“Ketch, old man, what are you doing eating with the barmaid?” Wynn slid into the extra chair as if he’d been invited. “She’s Saturday night fun, not midweek pizza.”

“Tuesday is my friend. We’re having a pizza after class.” Ketch hoped Wynn was sober enough to see a warning in his eyes, but Ketch’s hand molded into a fist just in case.

The drunk disappointed him. Wynn leaned over the table and winked at Ketch. “I get it, man. Bed buddies. Hope she doesn’t play dead . . .”

Wynn didn’t have time to say more. Ketch’s big hand slammed into the back of Wynn’s head and the drunk rocked in his chair, spilling beer.

WW slowly raised his head, eyes wide. “What happened?”

Ketch slapped Wynn on the back a little too hard. “You’re welcome to the last of the pizza, WW, but we are just leaving. See you in class.”

Ketch took Tuesday’s hand and walked out while Wynn just sat there, trying to figure out how he spilled his beer.

As soon as they hit fresh air, Tuesday burst out laughing. “I can’t believe you did that.”

“I didn’t want to hurt him, just shut him up.” He laughed. “Beating up WW would be like slapping a frog. Not much fun.”

She waited for Ketch to lift her up into the truck. “I don’t care about what people say about me. Most of it isn’t true.”

He put his hands beneath her arms and lifted her up so they were face-to-face. “I do. I care, and while you’re at eye level, kid, there is something I’ve been wanting to do for a while.”

His lips touched hers lightly, testing to see if his advance would be welcome. When she opened her mouth slightly, he wrapped his arms around her and prayed he didn’t squeeze too hard.

When she finally pulled away, he let go. “I guess that kiss took us beyond the friend category. I can take it back if you want me to.”

“It wasn’t a bad kiss,” she said. “I think I’ll keep it. Now, put me in the truck and drive me home. I’m not a toy you get to keep just because you picked me up.”

Chapter 15 - Harrison

Chapter 15

Harrison

Tuesday

Hank waited until almost dark before he decided it was time. He woke Millie with a gentle brush of her chestnut hair and a whisper. “Wake up. You’ve got a date tonight.”

She opened her blue eyes that spoke of so much more than she’d ever express in words. He’d seen the pain she’d never complain of. The relief when he’d said he would take her home. He hadn’t missed the stubborn look that told him there was no use arguing.

But in the twilight tonight he saw fear as he swooped down to pick her up. For a blink Hank could have sworn he saw the panic of a child. As if the monster she feared had appeared and she had no way to run.