Fourteen

Last night was fucking hot. I can't believe Teagan would let a stranger do something like that to her, let alone touch her in public. I can't get the thought of her moans out of my head. The way her ass moved across my cock, fuck. It's no wonder I came in my boxers like a teenager. I can't believe I did that. There's no coming back from that. How am I supposed to tell her the truth after all that? I had to fight the urge to pull both our pants down and fuck the living hell out of her.

But I don't want some masked man to be the first to fuck her; I want it to be me. I can only hope she doesn't kick me out of her life when the truth comes out. I should've stopped before my heart fell for her because the last thing I expected was for her to be sleeping in my bed.

I should've seen that coming with Nancy. She needs to be brought down a peg or two. She's like a dog with a bone. Nancy won't rest until everything is buried. I'm nearly tempted to dial up Leroy and have him scare the shit out of her. But call me spontaneous because I'm feeling a tad impulsive right now.

I check on Teagan again, ensuring she's asleep before heading to the kitchen. I'll probably regret this phone call later but right now. I'm pissed off. I've never used this burner phone so much in one month as I have right now.

"Blackwell. Missed me already? I am hard to forget."

"Shut it. I need your help." Those words taste like shit falling from my mouth.

"Hold up. Can you say those last words one more time? It sounded like you needed some assistance. The same person who never listens or asks for anything suddenly needs help?"

I tap my forehead with the phone. "Are you going to listen or not?"

"Shoot."

"There's this lady." I begin.

I tell Leroy about Nancy or as much as I know. Which is she's a cunt, in a nutshell. Leroy had more colourful words to use, which I agreed, but cunt wraps it up nicely. Together, we came up with a plan, but unfortunately, I'm working on Leroy's schedule, and who knows when we'll be able to execute that plan. I only hope it works out before Nancy causes Teagan any more problems. Or Teagan finds out that I'm meddling in her business.

That's all I need is, another reason for her to hate me. I'm digging myself a lovely grave with every minute.

"Silas?" Teagan coughs my name.

I leave the kitchen and find her leaning against the hallway wall, covering her eyes. Even with all the curtains closed, the house is still too bright.

"Teagan, if you aren't feeling better, stay in bed. It's alright."

"No. I have to check on the shop. John probably had another visit from Nancy, and I have to oversee the remodel and order new stock. I can't afford time away."

I move toward her and pull her into my chest; this is gonna make it worse when she finds out I'm a big fat fucking liar. "Hey, it's fine. I'm sure John can handle it; he would've called if Nancy had shown up. The stock can wait one more day. Do you still have a headache? Want something to eat or drink?"

She groans. "Too many questions, Sunshine."

I shake my head. "It was two. Come. I'll make you something and then get you home."

I get Teagan seated at my small kitchen table. I grab a glass from the rack and turn the tap on until the water runs cold. I watch the water run from the tap, wondering if I should just disappear from her life for good instead of keeping up with all this bullshit.

"Silas, you okay?"

Her voice pulls me out of my thoughts, and I quickly fill her glass. "Yep, I'm good. Just thinking of what to cook you, that's all." I turn around, walk the three paces to the table and slide the glass toward her.

"I'm not picky. I'll eat almost anything." She pulls the glass closer to her but doesn't drink it.

"What's the matter?"

She leans back in the chair and exhales. "It's nothing that you haven't heard me bitch about before. I'm just tired of it all. I'm almost ready to give up."

"That's because you're still tired, so sleep more, and you'll be ready for a fight. Trust me."

Trust me, what a joke. I'm blowing smoke out of my ass now. Fuck, I'm an asshole. Teagan looks at me with those piercing green eyes like she's on to something. I shake my head and back away, moving to the fridge and pulling out the butter and cheese slices. Grilled cheese it is. It's the easiest and quickest thing I can think of.

"Did you want to fill me in on why Nancy showed up at the shop?"

She picks at her sandwich, taking one deep inhale. "She slapped me with a pink sheet."

I raised a dark brow questionably. "A pink sheet? Explain."

"Oh, sorry. It's a sheet from hell. It's her way of denying my renovations even though it was the city's fault for the damage."

I raise a finger, but she shakes her head.

"I didn't tell her about the room being torn down. The less she knows, the better. And besides, I'm taking it down, not building. It's different."

I chuckle. "I don't think that's how it works. She will find out."

She shrugs and shoves a piece of food into her mouth. I wish I had her outlook on things, no care and dealing with the consequences when they arise. There's no way I could do that. No matter what I do, it seems like a cloud of bad luck is always hanging over me.

"In a way, I hope she does. I have more to say to that stuck-up bitch. She doesn't rule this town. I should have a meeting with the mayor and see what he has to say about all of this. I can't keep looking over my shoulder whenever I want to do something with my shop. It's not fair." She slumps back in her chair. "I'm sorry I don't mean to dump all my shit on you."

"No. It's perfectly fine. That's what I'm here for. Whatever I can help with, I will." Secretly, that's me asking for forgiveness in advance for what I already have cooked up.

"I should get going; John probably needs my help. I kinda disappeared on him."

"Are you sure you are, okay?"

"Peachy, baby. Thanks again for cooking. You're two for two, and I have a lot to catch up on." She stands, grabs our plates, and sets them in the sink.

"Dimples, I wouldn't classify grilled cheese sandwiches as cooking. I think you're safe there."

She turns to me and grins. "How about my place tomorrow? I'll cook. It's not like we have work or anything."

I clutch my chest. "Is this your way of trying to score a date with me? Slow down there, sweet cheeks. This is uncharted territory for me. I'm at a loss for words."

Her laughter rang out. "Shut up, you ass. I asked you out for dinner, not marriage."

"I mean, Mrs. Blackwell does have a nice ring to it."

She's just standing there with her eyes wide open. I can see her throat moving as she searches for the right words to say. I could put her out of her misery, but this is too entertaining. I won't lie; it sounds good, but marriage isn't in my books and never will be. I won't allow another person into my life like that.

"You won't be able to handle me as a wife, Silas."

"I'm beginning to think I can't handle you any day of the week, Teagan."

She walks toward me and pats me on the cheek. "Good. I'm going to head out. I'll see you tomorrow."

I snatch her wrist, pulling her closer. My gaze lingers on her lips; no matter how much I want to taste them, I can't. That's taking things to the next level, and I won't go there. I have to leave my heart out of it; that thing is only a nuisance. I can't let my feelings take over.

"Let me walk you." I force out, jaw tightening with more to say, but I don't.

She doesn't move; she places her hand over mine. "If you don't mind, that would be great. You can hold me back in case Nancy is there."

"I got you, my little psycho." I stand, pushing her backward. "But please, if you plan on killing anyone, let me know ahead of time so I can establish an alibi." I can't help but keep my gaze locked on hers, noticing how the corners of her eyes crease with joy when she smiles and her dimples pop out.

"Understood. No stabbing until we have a plan. But no promises. I can't control what comes out of my mouth."

"Good, I like you unpredictable."

The walk back to her shop is quiet. I can't find anything to say that won't land me in hot water. All my lies are piling up, and one of them is bound to slip, eventually. Once Leroy comes to town, my cover is blown; there is no coming back from that. He'll want to know everything about my life here and those that are in it. I was surprised Leroy didn't ask a million questions about why I needed him for Nancy. He probably wants to see me try to answer his question in person. He knows I'll avoid him if I don't like certain ones.

"Oh, we should do the corn maze. It ends next month, and I never have a friend to go with."

Friend, I was somewhat worried about that word, but I'm relieved she brought it up. It's like a safety net that I didn't have to create for myself, and hopefully, when I inevitably hurt her, it won't sting as much.

"That sounds good, but let's wait until October. Spooky month and mazes work hand in hand."

"Deal."

Let's hope I'm still around by then.