Nate pointed at the sofa. “Do you mind if we sit?”
“Oh, my gosh, I’m so sorry. Yes, take a seat. Would youlike something to drink?”
“Not right now. Come here and sit beside me. I’ve got a few questions.”
Tessa sat a few feet away and turned toward him.
They sat silently, staring at each other for a moment.
He asked about her mother’s illness and what the neighbor had done so far. Nate planned on keeping a very close eye on the situation and needed all the information he could get. He also planned to stay in town because he knew her mom didn’t long, and he didn’t want to leave her alone, and she’d need him.
He didn’t stay long because he could tell Tessa was exhausted. On the way to the hotel, ideas on how he wanted to deal with Tessa raced through his mind. There were so many possibilities they’d have to discuss. But later.
Chapter Two
A few days later, Nate walked into the house and looked around to find Tessa. She was standing in the kitchen, talking to an older woman.
The relief on her face when she saw him made him ten feet tall.
“Hey, babe,” he said and wrapped an arm around her waist. “How are you holding up?”
Tessa wiped the corner of her eye with a tissue she had in her hand. “I think I’m okay.”
“Who is this young man, Tessa?” the older woman asked.
“Oh, I’m sorry. Mrs. Thomas, I’d like you to meet Nate. He was a friend of my brother’s.”
The woman stared up at him. “Are you going to take care of her, young man?”
Nate nodded. “Yes. You don’t have to worry about her.”
“Good. I think it is best for her to leave the neighborhood. One house owner on the block scares me. I think he’s obsessed with her.”
“I got the same feeling,” Nate said.
He glanced down at Tessa and squeezed. “Are you ready to go to the funeral, babe?”
“Yes.”
Mrs. Thomas patted her arm. “A few of us are going to stay here and set up a meal for everyone.”
Tessa hugged the older woman. “Thank you so much. I’ll miss you when I leave.”
“We’ll miss you, too. You’ve always been so sweet and helpful.”
Nate turned around and led her out the front door into his rented car. “You’ll have to tell me the way, babe.”
Tessa pointed to which way to turn, and within twentyminutes, they were pulling into a parking lot of a small building that was next to the cemetery.
He helped Tessa out of the car and led her into the building.
An older gentleman in a suit stood by the front door. “Oh, Miss Hicks. I am so sorry. If there is anything you need, don’t hesitate to call.”
“Thank you, Mr. Bellson. I’d like you to meet my brother’s friend, Nate Jenkins.”
Mr. Bellson shook his hand. “Are you helping this poor dear?”
“Yes, sir,” Nate said.