Page 143 of Things We Hide from the Light

“So how did dinner with Sloane go?”

“Good. She’s a great girl. Smart. Fucking adorable. A little wild.”

“But?” I prompted, reading his face.

“But will I sound like a big girl if I say I might not be over my ex?”

“Yes,” I teased. “If it makes you feel better, I think our little librarian is just looking for a good time. Not wedding bells.”

“I don’t like to kiss and tell, but after I told her about my ex, she told me she’s just in it for after-third-date sex.”

I choked on my bourbon. “Well, as long as you’re both on the same page.”

“Here you go, Marshal. It’s a Red Death,” Max said, dropping a rocks glass filled with a murky red beverage.

“Actually, can I get a—”

I kicked him under the table and shook my head as Max’s eyes narrowed threateningly.

“I beg your pardon?” she said frostily.

“I mean, this looks great. Thank you very much. Here’s twenty dollars for your trouble,” Nolan said, quickly shoving a bill at her.

Max nodded regally and snatched up the cash. “That’s what I thought you meant.”

Nolan took a sip and immediately winced. “Jesus, God. It tastes like a hangover.”

“How do you feel about trying period cramps on for size?” I asked.

Later that night,I was curled up on the couch with another murdery library book trying not to think about what Nolan had said when I heard a thump against my front door. It was late, after eleven, which was usually when bad things happened.

I slipped off the couch and quietly made my way to the door.

You needed a key to get into the building, but in my line of work, I knew that even a sturdy exterior door and living next to the chief of police wouldn’t deter a drunk, determined idiot who’d had his ego dented.

I held my breath and peered through the peephole. There was no one there. Across the hall, Mrs. Tweedy’s door was closed. I was debating whether to grab my trusty baseball bat to go investigate when I heard a faint scratching sound comingfrom the bottom of my door. It was accompanied by a familiar jingle.

Opening the door, I found Piper prancing in place looking anxious. Next to her, slumped against the wall was Nash. He was shirtless, sweating, and shivering.

The guy sure knew how to take a girl on a roller coaster of emotion.

“Hey,” he panted, tilting his head to look up at me. “Mind taking…Piper…for a bit?”

I said nothing as I helped haul him to his feet. There was nothing to say. We’d hurt each other, but he’d come to me when he needed help. And I wasn’t quite mean enough to turn him away. Wordlessly, he looped one arm over my shoulders while I slid mine around his waist.

It felt familiar. But I wasn’t supposed to have a routine with anyone, let alonehim.

Tremors racked his body as we shuffled inside with Piper dancing nervously at our feet.

“Bed or couch?” I asked. His skin was hot and sticky against mine.

“Bed.”

I guided us into my bedroom and, knowing his preference, pushed him down on the side closest to the door. Piper heroically vaulted onto the mattress and marched back and forth, surveying Nash from head to bare feet.

“I’ll get some ice,” I said. I didn’t have any frozen vegetables in my freezer, and I didn’t think cold takeout would do the trick.

Nash’s hand clamped over my wrist. “No. Stay.” Those blue eyes pulled me in. There were no walls or old wounds in them. There was only an honest plea and I was helpless against it. “Please.”