Will was fuming about Jake, and in order to not beat him to death, he had to walk away. He decided to take out his anger with the chainsaw. As it was, he would have to answer to Rillian about punching Jake. Jake was bleeding and there was no way that the asshole would take the blame for their confrontation. Which meant Rillian was going to be mad at him.

This was not at all unfolding in his favor.

He took a peek around Rillian's property. There was a small maple which had landed directly on her generator, and he couldn't tell to what extent that might be damaged, so he figured he would start there. There was also a red pine branch the size of a small tree on her roof which had snapped off the monster that lay between their cabins. That would be second.

Inside there didn't appear to be any damage, thankfully, only fireplace soot.

He got started on the maple.

...........................................................................

One man.

She has only been with one man.

One.

God, I'm such a fuckin' idiot.

It made complete sense. With the level of control her parents had over her, she probably hadn't even dated until college.

Jake had pressed her so hard about all of it, being completely insensitive to her feelings, assuming she was overreacting and trying to get her over it.

Clearly, she wasn't comfortable with her own body, nor was she comfortable around men in general.

Did you see her cringing next to Will?, Liv piped up. At least she doesn't do that with you.

Yeah. I fucked up, Liv. Tryin' to help boost her confidence and I may'a traumatized her.

She will be okay, Liv assured him. She likes you. What you said to her did make a difference. It did help her self esteem, but she's not going to suddenly become someone different overnight. You did good, honey. Keep helping her and let her help you.

All right, he agreed, surprising himself by doing so without grumbling.

He swung the bathroom door open.

"Let's go getcha some clothes", he said, holding out his hand.

With all the trees down and the broken glass and shit, no way he was letting her walk around without supervision.

She glanced at his face, almost nervously, then silently took his hand. She was pale, and seemed a little scared and uncertain still.

"Ya still cold?", he asked. Her hand was.

"A little".

"You could do with a hot bath. We'll have'ta check on yer generator. Mine's out. Ain't lookin' forward to seein' if my truck's what's on top of it".

"Something definitely landed on mine and the power went out after it happened. That's what prompted me to run over here".

Jake sighed heavily as he led her through his busted ass screen door. "Sorry I was bein' a worthless drunk. I woulda came for ya otherwise".

"I know you would have", she said. "It's all right. You rescue me plenty".

"It ain't all right", he snapped. "Ain't all right a'tall".

She didn't reply.

It was sunshiny and bright, with not a single cloud in the beautiful blue sky. The clouds clearly had expelled all their energy last night.

He led her down his dirt driveway on account of the giant tree sittin' between their properties, but they had to get across it regardless to get into her driveway. Crossing at the trunk was easier than crossing at the branches, though.

Jake vaulted over first, then gave her some instructions for where to step as he basically lifted her over.

He could see Will cutting up a tree laying against the far side of her house.

"That where yer generator at?"

"Exactly correct".

"I'll give him a hand".

"Ah...". Riley trailed off, watching the ground as they walked.

"What's up?", he asked, applying a light squeeze to the hand he held.

"Um, well...I was thinking maybe you could let Will help me with this because you have your own mess to deal with. That water has been sitting on your floor all night already".

She spoke quietly with flaming pink cheeks, eyes turned to the ground.

He felt a deep and profound sense of offense at that, but he immediately softened as he quickly guessed at her real reason.

"And you don't want us to fight", he filled in.

She glanced at him, her face nervous.

"That's...correct", she nearly whispered. "I'm so sorry but...I really have a difficult time with conflict. I'd prefer to keep you two apart if I can. Why don't you like each other?"

"Long story. I'll take care of myself then check back in with you. Happy?"

Relief washed across her face, smoothing out the worry lines. She took a deep breath.

"Thank you", she simply said, squeezing his hand and smiling up at him. Jake gazed down into that beautiful, perfect face- momentarily transfixed.

He heard the chainsaw shut off as they walked up her driveway.

Jake automatically looked up and saw Will striding over the lawn toward them with a fierce scowl.

Jake glanced down at Riley as he felt her grab his bicep with her other hand. She was basically cringing behind him, shielding her body with his arm.

That fucking asshole.

"Everything's fine, kid", Jake assured her.

Is he really going to yell at us for holding hands?

Jake didn't pause in his strides, meeting Will's glare confidently as he stopped short in front of them.

"What'd you do to her?", Will asked accusingly.

"What the fuck are ya talking 'bout?" Jake was thoroughly confused.

"Rillian, you okay?", Will asked.

"Yes", she answered, her fingers digging into his arm. "Jake didn't do anything". She sounded frightened and that pissed Jake right off.

"Dude, what the fuck", Jake snapped. "Why you actin' like an asshat all of a sudden? Yer scarin' her!"

"Why ya gotta hold onto her like that if she didn't get hurt?"

"'Cause the girl's always fallin', that's why", Jake replied, his eyebrow raising in disbelief. "Don't want her fallin' over all the branches and shit. Man, you need to lighten the fuck up".

Will appeared slightly abashed.

"Sorry", he said (to Rillian, not to Jake, but Jake's feelings were fine).

"I'm getting the generator uncovered but I don't know what kind of fixin' it's gonna need", he said to Jake. "I dunno much about generators".

"Lemme help", Jake said, dropping her hand.

"Sure", Will agreed.

Jake met Riley's eyes and she nodded, almost imperceptibly.

"Darlin', you go on in and get some clothes on. Ya did check the inside, right?", he verified with Will.

"Of course. No damage".

Jake followed Will to the small tree he was making quick work of, and started hauling chunks out of the way as Will continued to run the chainsaw. Shortly, the generator was uncovered.

Jake inspected it expertly. It was older than his, but better built, with less pieces. Nothing was exactly damaged, simply knocked out of place. A couple parts were slightly bent, but his strong fingers bent them back into position enough that they slid right in where they belonged. The generator kicked back to life.

"Thank you guys so much!", Riley said from behind him.

Jake hadn't even noticed her re-appear.

He stood and peered down at her. Her head had to have been painful but she hadn't been complaining. She was now in black jeans and a gray and black striped crew neck sweater. Not exactly hauling branches clothes. He was thankful she at least had her hiking boots on, though.

"Why don'tcha take a hot shower an' a nap?", he suggested. "I'll get my place under control then come check on ya".

Riley nodded and started back inside.

"I can stick around", Will volunteered. "I want to check on the roof".

"Let her sleep", Jake argued. "The roof can wait".

Riley paused and turned, meeting his eyes with a worried crease between her brows.

"Riley, go on", Jake said calmly. "We're fine. We'll figure it out".

She turned and walked back inside.

"Riley???", Will asked.

"Yeah".

"Her name is Rillian". He sounded peeved.

"She answers to Riley for me", Jake explained smugly.

"Answers to?!?", Will sputtered. "She's not a fucking DOG!"

"No, she certainly ain't that", Jake said suggestively, giving Will a sideways smile with a raised eyebrow to purposely push his buttons.

Will grabbed him by his shirt and threw him up against the side of her cabin. Without flinching, Jake changed his tone.

"I let ya hit me earlier 'cause I was askin' for it. I ain't gonna let ya continue to beat on me without hittin' back, and ya ain't gonna like it if I hit ya back", Jake said, hearing the dangerous edge to his own voice.

"You keep your filthy fucking hands offa that sweet girl", Will hissed in his face, giving him another shove against the wall. "She ain't done nothin' to you. You leave her be!"

"I ain't doin' nothin' like that", Jake said, "but if I was, it wouldn't be non'a yer business, now would it?"

"I believe it would".

"Then ya better have that conversation with her 'cause she ain't got no clue".

Jake had enough of Will and was done being patient and polite. He quickly lifted his arms, breaking Will's hold on his chest, shoving him sharply backward. Will stumbled slightly.

Jake started heading home.

"I'm staying", Will called after him.

"You gotta leave sometime", Jake called back without turning, waving a middle finger in the air behind his head.

...........................................................................

When I had finished showering and was completely dressed again, I blow-dried my hair then straightened it.

I applied makeup even though I planned to lay down after I left the bathroom. I knew one or both of the men in my life would be coming around again soon. My head was pounding but at least I finally felt warm now.

I watched my cheeks turn red in the mirror as I remembered how I was warmed up last night.

I had inspected myself as I showered. My right knee was pretty battered. A fall on top of an already bruised knee cap had made my entire knee varying shades of blue, purple, green, and brown. The side of my head was nearly as bad. My hip had several green blotches starting, and there were scratches and tiny bruises pretty much everywhere on my legs and arms.

I was still thinking about Jake's arms around me as I put away my makeup and left the bathroom.

I was surprised to see Will standing in the kitchen.

"Did you eat breakfast?", he asked.

"No", I replied honestly. I had actually forgotten and hadn't even felt hungry.

"Figured as much. I made some eggs and toast", he said.

"Oh, Will, that is so sweet of you! Thank you!", I said genuinely, heading for the table as he set down a plate.

"Hope you don't mind I made some for myself?", he asked.

"Of course not! You go right ahead- it's the least I can do!"

We sat and ate in comfortable silence until I realized something.

"Deb!", I gasped. "I need to tell her I'm not coming in! My phone hasn't had service".

"She knows. I told her you were all right but a little banged up".

"Oh, thank you!", I said, reaching across the table and squeezing his muscular forearm gratefully.  "Again!"

"My pleasure", he said, smiling at me and holding my gaze until I felt uncomfortable and dropped eye contact.

I took a bite of eggs and then toast.

"How is my roof?", I asked after I swallowed.

"It needs some new shingles but honestly it's better than I thought it would be. The entire roof is getting old but it's probably got a couple years left before you have to get it replaced. I'll get those shingles when I head back in to town".

"That sounds... a lot better than I could have hoped for. Thank you".

"I'll help you any way I can", he said softly.

Again, I felt uncomfortable about his direct gaze and changed the subject.

"Have you heard from Travis?"

"Not before all hell broke loose, no. I'll try him when I get back to the station".

We ate in silence for quite some time before I worked up the courage to ask, "Why did you hit Jake?"

"I thought he had taken advantage of you", Will replied matter-of-factly, not sounding ashamed of having done it.

"He wouldn't. He's been respectful of me and my feelings. I was getting hypothermia".

"I understood that later".

There was a long pause in which we both continued eating.

I finished my last bite of toast then said, "I am going to lay down, if that's all right?"

"Of course".

I collected our plates and set them next to the sink.

"I'll take care of those when I get up", I said.

"It all right with you if I nap on the couch?", Will suddenly asked. "Been up most'a the night".

I realized he did appear exhausted.

"Oh my gosh, Will, I am so sorry! That was completely insensitive of me not to even offer! Yes, of course! I can see how tired you are! Let me get you a pillow and blanket. I'll be right back".

I felt like an idiot. He was doing all these things for me while I had gotten more sleep than he had, and then I was going to run off and go to sleep again?

"Thank you", he said as I returned. He was already reclined on the couch. I felt a wriggling icky feeling about that, and the illogical thought that popped into my head was that it was Jake's couch.

"It has soot on it", I warned him.

"I'm not clean", he pointed out, giving me a half smile.

I was heading back to my room when he stopped me with a question. "Hey, why do you let Jake call you Riley?"

I turned around and met his dark brown eyes. His brow was furrowed.

"I like it. I'm going to introduce myself as Riley going forward".

"But Rillian is such a unique and beautiful name", Will protested.

"With ties to the first toxic twenty-eight years of my life. I'd like to move forward and start fresh, create a life for myself without someone else's expectations to live up to. A new name for a new life. That's what I want".

He simply stared at me until I felt awkward and left the room. I also felt frustrated that he seemed not to understand when he knew everything I'd been through.

...........................................................................

When I woke it was sunny and bright. I heard no noises from inside or outside. I stretched and winced. I was more sore now than when I had laid down in the first place.

I gingerly got to my feet and quietly opened my bedroom door.

Will's long frame was no longer on the couch, but Jake's almost as long muscular one was-head on the armrest with his arms folded across his chest- sleeping.

My stomach fluttered as I felt a settling of deep satisfaction in my soul, like everything was once again as it should be.

I tried to tiptoe my way to the bathroom.

"Why ya limpin'?", he asked, without moving or opening his eyes.

"Where did Will go?"

"That ain't what I asked", Jake pointed out. "Will left ya a note he had to get back to work. I was waitin' for his truck to leave and came back over when I saw it was gone".

Waiting for him to leave. I felt my heart flutter irrationally with thoughts about Jake wanting to come spend more time with me.

I went into the bathroom and shut the door. I found some ibuprofen, took it, used the toilet, then opened the door.

Jake was still in the same position.

"Why ya limpin'?", he asked again.

"I'm really sore", I admitted quietly.

His eyes did open then and he sat upright.

"Where?", he asked, motioning me over to him.

"Pretty much everywhere".

I slowly approached him.

"Explain how ya fell an' what all happened".

I talked him through everything as I recalled it.

He was listening calmly and silently but when I talked about how the wind pulled my feet right out from underneath me on his porch and how I landed on my hip, he definitely winced.

"Pants off", he said, motioning to me with his hand, like to get on with it.

I felt my cheeks flame back into action.

"I am not going to take my clothes off for you every time you say so, simply because it happened once!", I gasped, feeling deeply offended.

He met my eyes with a slightly shocked expression.

"Good for you, kid", he said softly as a slow smile spread across his face. "Good for you. I still wanna check that hip ya fell on, though, so figure it out".

"I already checked it myself", I explained. "It's got green bruises starting".

"Is that what's makin' ya limp?"

"Um, I'm not sure? Maybe because it's the same side as my knee, which also hurts?"

"Yeah, your knee looked like shit. Lemme see that again, too".

I held his blue-gray gaze for an indeterminate amount of time, trying to decide what to do. Finally, I decided to go put on shorts in my room.

...........................................................................

Jake was thinkin' he may have pushed Riley too far. He really did need to see her injuries, though.

Maybe she doesn't have on the right underwear for viewing, he considered, slightly amused.

He was about to get up and go apologize to her when she emerged from her room in loose, black, very short, athletic shorts. Her pretty little face was still flushed pink but she didn't seem terrified.

He grinned at her as she stood in front of him expectantly.

"Please don't tease me", she said quietly.

"Darlin', I would never", he declared in mock innocence.

She laughed lightly and shook her head.

"Sit", he instructed.

She complied by sitting on the couch next to him. 

"Did one of you brush the soot off the furniture?", she asked, running her hand over a cushion.

"I tried", he admitted. "Dunno if it's up to yer standards".

Her wide green eyes stared into his. "That is so sweet. Thank you", she said earnestly.

He took her lithe, soft leg into his hands and inspected her knee carefully. Jake was no doctor, but he had lived through a shit ton of injuries himself, and had administered first aid to countless civilians as a cop.

His diagnosis was that it hurt because it was swollen but he didn't think anything was majorly wrong with it.

"I think it just needs ice and ibuprofen", he said.

"I took some".

"Good".

He met her eyes. "Hip", he said.

She bit the inside of her bottom lip as she stood and pulled down the waistband on her right side enough for him to see the green bruises starting on her hip.

"Okay", he said. "It don't look too bad. Don't mean it don't hurt, though. It's gonna get worse before it gets better.  Ice and ibuprofen. Landin' on yer side like that probably rattled every bone in yer body. Makes sense ya gonna be sore for awhile. Ya gonna have ta take it easy. Wanna try Deb? I got no reception".

"Will said he got ahold of her. I'm not sure how, but yes, I should probably talk to her myself. I don't have reception either. Can we go see her?"

"I dunno bout that. Road down's gonna be bumpy for ya", he warned.

"I prefer not to be left here alone with no phone", she said, with a worried glance from her light green eyes that tugged at his heart.

"Thought never crossed my mind. Ya wanna go now?"

"Yes, please".

...........................................................................

One of the bumps Jake hit made me inadvertently gasp as my sore hip protested.

"Sorry, kid", he said quietly.

"It's not your fault", I said, getting a better grip on the door handle.

"Will didn't know anything from Travis yet", I suddenly remembered.

Jake glanced at me then back at the dirt road.

"He will. Atlanta PD is good and so is Travis. I don't like him but I do respect him".

"Can I have the long story yet?" I asked.

Jake met my eyes again then back to the road. I knew he knew what I was referring to.

"Both of you have told me it's a long story and neither of you will tell it to me. I want to know why you two don't like each other", I pressed, "especially since I keep getting put in the middle of it".

"It ain't a nice story, kid", Jake said.

I waited as he stopped the truck at the junction before pulling onto the main road.

He met my eyes. His were almost sad, not like they were when he talked about Liv and Hope, but a sadness to them regardless.

"I suppose I'd rather ya hear it from me, but the thing is kid, I like ya, and I think ya like me. Probably the only person in this whole fuckin' town who does".

He sighed, looked away, then looked back to me.

"Me tellin' ya this story probably gonna change whatcha think about me and I don't want that to happen. That's why I don't wanna tell ya".

"It won't change who you are to me and what you've done for me", I said stubbornly. "I have done plenty of things to be ashamed for in my history, and I would prefer you didn't base our friendship on that, so I won't do it with you".

His face softened. He gave me a sad little half smile.

"That's what ya say now", he said.

"I am very serious", I insisted.

He put the truck in park and started talking.

"Shortly after Will moved to town, I got in a fight at a bar I no longer go to. It got real serious real fast. The guy pulled a knife on me and I ended up stabbin' him with it. I was hauled on down the mountain by Travis to sit in jail an' wait for attempted murder charges to get on through. I was acquitted, self defense. Came on back here and Will was in my fuckin' face 'bout leavin' "his town", sayin' how I murdered Liv and shit".

I could see Jake was still fuming...and hurt. He would never have hurt Liv or Hope. Never. And for Will to dredge up that sore spot, I couldn't blame him for hating Will.

"Why did you get into that fight?", I asked, as Jake continued to stare out the windshield angrily.

"That guy kicked his dog. Dog was waitin' in the back of the truck for hours while that fucker drank. It had to take a leak so it jumped out an' did it. I watched this happen. Drunk fucker ran out there and kicked his dog so hard it fell over. I thought it died at first, and I fuckin' snapped. He pulled the knife when he realized he wasn't winnin'. I can't stand bullies".

I felt nauseous.

"What happened to the dog?"

Jake looked at me, his blue-gray eyes searching mine.

"Travis knew a widow who might be in need of a companion".

He was still watching me curiously as the pieces connected in my brain.

"Eddie?!?"

"Yes, ma'am".

"Deb didn't say a thing about it!"

"She's good shit", he said.

"Jake, nothing about this story surprises me. This is how I typically see you- as a protector. Why would I-?"

"Story ain't done yet", he said quietly, shaking his head.

So far, I believed everything Jake said. It all fit with who he was and what Will had said, but I could see how Will had put a negative twist on everything and left his instigating part out, either because he believed that Jake really was a bad person or because he wanted me to believe it.

"Will was spreadin' rumors about me and my wife. Gettin' in my face when he could, rilin' me up. I was fumin' 'bout it constantly. I considered beatin' his ass but figured that'd be what he wanted. Then I saw somethin' that gave me a different angle. He was followin' this girl around, clearly had a thing for her. I knew her. She worked at the grocery store".

He brushed across his mustache with his index finger and sighed. I waited silently.

He stared out the windshield as he said, "I had sex with her simply to get at Will, an' now he thinks that's what I'm doin' to you".

I felt my heart freeze. "But you aren't doing that".

He glanced at me, his eyes startled. "'Course I ain't! I respect you! And I ain't as drunk an' angry as I was. I'm still drunk an' angry but...not as much".

"What happened to the girl?"

He rubbed his mustache again and peered out the windshield.

"She moved. Word is I broke her heart".

I felt myself tear up a little. I could imagine how that felt, how that did feel to learn that the man you were with didn't even like you, let alone love you.

He looked back at me before I could compose myself. His face was downright devastated after he saw mine.

"I'm real sorry, kid", he said. "I wished I hadn'ta done it. I used her and hurt her to get at him. I don't blame him for hatin' me. The way you lookin' at me right now, guess I deserve you hatin' me, too".

He put the truck in drive.

"I don't hate you. I understand", I said.

"What?", he asked in disbelief, eyes whipping back to mine.

"I understand what drove you to do that. I cannot imagine how you could possibly deal with him even talking about Liv, let alone telling people you killed her. It wasn't right what you did but I understand the why behind it. I also understand why Will hates you so much now, and why he's being overprotective of me, but you aren't that person with me. He doesn't see it and probably doesn't want to see it. I don't understand why he decided he didn't like you in the first place and wanted to slander you, though".

"Kid, ya ain't gotta be okay with somethin' that ain't okay", he said, but his eyes seemed hopeful, his eyebrows raised.

"I can also see her perspective and how much that would have hurt because I used to be her in some respects", I continued. "I'm glad you can acknowledge that you hurt her, but since you weren't together long, I can bet she's moved on and is fine by now".

Relief flashed across his face. He threw the truck back in park and abruptly grabbed me, pulling me across the bench seat and wrapping his arms around me roughly.

I smiled against his chest at the unexpected outburst of emotion as I got my arms around him.

"You...are...invaluable to me, kid", he said above my head, voice breaking slightly.

"I feel the same way about you", I pointed out.

He let go of me and I sat fully upright, now in the middle spot.

He took my face between his hands and kissed my forehead! Then he looked back into my eyes, still holding my face. I had never seen him so vulnerable before.

"You always surprise me", he said quietly in his deep voice. "I expected ya to turn tail and run but ya helped me to feel better about this...burden...I been carryin'... Riley, ya do me good. I ain't had... no kinda friend... in a real long time".

I smiled at him. All of that warmed my heart an incredible amount.

"If I can help you one smidge as much as you help me, I am happy to do so", I told him.

"Kid", he said, voice breaking again, "ya got no fuckin' idea".

His blue-gray eyes were shining so close to mine and I felt myself slipping past a crush into something serious.

I knew he was a good man! I knew it! He simply acted mean to keep people away because he was scared of getting hurt again.

Finally he released my face and resumed driving silently. I was elated, my heart racing.

He kissed my forehead.

He said I was invaluable.

However, he also called me 'friend' and 'kid'.

Which meant he wasn't feeling like I was. I was happy regardless and I didn't move out of that middle spot in the truck's bench seat.

...........................................................................

Jake drove in stunned silence the rest of the way to town. There were downed trees and branches everywhere, and he saw where someone (probably Will) had sawed trunks and hauled trees off of the road.

Jake hadn't wanted to tell Riley that story, but he meant every word he said, and all of it was the truth. He wouldn't lie to her, he did respect her, and she was his only friend. He hadn't wanted to lose her companionship or have her stop thinking the best of him, even though he didn't deserve it...but that's not what she did. She saw through it. She saw his perspective- in fact, she saw everyone's perspective, and she didn't abandon him.

He nearly lost it, almost started crying, and barely refrained from kissing her he was so overwhelmed. Luckily he had caught himself and that kiss landed on her forehead where it belonged. He swung into a parking spot in front of Deb's. The town was silent and empty.

Riley hadn't moved from the middle spot next to him where he had pulled her to. He put the truck into park, opened his door, hopped down, and waited for her.

She slid across in front of the steering wheel and started to get down, her forehead wrinkling. He guessed the movement was hurtin' her. He caught her under her arms and hoisted her down, shut the door, and guided her gently into Deb's with a hand on the small of her back.

...........................................................................

Samantha was hoping Jake's truck was coming to her when she caught it driving down Main Street out of the corner of her eye, but it swung into a space in front of Deb's instead. She continued watching, and felt her temper flare, as she noticed the middle seat next to him was occupied.

It was Riley, all right, she fumed as Jake lifted her down from the truck. The little bitch had a bandage on her head.

Probably got injured in the storm. Too bad she didn't fucking die.

Samantha watched as Jake kept a hand on her low back, affectionately and protectively walking her up to the door he then opened for her.

Jake had never touched her like that and it make her so angry she whipped the bottle of vodka she was holding across the room.

It shattered satisfyingly against the hard wood wall but Samantha was far from satisfied.

How dare he treat her so well, and Samantha like something to be discarded!?!? Just because she didn't carry a two thousand dollar purse, she wasn't worthy of his affection or protection?!?

What. The. Fuck.

Samantha began formulating a plan, one that would hopefully hurt both of those assholes.

...........................................................................

Deb came striding out of the kitchen, and Eddie got up from his bed to greet Jake, as we walked into the cafe.

"Oh, darlin', your head!", Deb gasped. "Tell me you didn't bring her to work!", Deb scolded Jake in a motherly fashion.

"No, ma'am", he said calmly as he pet Eddie all over. "Little lady wanted to explain in person why she wasn't comin' in to her shift 'cause we ain't got no service out there yet".

"Probably be another couple days for that", she agreed. "Maybe longer without Travis here".

Jake looked up at me. "Riley's head got hit awfully hard but she ain't complained 'bout that none. Ain't complained 'bout any of it, actually, but she also fell on that bad knee I told ya bout, reinjured it, and she's been limpin'. I don't think she should be workin' for a few days. Get the swellin' down".

"I completely agree!", Deb said, patting my arm as I felt myself flush self consciously.

"I'm so sorry", I said. "I only just started and-".

"You can't control the weather", she said briskly. "I'm going to pack some things up for you two to take home. I've not had customers. Everyone's staying at home to clean up their messes and these baked goods won't keep".

She bustled behind the display counter and started pulling out pastries and breads, placing them into a large box.

"This is so very kind of you", I said.

"It's going to the garbage otherwise", she pointed out practically.

"Ya need any help here or at yer house?", Jake asked. "Any damage?"

Deb paused, which I guessed meant there was something but she didn't want to ask for help.

"It's no trouble at all", I added. "We have time".

"You ain't helpin'", Jake grumbled. "You'll sit yer ass in the truck".

"Okay", I agreed, flushing.

Deb laughed lightly. "Well, hun, there's a branch that's hanging in my back yard. It's broken but still attached. I'm afraid it might fall on Eddie when he's outside. I was going to call a tree service but I hadn't gotten around to that".

"I'll take care of it", he said decisively. "Ya got a saw in your shed?"

"We have a chainsaw and several saws. I don't know if the chainsaw runs".

"Shed unlocked?"

"Yes".

"I'll take care of it right now", he said. "Riley, you can come with, or I can come back for ya, but either way yer sittin' doin' nothin'".

"I'll come with", I said.

I was curious to see where Deb lived.

"We'll stop back with a report", Jake said.

"Thank you, darlin'", Deb said, handing him the box of baked goods.

"Anytime, ma'am", he replied.

...........................................................................

As they were leaving Deb's cafe, Jake happened to see Sam standing in the open doorway of Venom, arms crossed, feet spread, openly glaring at them.

As he met her fierce, dark brown eyes, she held up two middle fingers to him. He shook his head and opened the passenger door of his truck for Riley, who luckily hadn't noticed. She was watching her feet and walking slowly.

He set the box on the seat then gave her a boost into the cab as he had helped her down.

As he rounded the truck bed to get in on his side, Sam did it again. He simply stared at her. She did not intimidate him one bit. Jake knew she was jealous and pissed because he wasn't fuckin' her no more, and she probably assumed he was doing that with Riley.

Jake could care less what Sam thought. They didn't owe each other anything. They had an arrangement, which had worked for awhile, and now it didn't. No big loss. Sam just liked to get her way and threw a big childish fit when she didn't.

Jake calmly got into the truck and left.

Deb's house was a few blocks from her cafe, and Jake had been there before. He quickly found the chainsaw, filled it with gas from the portable tank which was always in his truck bed, told Riley to stand back, and fired it up.

It ran fine. He turned it off, found a ladder, sawed down the branch, sectioned it up, and allowed Riley to help him bring the smaller pieces to his truck. They had it cleared out of her yard in no time. The entire process took twenty minutes.

As they were heading back to the cafe, Jake's phone rang.

He recognized the number as the general contractor for the logging company he worked for at times.

"Dustin", he greeted the man.

"Hey, Jake, I got some work for ya if you're interested. Tons of downed trees in the section we've been working, and we can get a major jump on production by taking advantage of the ones that are already down. You game?"

Jake groaned internally. That would be easy money, but he wouldn't leave Riley while she was injured, with one of the stalkers on the loose, even though he was probably still a state away. Jake wouldn't take the chance.

"I've got a situation I can't step away from", Jake said. "I really appreciate the offer, though".

"No problem, man. Call me if your situation changes".

"Will do".

He hung up and Riley immediately asked, "What am I holding you back from, work?"

He met her worried peridot eyes, a crease between her eyebrows.

"Nothin, darlin'. Ya ain't holdin' me back from shit".

"I'm the situation, aren't I?", she pressed.

"Yep", he answered truthfully. "The danger might be low but I still ain't gonna be anywhere but next door if ya need me. What the fuck kinda man you think I am?"

"A really, really good one", she answered, her large eyes staring meaningfully into his in a way that made his heart take a leap so hard, it actually hurt.

...........................................................................

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