Chapter 21

“Here we are,” Jeff announced as he parked.

“Obviously.”

Jeff patted his arm. “Hey. Something’s clearly bothering you. What is it?”

Chad jerked away his arm as if he’d been burned. The last thing he needed right now was Jeff touching him. He’d never get through the evening. “Just a bad day. I’m fine,” he lied and climbed out of the truck.

Jeff followed Chad to the front door. When they entered, a little bell rang above their heads

“Be right there,” a voice from the back called.

Rugs were stacked everywhere. It was almost like a maze. One side also had rugs hanging out from the wall, and there were smaller rugs on display on the other side. Rugs of every color and design covered the floor and Chad wasn’t even sure where to begin looking.

“Welcome to Casper’s,” a good-looking young man said as he came toward them from behind a particularly tall stack of rugs. He extended his hand to Chad. “I’m Steven, Casper’s son.”

Chad eyed the man as he clasped his hand. “Chad. And this is—”