Ms. Ingle finished stacking the books on the table in the children’s section of the library the next evening and then joined Scott at the front counter.

“Okay, I’ve got the books set up for the children tomorrow.” She took off her nametag and placed it in the little box by the pen dispenser. “The school will be here at nine.”

“I remember,” Scott mumbled, checking the inventory on the computer.

“Oh, and the plumber will be here as soon as we open.” She got her purse from the bottom drawer of the file cabinet. “Make sure you’re here early to let him in.”

“Will do.” Scott stretched his stiff neck.

“Can you handle everything tomorrow while I’m at the reading conference?” Ms. Ingle situated her purse on her shoulder to where the strap crossed between her breasts. “Make sure the plumber gets that toilet fixed, give the tour to the school kids, and not to mention your other duties.”

“I can handle it.” Scott slapped his fingers against the computer keys. “This isn’t the first time you weren’t around.”

“All right.” She flounced from around the counter, grabbing the stack of books she’d laid out for her personal reading. “Make sure the books are in place and the chairs and tables are straight and—”

“I’ve been working here since I was sixteen. Have I ever not made sure the books were in place or straightened the tables and chairs?” He rose from his seat.

“No.” Her chin-length, volume curls complimented her sharp jawline.

“Then why do you feel you need to tell me the same thing over and over every day as if I don’t know how to do my job?”

“Is something wrong, Scott?” The wrinkles around her mouth dissolved. “All day you’ve been in a bad mood.”

He sat, studying the computer screen. “Sometimes I feel like you don’t respect me.”

“I’m sorry if I gave off that impression.” She touched his shoulder. “I appreciate everything you do. I ride a little hard, but I love this place as much as you do. It’s my life as pathetic as that might sound.”

“I’m sorry.” He forced a smile. “I’m having a bad day.”

“Why don’t you go home and come early in the morning to get everything done.”

“No, this is keeping my mind off what’s bothering me.” He got another list of inventory from the drawer. “I’m fine.”

“See you Wednesday then.” She left.

Moments later, Rachel entered the library, and Scott cursed himself for not locking the door.

She stood at the counter with that innocent smile that now made him sick. “Something wrong with your phone?” She chuckled.

He dared looking into her lovely eyes for fear he’d lose his anger and he refused to let her off the hook. “Why?”

“Because I’ve been calling and texting all day and you haven’t answered once.” She set her purse on the counter. “I was worried. The bank was hectic today. Been a long time since we had so many customers.”

“You can go on home, Rachel.” He flashed a flat smile. “I’m fine.”

“I’m not the smartest apple in the bunch…” The light left her eyes. “But, something’s not right here.”

“I wanted to answer your calls—”

“You wanted to answer my calls?” Her voice cracked. “So, you were ignoring me?”

“Yes.”

“Why?” She walked behind the counter and stood beside his chair. “Did I do something wrong?”

“You did nothing. That’s the problem.”

“Does this have something to do with that call you got when you left my place last night?” She shook her bangs out her eyes. “Where did you go, Scott?”

“I went to the police station.” He propped his elbow on the back of the chair. “I’d tell you what I learned about Napoleon’s robbery but you already know.”

“Scott.” She closed her eyes. “Please, let me explain.”

“Explain?” He laughed. “How can you explain how you sat there when you knew who robbed Napoleon?” He threw the inventory sheet to the carpet. “And then had me defending your ass. How dare you?”

“Scott, wait—”

“No, I won’t wait.” He stood, shoving the rolling chair backward. “Get out of here.”

“Listen.” She grabbed his shirt. “I didn’t know it was Napoleon until afterward. I was just as upset as you when I found out.”

“I doubt that.” He pushed her away, refusing to look into those heavenly eyes. “You’re a liar.”

“Scott, please.” She put her hands to her mouth, palm to palm. “I’m so sorry for what happened. It killed me not to tell you the truth, but I had to think about Fusco. I couldn’t involve the police—”

“This has to do with us not Fusco. Fusco didn’t tell Greer Pierson to rob and beat Napoleon did he?”

“You can’t blame me for what someone else did.”

“What if Napoleon or Lita had been killed?’ He pointed at her. “Would you have said something then?”

“Scott.” She cried into her hands. “I wanted to tell you so badly.”

“I risked my life for you because I thought we were in love.”

“We are.” She gasped, pressing her soft palms against his cheeks. “I wanna be with you so much. That’s why I want all of this to go away. I don’t want Fusco or my brother interfering in our future.”

“We don’t have a future.” He pushed the chair under the desk. “It’s over.”

“No.” Her lips trembled as tears dampened her cheeks. “I wanted to do the right thing.”

He crossed his arms. “You’d do anything to get your brother out this mess.”

“I wouldn’t let someone get hurt if I could stop it.” She seized his hand. “Scott, you owe me one mistake.”

“You owe me honesty because I’ve been honest with you from the beginning. Bobby was right. You had some spell over me. It wasn’t love.”

“Don’t say that.” She loosened her grip on his hand. “You love me, and I love you.”

“I’m tired of these games. You never want to let me in and when you do it’s never all the way. Go.” He turned his back to her. “I never want to see you again.”

“You don’t mean that.” She flung him around. “You love me.” She hit his chest with her small fists, sobbing. “You can’t turn your back on me. What about promising to be there for me always?”

He sat in the chair and began his work again.

“I need you, Scott.” She sniffled. “I don’t even have Stone anymore. I’m scared.”

He exhaled, hating himself for still being concerned, but he wouldn’t be her fool any longer.

“Scott?” She touched his shoulder, and he jerked.

“I’m out, Rachel. Whatever happens to you or Stone isn’t my business.”