Roots and Wings (City Limits #1)(45)

“Yeah, in a bit when the store opens.”

“What did he make you?” he asked, sipping carefully so he wouldn’t burn his mouth.

“Steak.”

His eyebrows shot up and he challenged, “Better than mine?”

“It was pretty damn good. I bet he’d give you a few pointers. If you were nice to him.”

He laughed and sipped his hot coffee.

“You’re a real turd, you know that, kid?”

“I get it from my dad.”

“I think someone needs to warn Astro about you. Poor feller.”





I didn’t sleep that well. Thoughts of our night together kept replaying. Don’t get me wrong, it was no hardship.

The way she tasted.

The sounds she made.

The way she looked, and hearing her confess her name to me. It was so much more than just telling me her name. It was a gift. Something about it was almost pure because she’d never given it to anyone else.

I was still smiling when I woke up. Because I knew she was giving me part of herself no one had ever even seen. It was all mine.

After a quick shower, I walked outside to grab the paper that showed up on my sidewalk every day, even though I wasn’t sure how I’d subscribed to it.

The sun was out and it would be nice and warm.

As I was standing up, paper in hand, a rabbit ran past me, followed by a dog running full speed.

“I’m gonna kick your ass, Smokie. You little shit,” yelled a guy chasing behind them.

The Dalmatian, Smokie, abandoned the chase when he came across me and instead rolled over for me to pet his belly.

“You mind holding him there for a minute?” the guy asked from about half a block away.

“No problem.”

I bent down and gave the runaway a scratch. “You’re a troublemaker, aren’t you?” His leg ferociously kicked when I found a special spot on his white and black coat.

“Sorry about that,” the guy said. “He’s a good dog, but he’s still very much a puppy.”

I stood and he clipped a leash onto the red collar around Smokie’s neck.

“That’s okay.”

“You’re the new dentist? This is your place, right?”

He was about my age, I guessed. He wore a Wynne Fire Department shirt with the sleeves cut off and basketball shorts.

“Yeah, I’m Vaughn.”

“I’m Aaron. I live a few blocks that way, and this is Smokie.” He gave the dog a stern look that I’m sure the runaway pup had seen before, considering the way he slunk down guiltily on the grass.

“How are you liking it here so far? Not much to do.”

“Wynne’s a good little town. The people are friendly.”

He glanced toward my porch and said, “I noticed you’re doing some work on the house. I always liked this bungalow.”

“Yeah, I’ve mostly been working inside. You know, getting unpacked.”

“Well, if you ever need any help, just shout. I work at the station, but I’m off quite a bit, too. I’m good with a hammer. My dad was a builder.”

“Thanks. I might take you up on that.”

I looked back at my house, which obviously needed a lot more work. Namely, a roof, a new deck in back, and a few new windows. I’m sure Hannah would help, but she didn’t need to feel obligated.

Plus, I didn’t really know any guys in town that well. I could tolerate having a guy friend.

“I think by the end of the summer I’m going to get a new roof on her. Maybe some paint.”

“Sure. Just let me know.”

I heard her truck coming, my ears tuned to everything her. And, like I knew I would, I saw her old pickup coming down the highway toward town. Distracted, I watched as she got closer and noticed she wasn’t alone. Her dad was sitting passenger.

Aaron noticed what I was watching and said, “Her truck is getting louder. I bet you get sick of hearing that thing go by all the time.”

He couldn’t be more wrong. The only thing I didn’t like so much about it passing was when it didn’t stop.

“You’d think her dad would fix it, or at least Dean would. You know them? They own the garage uptown.”

“Yeah, I’ve met them.”

“I think when Darrell retires he’ll leave both the shop, and Mutt, to Dean.” He laughed. “I know Dean’s ready for that.”

I bet he is. Not going to happen though.

As she passed, her boat behind her, she honked and we both waved. It was odd how much this town knew about her and her family, but at the same time knew nothing at all.

“Well, it’s nice to meet you. I better get moving. I need to be at the station in a few hours.” He stuck his hand out to shake mine and I took it. “Thanks for grabbing Smokie for me. I live on Hyde Street, drive a black truck that’s usually parked out front if I’m home. Otherwise, I’m at the station. You ever need some help, just let me know.”

“I’ll do that. Good to meet you too, Aaron.”

Even though he was totally wrong about the O’Fallons, I couldn’t hold it against him. He seemed like an all right guy and I didn’t have many friends in Wynne yet. Then again, after I met Hannah, I hadn’t really felt like I’d needed any.