Every Which Way But Dead by Kim Harrison Page A

he regained his composure. There was snow on his boots. Unlike his truck.
    Keys jingling, he set the briefcase down. He took a breath, then let it slowly out. The guilt in his eyes told me I was right. “Hi, Ray-ray.”
    â€œHi, Nick,” I said, hitting the k with an excessive force. “I guess our date is off.”
    Jenks buzzed a greeting, and I hated the apologetic look he gave Nick. Four inches or six-foot-four, they were all in the same club. Nick didn’t move to invite me in.
    â€œWas tonight a dump dinner?” I asked abruptly, just wanting to be done with it.
    His eyes widened. “No!” he protested, but his gaze flicked to the briefcase.
    â€œIs it someone else, Nick? ’Cause I’m a big girl. I can take it.”
    â€œNo,” he repeated, his voice softer. He shifted, looking frustrated. He reached out, stopping just shy of my shoulder. His hand fell. “No.”
    I wanted to believe him. I really did. “Then what?” I demanded. Why didn’t he invite me in? Why did we have to do this in the freaking hallway?
    â€œRay-ray,” he whispered, his brow furrowed. “It’s not you.”
    My eyes closed as I gathered my strength. How many times had I heard that?
    His foot shoved the expensive briefcase into the hall, and my eyes flew open at the scraping sound. I stepped aside as he came out, shutting the door behind him. “It’s not you,” he said, his voice suddenly hard. “And it wasn’t a dump dinner. I don’t want to call it quits between us. But something came up, and frankly it’s none of your business.”
    Surprised, my lips parted. Jenks’s words flashed through me. “You’re still afraid of me,” I said, pissed that he didn’t trust me to not pull a line through him again.
    â€œI am not,” he offered angrily. Motions stiff, he locked his door from the outside, turning to hold the key up between us. “Here,” he said belligerently. “Take my key. I’ll be out of town for a while. I was going to give it to you tonight, but since you’re here, it will save me the trouble. I’ve stopped my mail, and the rent is paid up through August.”
    â€œAugust!” I stammered, suddenly afraid.
    He glanced at Jenks. “Jenks, can Jax come over and watch my plants for me until I get back? He did a good job last time. It might only be a week, but the heat and electricity are on automatic draw in case it’s longer.”
    â€œNick…” I protested, my voice sounding small. How had this turned around so fast?
    â€œSure,” Jenks said meekly. “You know, I think I’ll go wait downstairs.”
    â€œNo, I’m done.” Nick picked up the briefcase. “I’m going to be busy tonight, but I’ll swing by later to pick him up before I leave town.”
    â€œNick, wait!” I said. My stomach clenched and I felt light-headed. I should’ve kept my mouth shut. I should’ve ignored the packed bag and played the stupid girlfriend. I should’ve gone to dinner and ordered lobster. My first real boyfriend in five years, and finally when things were starting to get back to normal, here I was, scaring him off. Just like all the others.
    Jenks made an embarrassed sound. “Uh, I’ll be by the front door,” he said, vanishing down the stairwell to leave a trail of glowing pixy dust all the way to the next landing.
    Long face tight in unhappiness, Nick pushed the key into my hand. His fingers were cold. “I can’t—” He took a breath, meeting and holding my eyes. I waited, frightened at what he was going to say. Suddenly, I didn’t want to hear it.
    â€œRachel, I was going to tell you this over dinner, but…I tried. I really did. I just can’t do this right now,” he said softly. “I’m not leaving you,” he rushed to add before I could open my mouth. “I love you, and I