“Car accident,” I partially lie, forcing a tight smile.
“Sorry,” he says, blowing out a breath.
“It was years ago. Now, about you?” I muse, desperately ready for a subject shift.
He flashes me a smile, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “Twenty-nine. I own a house on a quiet piece of land. It was my stepdad’s, but he left it to me before he died. My mother is living with her newest husband in Miami. So it’s just me.”
“What about your birth dad?” I realize too late that I shouldn’t be prying that deep, when I don’t want him prying too.
Neither of us gets the chance to pry.
His phone chirps, drawing his attention to it, and he sighs in a way that probably means our short and sweet talk is over.
“Fuck,” he says under his breath, causing my lips to twitch.
It’s just a word, but I was starting to worry that he was a total choir boy.
His eyes pop back up to meet mine. “I hate to leave this early, but—”
“It’s fine,” I interrupt, ignoring the small pang of disappointment.
He tosses down a twenty, which is more than enough to cover the possible ten dollar bill.
“I really am sorry,” he says, cursing under his breath as he stands.
I stand and make things awkward, because I don’t know if I should hug him, touch him at all, or wave like an idiot.
I wave like an idiot.
Sheesh.
He smirks, arching an eyebrow at me. “I’ll call you later?” he asks, his smirk turning into a smile.
I’m busy feeling like an ass, so I just nod. I really don’t trust my mouth to be any less stupid than this incredibly awkward wave that I’m still doing. It’s like my hand has lost touch with my brain, and the damn thing is still waving.
His phone rings this time, and he turns and walks away before answering. I drop back down to my seat, wondering how planning out a brutal murder is easier than dating.
The world is entirely too fucked up.
Chapter 4
Force always attracts men of low morality.
—Albert Einstein
LANA
LOGAN: Steak. I’ll be taking you out for steak. Maybe even lobster too. You like red meat and shellfish?
I grin when I see the random text from Logan. Yesterday I was awkward, but then he called and made me forget how unversed I am with all this, because he didn’t seem to mind. If anything, he seemed more intrigued.
ME: Yes and yes. I like wine too. Just FYI.
LOGAN: Wine, got it. What are you doing today? Any chance you’ll be in town for more coffee? Or a muffin, rather?
I finish concealing the final camera over the entry of the doorway. Getting inside wasn’t easy, considering Tyler or his wife locks the doors immediately when they get home or leave. But I finally managed to slip in and leave a window unlocked for later.
No security system. There’s only one of my targets planned who has a security system. That’ll be on Jake to handle. Jake is a true best friend. How many people do you walk up to, tell them you want revenge, tell them your plan, and then they start helping you keep from getting caught?