Page 15 of Before and After

“She sends him birthday and Christmas gifts.” She slung her bag over her shoulder.

I didn’t want her to leave. I didn’t want to see the tension on her face. “Allie?—”

“This is starting to feel like an interrogation. No more answers until you answer my questions. Are you close with your mother?”

Discomfort came hard and fast. My mouth flattened. “I used to be.”

Her gaze traced my face and her stiff shoulders relaxed. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to pry somewhere I shouldn’t.”

Which was exactly what I’d been doing. “After I left the military…” Jesus, this was hard to talk about. “I wasn’t the same. I was closed off and it was difficult for my mom and sisters having me around. I call them occasionally. They live in Texas.”

“I really didn’t mean to pry,” she murmured.

“Looks like I’m missing out on the party,” a deep voice said.

Everett Murray, the head of hotel maintenance, stood in the doorway, wearing a brown flannel shirt and worn jeans.

“Oh, hi, Ev,” Tessa said with a smile. “Come in.”

“The snacks look good.” He shot the room a lazy smile. “And I can’t wait to offer my opinions on the renovations.”

By Ro’s desk, Piper stiffened like she’d been electrocuted. “I really don’t think that’s necessary.”

“As head of maintenance, I’ll be maintaining things. I think I have a lot to offer.”

Piper snorted. “You wouldn’t know style if it conked you on your hard head.” She shot a glare at his flannel shirt.

“And that’s my cue to leave,” Allie said. “Before blood starts flying. Bye, everyone.” She glanced at me. “Bye, Broody. Have some of those pretty pastries.”

I eyed the fancy pastries. “Hell, no.”

She laughed, and I greedily absorbed the sound.

“You never lie or pretend, do you?” Her eyes twinkled. “I like that.” Then she turned and headed out.

I watched her go.

I couldn’t let her like me. I couldn’t let her get too close.

Because then she’d realize there was nothing to like.

“I need to go too,” I announced.

Ro raised a hand and Tessa and Jazz called out goodbyes. Piper was too busy telling Everett off about something to notice my departure.

I shoved my hands in my pockets and stalked out of the office. I needed to find some work to do.

Chapter 5

Allie

Another shift almost done.

Today had gone fast. Lots of guests had checked out and there had been plenty of rooms to clean and restock.

I pressed my hands to my lower back and the dull ache there. I still hadn’t gotten used to being on my feet for most of the day. At least I didn’t need to go to the gym or run anymore.

Last night, I’d had a quiet night in with Ollie. We’d even managed to eat some vegetables with the spaghetti I’d made.