side. I was trapped between the creature and the building.

My heart raced and my hands trembled. There was no way this thing was real, except the puppy was reacting, too. I moved until my back hit the door. Mentally apologizing for any discomfort I might cause the little dog in my arms, I shifted him to a one handed grip and reached behind me.

The knob turned, and I almost fell into the entryway, but I slammed the door behind me.

“Oh my god,” I breathed and quickly punched my code to get the rest of the way into the building.

“Good morning, Hannah.”

I screamed and spun around.

I had no idea how Oliver had snuck up on me, but he stood in the hallway, studying me and the puppy in my arms. The scent of cinnamon that always seemed to accompany him strengthened. I had an insane urge to run my fingers along his jawline beard while I stared deeply into his blue-gray eyes. Then the current situation came crashing back and my stomach tightened in worry instead of misplaced desire.

My puppy squirmed, and I set him down next to me. He went to his belly and crawled toward Oliver, tail wagging.

“I didn’t know you had a little nimbus.” My landlord stared at the puppy for a moment with an unreadable expression before kneeling and holding out his hand.

“Uh, so, I didn’t. I found him last night tied to a light pole. There was this creepy guy threatening me, and Bridger came by and helped drive him off. Then we took him to the vet, and, uh, well, he came home with me. I don’t know what the pet policy is here.” I ran my hand through my hair and realized I hadn’t brushed it yet. Great. I looked a mess, and I was babbling like an idiot.

Oliver’s hand hovered over the puppy for a moment before he touched the fluffy thing. His expression softened and a hint of a smile curled his lips.

“We don’t openly allow pets,” he said.

My heart sank. Damn it.

“But this little nimbus is promising to behave as well as he can. He is quite charming.” Oliver gave him one last pat then stood.

“You can stay.” It was as if he were talking to the puppy. Oliver turned his attention to me. “I will inform the other residents that they are not to take exception to his presence.”

“Ahh, thanks. So, am I ever going to meet them?”

“Perhaps.” One shoulder rose in an elegant shrug.

“Do you want me to pay extra? Pet rent, or something? Or is there anything else I can do to make up for having a pet when I’m not supposed to?” Oh god, I hope that didn’t come across wrong.

Oliver’s smile finally reached his eyes. “No, it’s all right.”

Relief settled the turmoil in my gut, though I had a lot to learn about taking care of puppies.

Nimbus. That was a good name. Though why both Oliver and Katsuro had referred to him as a cloud of some sort or another was beyond me.

My stomach got a little fluttery thinking about Katsuro, and Oliver, if I were being honest, now that I wasn’t worried about getting kicked out of my apartment.

“Thank you,” I said, again.

Oliver nodded. “Have a nice day.” He went back down the hallway, and I went up the stairs. Today, I was heading over to Mayday Hills to see if I could find a job. First stop, Shady’s Readery.

***

I fingered the thick paper and stared at my name on the outside in the fancy calligraphy. I’d pulled it out of my mailbox when I’d checked it out of habit. No stamp, so it had been hand delivered.

Nimbus tugged backward on the leash and grumbled softly. I stopped and looked up. Davin’s truck rumbled up to the curb. I’d been heading for the parking lot, but somehow, I knew he was here to see me. Or maybe that was wishful thinking? I jerked my hand down to my side after I caught myself smoothing my hair. Tall, muscular, blond, powerful, kind. What was not to like?

Maybe there was another store I needed to hit if there was a good toy shop in the city, because holy hell, my body was feeling needy.

“Hannah,” Davin called, getting out of his truck. “Do you have a moment?”

That was incredibly polite and aware, I thought. He didn’t just call my name and expect me to wait, he actually asked if I had time. He got hotter by the moment. My stomach fluttered.

“Yes, of course, Davin.”

He hurried over.

“I didn’t know you had a puppy.” He kneeled and held out his hand. Nimbus cautiously approached.

“Yeah, Nimbus and I found each other last night.”

Davin glanced up at me, raising an eyebrow, but he didn’t question me when I didn’t offer more details.

“Well, congratulations. I wanted to check with you and see how your new vehicle was treating you?”

I grinned. He was totally flirting with me. “You pay personal visits to everyone who buys a car from you?”

He smiled, maintaining eye contact. “No. Just the ones I might be considering asking on a date.”

Direct, too. Confident.

“I might be convinced.” My mouth said it before I even had a chance to think. Was I safe enough here to date? What if I let something slip? In theory, the bad guys were all behind bars or dead, but there was still enough danger that the government had decided to erase my past and transplant me, anyway.

“I sense a bit of hesitation?” Davin’s tone was not unkind at all.

“Oh, I just, uh, have a shitty ex, so I’m interested, but a little hesitant.” Good story. I’ll add that one to my list. I fingered the fancy envelope in my hand, drawing Davin’s attention.

“Ahh, the—” He cleared his throat. “I see you’ve caught Katsuro’s interest.”

A thrill of shock sent electric tingles through my chest, not unpleasantly. “Is this something he does often?” I held up the card.

“No. I just recognize his scent, uh, style.” Davin shrugged. “He’s not a terrible sort, and it certainly wouldn’t hurt to have him as an ally, uh, friend.” Davin frowned and glanced at the apartment with an irritated look on his face before looking back at me with a grin.

I had no idea what to make of that.

“When and where?” I brought us back to his second question. “Oh, and the car is great. Thank you.”

His expression turned pleased. “Excellent. Is tonight too soon? I thought maybe, first, I’d introduce you to more of the town, show you around some. If you agree to a second date, then I’ll take you over to Mayday Hills and treat you to a fancy dinner.”

“Well,” I replied with a grin and a stronger flutter in my stomach. “How can I refuse?”

“I’ll pick you up here at four. Nimbus can tag along tonight.”

“Oh, a man who lets the children come. Even better,” I joked.

I swear Davin blushed a little. “I like dogs.”

Nimbus wagged his tail.

He gestured at the envelope in my hand. “Seriously, make friends with Katsuro. It’s in everyone’s best interest if you two get along. I’ll see you tonight.”

I watched as Davin left, stomach tingling. I hadn’t expected to get asked out so soon, but I was really looking forward to it.

“Crap,” I muttered. “I don’t have anything to wear.”

Okay, I’d make a few stops while I was in town.

I looked down at the envelope and considered Davin’s words. Why on earth would it make a difference to everyone if Katsuro and I got along? I pictured his longer dark hair, and his dark, piercing gaze, and the warm feeling inside strengthened. If nothing else, he’d said Nimbus could come to the coffee shop any time, and that was certainly something.

I slid my finger under the edge of the envelope and pulled it open.

Dear Ms. Miller,

Had I given him my last name? I couldn’t remember. But it seemed like everyone in town knew everything about everyone else already, so I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.

I request the pleasure of your company tonight…