“What’re you doing?”
“Errands,” I reply vaguely.
“Sounds suspicious.”
“It’s not.”
“But you won’t be more specific.”
“I’m just going to untangle some knots. Love you, Violet.”
“Don’t do anything that would piss Eden off.”
I pause at the door. “How do you know it has to do with Eden?”
Violet taps her forehead. “Twin intuition.”
See? I need my space.
On the other side of town, I pull up to Eden’s dad’s house. I’m not stalking him. His address was on the documents in Eden’s folder. The door’s unlocked, which surprises me but when I find the old man passed out on the sofa, the easy access makes sense.
I go into the kitchen, fill a pot with cold water, and then return to the living room. One splash later and the old man is sputtering awake.
“What the hell?” He slaps at his face and then bobbles upright like an overstuffed, drunk mammal with no sense. “Who the fuck are you? Do I owe you money?”
He squints at me through sleep-filled eyes.
“No, but you are paying up.” I drag a chair over and take a seat. “I want the name and address of every person who you owe money to, who you’ve sat down at a table with, who you’ve gone to the racetrack with.” He doesn’t move. I clap my hands. “Get to it. I don’t have all day.”
“Why the hell would I do anything you ask of me? I don’t even know your name. If this is about the Patrick loan, I’m going to pay that back. I just need a few more days.”
I drop my elbows to my knees and clasp my hands together so I don’t punch Eden’s father. “You don’t get more days. Today you are paying up, but it’s not in coin but information. Now, you have five minutes to get me everything I need or I’m going to put you in the hospital. Do I make myself clear?”
My tone is friendly, my expression open, but there’s not a shred of doubt between either of us that I will ruin him if he doesn’t get his ass in gear.
“I’ll be right back,” he says and hauls himself into the kitchen to gather the information. I should have things done soon.
Chapter Sixteen Eden
“So…” Ryan trails off, smirking. I don’t play into his bait. I decide to try to wait him out to see where he’s going with this. It doesn't take long. “You weren't in your room this morning.” I shrug, looking out the window to hide my blush. Ryan only chuckles before turning on the music as he drives us back to The Daily Drip.
Today more than ever I wish I could take a day off. Last night was incredible. The way Miles touches me, holds me, whispers sweet words into my ear makes me never want to leave his side. He’s all too tempting.
It doesn't help that with a snap of a finger the man could fix every one of my problems if I let him. To be honest, I have no idea how to let someone help me. I wasn't programmed that way. I’m so used to having to do things on my own that it’s hard to break out of that.
There is this fear that in time he will let me down. That’s what everyone always does. If I let myself depend on him now, him leaving could be something I never recover from. At this point it’s only my heart that’s in it.
I probably should have closed for the day. Since we didn't stay at home last night we’re already behind. Not to mention the other crap that needs to be fixed today. I’m going to have to do the baking all by myself.
“You can just drop me off. I’ll do this morning’s baking. I don’t want you late for your classes.” There are only a few months of school left. While I appreciate all the help Ryan gives me at the shop, his studies are the main focus. I want him to be able to have a better life, and getting a good education is vital to that.
“It’s spring break,” he reminds me.
“Oh yeah.” I give him a smile. Guilt hits me. I bet everyone that goes to school with him is out having the time of their lives. They’re probably on some fancy vacation and Ryan is stuck with me. “You know that I can handle the shop by myself if there is something else you want to go do?” I don’t want him to feel as though he has to chip in and work all of the time. I want him to have a social life and hang out with his friends.
“Get out of here. You think I’m going to leave you alone after what happened yesterday?”
“Right.” Fair point. I keep trying to push yesterday’s events to the back of my mind, knowing I’ll have to deal with them soon enough when I walk into the shop.
“Even if that wasn't an issue, I’m not going to drop double work on you, E. You already work too damn much.” He shakes his head, irritation clear on his face. My chest warms at his words.
“I love you.” I bump his shoulder with my elbow. He’s such a good kid. I know he’s going to be a great man too.
“I love you too.” He makes a turn at the light. “Are we staying here tonight or with Miles? I want to test that pool out.”
“We can stay with Miles,” I answer. I’m still a little freaked out, so I’m glad we have the option.
What if someone breaks in again in the middle of the night? They could be in our little apartment before we know what is happening. If I have a way to keep Ryan out of that kind of danger I will. I also want more time with Miles. As crazy and stressful as my life is right now, I can’t remember the last time I smiled this much. It
