Page 3

Chapter 3

Henry

My eyes landed on Jack coming in the front door just as my brother and Lance headed out the side door.

So far, I’d been spared from Hudson’s questions regarding Jack since they hadn’t run into each other in the lengthening time the new guy had been in town.

On one hand, I honestly didn’t have much to say.

On the other hand, I wasn’t ready for Hudson to meet Jack.

Which was ridiculous.

We weren’t dating. We barely knew each other. He was just a customer.

But Hudson would make it a thing.

And I just wasn’t ready for that.

For all I knew, Jack would leave Haven Grove before Hudson finally pulled his head from Lance’s ass and realized the sunny blond was in town .

And frequenting the Roadhouse daily.

While looking like a damn sunshine grenade blew up on him.

Those fucking aquamarine eyes and gleaming smile were an absolutely lethal combination.

I gave a quick wave toward Jack as I took orders for a couple guys at the other end of the bar. I already knew Jack would order water and a sandwich. I got the feeling he was eating on a very thin budget.

Glancing toward a few patrons and noticing their whispers and narrowed eyes, I couldn’t help but chuckle. Haven Grove was a friendly, welcoming place, but that didn’t mean the good townsfolk weren’t in a tizzy trying to figure out who the sunshiney man was and what he was doing in our little town.

I entered the order I’d just taken and made my way toward Jack. “You know, you’ve got the whole town abuzz with questions.”

He cocked a brow. “Why’s that?”

“So far, I’ve heard you’re an exotic dancer. Not sure where they think you’re going to dance, maybe in the orchard.” I pretended to consider it. “I bet I could get Hudson to install a pole…”

The flush of pink on Jack’s face stirred something in my gut. “No dancing here. Exotic or otherwise.”

“Well then, how about an undercover agent?” I slid a glass of ice water in front of him. “Heard someone say you’d come to town to solve a murder. Maybe our very own Jack Reacher in the form of Jack Garner.”

“Not even close.” His eyes flashed with humor. “I don’t even like the unsolved mystery type shows on TV. ”

I slapped a menu in front of him. “Big rig driver whose truck broke down and you’re just waiting for repairs?”

“Been here an awful long time waiting for the repair guy.” Jack huffed out a chuckle. “They’re going to be disappointed to find out I’m just a regular guy looking for a new place to live.” He cleared his throat. “And a job,” he muttered.

It was my turn to cock a brow.

He shook his head. “Never mind. Can I get the BLT, please?”

I let him change the subject.

For now.

“You want fries or onion rings?” I offered, knowing he’d say no. He always turned down a side.

“No, just the sandwich, thanks.” He handed me the menu.

I couldn’t accidentally bring him fries every time he ordered something.

And I could only knock so much off his bill without him knowing something was up.

But I couldn’t help wanting to feed him.

And now I knew he needed a job and a place to stay.

Did that mean he planned on staying in Haven Grove?

Shit.

I needed to play it cool. If I started asking a bunch of questions, I might spook him.

Slow and steady.

I tapped my pen on the little notebook. “Let me get this put in. I’ll be back with some more water.”

Jack was looking at his phone when I returned with a pitcher of water and two small bowls. I got the feeling he came to the Roadhouse so often because he could hang out for hours, fill up on water and peanuts aside from his tiny meal, charge his phone in the outlet near his stool, and use the Wi-Fi.

Not that I minded him sitting at my bar looking like sunshine personified every day. I’d gotten kinda used to it. Seeing him walk through the door brought a smile to my face and a zing of something to my heart. Jack had inexplicably become the highlight of my days.

“Sam and Kayla both fixed sides for an order, so these are extras. You want them?” I wasn’t sure my intended nonchalance hit its mark based on the way Jack studied me, but he eventually shrugged and let me place two bowls of cottage cheese and applesauce in front of him.

I took care of drying some glasses, filling the ice, and clearing a few plates at the other end of the bar while Jack polished off the cottage cheese and started in on the applesauce.

“Order up,” Sam called, framed by the kitchen window, billowing steam, grill smoke, and the sizzle of burgers providing the perfect backdrop.

When I grabbed the plate and noticed chips nestled around the BLT, my eyes flew to Sam’s.

He shrugged. “My bad. I was plating another order and got carried away.”

“Gotcha. Thanks.”

Sam was good people. Most of Haven Grove was the same.

If Jack was going to stay, he’d be hard pressed to find a better place .

If he was going to stay.

Placing the plate in front of Jack, I caught his furrowed brow. “Sorry about the chips. Sam had a bunch of orders and threw chips on yours too.”

Jack looked like he wanted to argue. What was he going to do? Ask me to remove the chips from his plate?

Jack picked up a chip and popped it in his mouth. “Thanks.”

I gave a little nod. “Enjoy your lunch.” Forcing myself to leave him to eat in peace, I rang up a couple bills, made my rounds through the dining room, chatted a bit with some guys playing pool, and gathered up some dishes.

As much as I would have liked to comp Jack’s meal, I’d run out of viable excuses to give him free food. So, I printed his ticket and placed it on the bar as he finished the last of his chips and water.

“Hey, listen,” I started.

Jack glanced at me, a hint of wariness in his pretty blue eyes.

“I’m not sure where you came from or what the rent situation was like there. Small town living is a lot cheaper than elsewhere, but that doesn’t mean it’s not gonna cost ya. There might be a few places available around here, but most of them aren’t going to be affordable without at least a few months’ worth of paychecks under your belt. I’ve got a pretty comfortable couch I’m willing to let you borrow if you plan on sticking around town.”

He cocked his head. “You offer your couch to a lot of strangers?”

When I hesitated, he raised a brow .

“Not often.” It wasn’t a lie, but it was ironic I’d offered my couch to two strangers in such a short time.

“You barely know me.”

“I’ve got good instincts.” I knocked my knuckles on the bar. “Think about it. It’s yours for however long you need if you want it.”

He chewed on his lower lip, pulling the collar of his shirt up and rubbing it over his chin—something I’d noticed seemed to be a nervous or anxious response. “Yeah, okay. I’ll let you know.”

The kid stayed mum on the subject for several days. He came in to eat a midday meal, hung out for a few hours, and left without so much as a word about the offer to stay on my couch.

Just as I was about to bring it up again—where the hell was he staying?—Jack cleared his throat one day as he paid his bill.

“You still got that couch?” he asked, his cheeks a pretty pink as he chewed his bottom lip.

Remembering how Hudson would shut down if he thought I was excited about something back when he was younger, I schooled my features. “Yep. Couch, pillow, and I can even throw in a blanket.”

“Once I get a job, I’ll pay you back?—”

I held up a hand. “That’s not part of this deal.”

“But—”

“No, I’m offering the couch with no strings attached. You get a job and want to move on to something bigger and better? That’s your choice. But the couch is yours, no payment.” I handed him his change. “Now, if you want to wash any dishes you make and maybe gather up the trash from time to time, I’m not gonna complain about that.”

Jack studied me with those big blue eyes for several heartbeats before he bit his bottom lip and smiled. “Yeah, I can do that.”