His boss removed his reading glasses. “No one’s said anything to me.”
“I found it behind the Dumpster and thought I’d rather have a witness when I open it.”
His boss nodded. “Go for it. Then I need you to make sure the welcome sign is done right.”
With a nod, Riley popped the snap and stared, dumbfounded by the image of Mrs. Wilks on the driver’s license. “What the hell?”
“You know her?”
“She lives down the street from the house I’m renting.”
His boss checked the clock on the wall. “Take it over to her, grab some lunch then swing by and check on the welcome sign. The pair on that is more likely to build a snowman than finish the job in a timely manner.”
“Sure thing.”
Fifteen minutes later, Riley was across town and parked in his driveway next to Abby’s car. After the fire he knew she’d be working from home and he had to squash the urge to knock on her door just to say hello.
If he played his cards right, maybe he could get a repeat performance of last night’s kisses. Which was not exactly why Director Casey had planted him here. Denying himself the satisfaction of admiring the work they’d done on her yard, he fixed his attention forward and kept on walking down the sidewalk.
“Riley?”
Abby.
He turned back to greet her. “Hey.” She was dressed in a sweater and jeans. He had yet to decide which wardrobe he preferred, the professional one or her more causal side. She looked so temping in everything she wore.
“Are you already done for the day?”
He wanted to believe that was hope he heard in her voice. “No.” He held up the wallet.
“What’s that?”
“Mrs. Wilks’s wallet. I’m returning it.”
It didn’t matter that he was on the sidewalk and she was standing in her doorway—he could see doubt stamped all over her face.
“Where did you find it?” She stepped outside and pulled her door closed behind her.
“Near the Dumpster behind the warehouse.”
“When?”
He looked at his watch. “About an hour ago.”
“And you walked all the way over here.”
“No.” He pointed to his truck. “It’s my lunch break. I drove over here to return it. I’m guessing she doesn’t realize she lost it. Or that someone nabbed it.”
“Do you not hear how odd that sounds?”
“Maybe,” he admitted. “Are you accusing me of something?”
She hesitated, then shook her head. “No.” She came down the walk to join him. “Can I take a look?”
“If you’d rather be the one to give it back to her, be my guest.” Irritated with the way she twisted him up, he handed the wallet over and started back for his house.
“Hang on.” She reached out and caught him lightly at the waist. The heat and strength of her fingers startled him almost as much as the sizzle that shot through his system at the contact. After last night, he should have expected it. “I don’t mean to be overprotective of the people I care about.”
He nodded. “It’s probably habit by now.”
“Even if she wasn’t a friend,” Abby said, “her safety is my responsibility.”
He covered her hands with his. “I understand. You take it over and I’ll head back to work.” He wasn’t sure what to do next. He wanted to kiss her but knew she’d rather not have anyone on the street see that kind of display. And he didn’t trust his control around her. When she didn’t move, he frowned. “What’s wrong? You look upset.” Had something else happened?
“I’m not upset.”
Her pale face and rapid breath offered a decent impersonation of pretty-damn-scared, but he took the safe route and didn’t share his thoughts. “I get it. She matters to you. This worries you. Go.” He jerked his head toward the street. “Make sure she’s okay.”
“It’s just that...” Abby cleared her throat, but she wouldn’t meet his gaze. “Lately I...imagine the worst in every situation. Come on, let’s take it to her together.”
Her admission showed him just how far they’d come so very quickly. She trusted him to some degree. That meant a great deal to him on more levels than one.
When they reached Mrs. Wilks’s door, Abby pressed the doorbell and they listened to the happy chime beyond the closed door. Once the familiar tune had faded, silence filled the air.
Several seconds passed then Riley asked, “Does she nap in the afternoons?”
“She’s too busy to nap,” Abby said, turning to walk around to the back of the house.