Mom tapped her chin. “I know!” She smiled. “You could stay with her and make sure she obeys the rules.”
Muscles shifted beside me.
Okay, game over.
I was not being babysat by a grown man. “I will be in the car.” I waved goodbye to mom.
“Come, now,” Mom called. “You will freeze, and I know you.” She raised a brow. “You’ll starve.”
I gasped. “Mom!”
Muscles cleared his throat in what was surely an attempt to hide a laugh.
“I can just start the car if I get cold. It’s fine.” I turned to leave.
Mom tsked. “I’m sure the ozone layer would not approve. It’s everyone’s job to care for the Earth. Surely you’d rather sit patiently where it was warm and bright rather than irreparably ruin the environment, dear.” Her lips pinched down in a frown as she shook her head.
If Muscles wanted to stay and listen to Mom he could, but I was leaving. “Let me know when you are ready, Mom. I’m sureyou will find a way. After all, you’re nothing if not creative.” I grinned back at her as I walked toward the exit. I passed the dessert table and snagged a chocolate cupcake for the road.
No need to be coldandhungry.
Chapter Seven
I grabbedmy jacket and headed out the front doors and down the steps. The cool night air was a welcome relief. Despite everything, the evening was a success. Mom had reconnected with an old friend, and I scored a cupcake—I took a victory bite. I was still swearing off lying for the sake of Cupid. That was bad.
“Wait,” a deep male voice called behind me.
I jumped and nearly choked on my cupcake. I spun around to see Mr. Muscles standing there, brown eyes locked on me with a lopsided grin.
“What?” I coughed, my hand over my mouth that was still half-full. “I’m outside.” I gestured to the parking lot behind me.
He stared at the remaining half of my cupcake.
Oh no! He was not taking my cupcake too. Before he could make a move, I stuffed the rest into my mouth in one defiant bite, while keeping eye contact.
His grin widened, revealing a dimple on his left cheek. His smile was sweet, and he looked like a different man from before, the dimple giving me déjà vu. “Your mother might be right; you could be starving.”
I swallowed, the cake coating my throat and changing my voice two octaves lower. “I can come back when my mom’s done.” I cleared my throat and ran my tongue along my teeth covered behind my hand and repeated. “I can come back when Mom’s done.”
He grinned. “Her phone is dead though, remember?”
Very unlikely.
“Truuee.” I drew out the word. “I’ll wait in the car then.”
He motioned with his head for me to follow him. “Come back inside.”
I looked over my shoulder through the parking lot. “I thought I wasn’t supposed to be in there.”
“Oh you aren’t,” he said with a smile. “But if I make sure you aren’t harassing anyone, it should be fine…” Muscles’ casual expression changed. “But just for tonight. I really need to attempt to keep Mr. Cole happy.” His forehead creased.
I scoffed. “I never harassed anyone.”
“Debatable.” He chuckled as he held the door open for me. “It’s warmer inside.” He gestured toward the foyer.
I hesitantly walked up a few steps. “You’re sure you want me to come inside?” Where was the grumpy scowling man from before?
“I do.” He nodded.
