Chapter 4
Dark was closing in on the town of Ryker Falls as Charlie pushed open the door of Tea Total.
“How come the lights are out?” Luna asked.
“Quickly, get in here,” someone said. “We need to hide; they’ll be here soon!”
Luna searched for the owner of that voice as she stepped inside, but there were so many people moving about trying to find places to hide, she couldn’t be sure.
“Mandy just called. They’re on their way.”
“Hide, then,” someone said.
“Where!” people yelled.
“Anywhere!”
They ducked behind the counter, others under furniture. Charlie nudged her into another room that was attached. “Get behind that book stand,” she hissed.
“Is this for real, bud?” a deep voice said.
“Apparently. Just roll with it. I told you this town is crazy,” another said.
Luna did as she was told because she didn’t want to be the one to ruin the surprise. Charlie dropped down behind a cabinet and disappeared. Luna moved behind the stand, then yelped as she landed on a foot. Stumbling, she fell into someone’s lap.
“Sorry.” Luna tried to move.
“They’re coming!” someone said.
“Stay still,” a deep male voice whispered in her ear.
“I can’t sit in your lap!”
Hands gripped her waist, and she was moved forward until she sat on her butt on the ground.
“Now be quiet,” a deep voice whispered in her ear.”
Luna heard the loud cries of surprise. She then got on her hands and knees and scrambled out from behind the screen. Regaining her feet, she turned to see who she’d landed on.
“Well, well, flower girl.”
GHG, she’d named him after their florist encounter.
“Sorry for falling into your lap,” Luna said.
“I think I may be injured for life,” he drawled.
Her eyes shot to the front of his jeans before she could stop them. Horrified when she realized what she’d done, she quickly returned them to his face.
She’d seen him yesterday outside the florist. He’d been dressed in worn shorts and a ripped T-shirt, but it had been his face that caught her attention. The man—Nash—looked like a warrior. The ridges of his cheekbones were prominent, jaw strong, and those eyes were the color of midnight and looked at her with an intensity she’d found disarming. Dark brows made his scowl look fierce. Clearly the expression was permanent, because he was wearing it now.
“I really am sorry, but I didn’t know you were behind there,” Luna said.
His hair was damp and curled around his head. He wore a black button-down shirt and jeans, and she had to say he was something to look at, even considering his attitude. He was a mountain of a man.
“It’s okay. It’s not every day someone with a face like yours falls into my lap.”
“Why does that sound like an insult?”