“Tawdryscheme is to continue blackmailing Maya into what? Falling in love with you?”
“Yep.”
“That makes no sense.”
“Sure it does. Maya hasn’t changed all that much since high school. She’s still beautiful, guarded and in control of every aspect of her life. In a lot of ways, you and she are alike.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah. You’re both too cocky for your own good.”
“Please. Just because I’m self-confident and feel no need to brush off my many accomplishments, people—”
“There it is. That boasting, not that it isn’t well-deserved.”
“Thanks for that at least,” Anson said with no small amount of sarcasm. “I still don’t see why you don’t have a rational conversation with the woman. Just tell her how you feel. You’re smart, have the family looks and a big wallet. What’s not to like?”
Dex shook his head. “You dumb bastard. You have met Maya, right? She has a thing about control. Luckily for her, I do too. And I don’t mind letting her think she has it.”
Anson glanced at him then pulled into a parking spot. “Good luck. With that one, you’re going to need it. You sure you wouldn’t rather have someone else? I know a lot of people. Carla’s a great girl. Debbie too. Both independent, cute and pleasant.”
“Pleasant is boring. I like ’em a little mean.” He looked through the windshield and saw Maya waiting out front, tapping her foot. “This one’s mine.”
“My poor cousin. She’s going to chew you up and spit you out.”
“But she’ll have her mouth on some part of me, so it’s all good.”
Anson chuckled. “Dumbass. You have your own ride home then?”
“From Maya’s it’s maybe a ten minute walk. I’ll be fine.” He opened the door.
“Famous last words.” Anson shoved him out. “Talk to you later…if you’re still breathing that is.” He nodded at Maya, who nodded back.
She glared at Dex. “You’re late.”
“And hello to you too.” Dex smiled, oddly pleased when she frowned back at him. She looked cautious, and he couldn’t have been happier. Their time in his shop had meant more than a measly fuck to her if Maya wasn’t sure how to handle him.
“I want pizza.” She glanced in the window at a kid flipping dough.
“After you.” Dex held the door for her, amused when she strutted past him with her nose in the air. Then her perfume hit him and he had to contain a groan. She smelled so damn good.
He ordered with her, and they took their pizza across the street into the open food court. Tables and chairs littered the central space, while around the court several food trucks served patrons daily until ten at night. “You want a beer?”
“Is snow white?”
He smiled. “Any preference?”
“Whatever you’re having. I’m not picky.” She gave him a look that said she included him in that comment.
He laughed and left, returning with two drafts. “Here, Ms. Picky.”
She smirked and took the cup he handed her. “Thanks.”
They ate together in quiet, watching the people around them. A few families with small children. Couples, a group of men arguing over football and a bunch of teenagers enjoying the crisp fall air. A huge fire blazed in the very center of the yard, while a few propane heaters around the outlying tables provided heat.
“I like this.”
She glanced at him and nodded. “Me too. It’strescasual.” She smiled. “I bet you’re wishing you had your camera with you.”
