"You know, this isn't the first time I've received that feedback," hemused.
"Not surprising," Imurmured.
Cole returned to his menu, humming and quipping as he reviewed The Galley's seemingly infinite seafood offerings, and he didn't notice Annette Cortassi approaching ourbooth.
Annette was sweet like maple syrup, and I believed her picture was in the dictionary right beside the entry for "girl next door." She was the best of the best people and this town was better because she was part of it, but she harbored the belief that she could flip me like a split-levelhouse.
She was convinced we'd end up together as soon as I gave her a fair chance, and I was convinced she was delusional in that regard. I didn't think she took any specific issue with my sexuality but I was certain she saw me as subject to the power of herpussy.
The implication that I'd abandon everything I knew to be true about myself was rather insulting, but she'd learned that trick from my mother. It drove me crazy, but I chose to ignore Annette's advances. I didn't hold them against her either. No reason to make an issue out of it when I was sure she'd get the hint soonenough.
My mother was still getting the hint, but that was another issue for anotherday.
"Quite the pleasant surprise to see you this evening," she said when she stopped at our table. "I never see you out after sunsetanymore."
Her fingertips trailed over my shoulder, and I bit back the desire to shake her off. She met my scowl with a sunny smile that glowed with real warmth, and then turned her attention toCole.
"Is this the new deckhand I keep hearingabout?"
"I prefer fishery intern," he replied, offering his hand. "Cole."
"Cole," I said, gesturing between him and Annette. "This isAnnette—"
"Such a pleasure," she interrupted, taking his hand between both of hers. "It's wonderful to have you here, Cole. I hope you're enjoying your time in theCove."
Jealousy flared hot and fast, and I wanted to snatch his hand away fromher.
"Annette owns the bookstore around the corner," I said, not allowing him the time toreply.
It was rude but I didn't care. He was here withme. We were having dinnertogether. This wasn't an opportunity for this town's single women to rub all over my friend. My deckhand. Houseguest. Whatever the fuck he was, he was mine and nottheirs.
"That I do," Annette chirped. "I can get you anything youwant."
Cole leaned back against the booth as he blinked up at her. Then his eyes flicked over her body. It was quick. If I hadn't been watching, I would've missed it. I wish I'd missedit.
"Anything, huh?" he asked. "That'simpressive."
"Anything at all," Annette replied. "You name it, I'll getit."
"It's funny," he started, his knuckles running along his jaw, "I can't remember the last time I read a physical book. I'm an e-bookconvert."
Annette offered him a patient-but-mostly-impatient smile. "There's nothing like holding a book in your hands," she said. "Maybe you could stop by some time, and we can have a little chat about your interests. I might be able to recommend something new. Something you didn't expect you'denjoy."
I was ready to flip the table. Just lift that fucker up and throw it across the fucking room. And then I'd tell everyone listening that he was moaning inmyear night last night, afterIgave him permission. It was my name he was calling when he came because he belonged tome.
I'd do it, too. I really would. I couldn't sit here and watch all these days of falling for a man who wasn't meant for me come crashing down because the town sweetheart whipped out her vagina and wielded that thing like a Venusflytrap.
"I'll keep that in mind," Cole said. His tone was pleasant, almost fond. As if he not only knew what she was implying but was actually making note of herinvitation.
The hell youare.
"What about the book you're getting me?" I asked, dragging her attention away from him. "Where's my special order,Annette?"
It was such a fucked-up move. I didn't want her—of course not—but the attention she was paying Cole had me seething withjealousy.
"Oh, don't you worry, sugar," she replied, reaching out to squeeze my forearm. "It's due in next week." She tapped her chin and pursed her lips. "Come see me a week from Thursday. It should be in by then. We can take a look at the new arrivals, too. There are a few you might like. I'll set them aside. Wouldn't want anyone getting to them first." A group of women called to Annette from the bar, and she waved to them in response. "I have to get back. It's girls' night. You know how itis."
"Not really," I saidflatly.
