Handcuffs and Haints Read Free

from. Most are married or rednecks. I’m exaggerating but not totally.” He stared into her eyes, and Zoe looked away.
    “You certainly know where you stand.” She gave him a wry grin.
    “I do.”
    They ate in a comfortable silence, and Zoe realized she enjoyed Nick’s company.
    I always do enjoy their company…for a while. It’s the later on thing which gets to me.
    “Penny for your thoughts?” Nick’s words jolted her out of her reverie.
    “Nothing major.”
    “Didn’t look like it. You were frowning big time.”
    “Was I? Just thinking about things I’d rather forget.” Zoe finished her glass of sweet tea, feeling his gaze on her.
    “Want to talk about it?”
    His words astounded her. No wonder he has all the chicks. He knows how to get them.
    “No thanks.” She stood up.
    “No problem. The offer is open, though, if you change your mind. I do a lot of listening in my job. Been told I’m pretty good at it.” His eyes glimmered blue in the afternoon sun as they walked outside.
    “Thanks. I appreciate it.” Zoe ground the words out, not wanting to be too gracious with him. Nick Wheeler was dangerous. She didn’t have time for another flirtation ending in a mess.
    I’ve got a book to write.
    “Well, I have to get back, so I’ll take you home. I enjoyed lunch.” Nick opened her door, and she rolled her eyes. Why does he have to be so dang nice?
    “Me too. Thanks.” Zoe said nothing on the way home, wanting to be away from him. His scent like mossy trees and pinecones in sunlight overwhelmed her in the cab of the truck.
    “Here we are. Call me if anything happens. I mean it. I can be here any time night or day.” Nick touched her shoulder, and the slight contact burned like a brand through her thin T-shirt.
    “I will. I swear, but I’m a big girl, and I think I’ll be fine. Whatever I heard last night…well, who knows? I don’t think it was anything.” Zoe wished she could believe her own words.
    “You’re probably right. Like I said, it’s different out here away from it all. Takes some getting used to.” He held open the door for her, and Zoe hopped out.
    “I’m sure I’ll do fine.”
    “I know you will. Good luck with the book.”
    Zoe pivoted away from him, the sight of him almost too much to bear. After spending more time with him she could say he was one of the most handsome and kindest men she had ever met…so far anyway.
    Loneliness washed over her as the truck pulled away and she mounted the steps. Dust motes danced in the afternoon light.
    Zoe gasped when she walked into her room. Her clothes lay all over the place, and her laptop was gone.

Chapter Three
    Nick Wheeler stepped out of his truck, and Zoe made herself walk toward him. She wanted to run. Her heart skittered in her chest almost ten minutes after her find.
    “Let me take a look.”
    “Please do.” Zoe had called Nick as soon as she saw the mess in her room. He had been right down the road and came back.
    “Are you okay?” He stopped halfway up the steps, Zoe trailing behind him.
    “Not really. My laptop is gone. I have the novel on my key chain memory, but I just can’t believe it.”
    “I’ll get the locks changed by tonight.” Nick took the rest of the steps in leaps.
    “Okay.” Zoe whispered the word. So much for my getting away from him.
    She followed him into her bedroom, her hands shaking at the violation of her privacy and belongings. All she wanted to do was pack up what was left and leave.
    “So, what’s missing? Just the laptop?” Nick walked around the room, studying everything.
    “I think so.” Her jewelry was in the bathroom.
    “It almost seems like they were looking for something. It’s hard to tell.” Nick stopped and turned to her.
    Zoe sat on the bed with a sigh.
    “I wonder what they could have been looking for.”
    She heard the speculation in his voice and clenched her fists. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
    “It’s just a question.” Nick shrugged, studying