Pressing my lips into a line, I nod.
That’s it. That’s the issue.
We agree too much.
The absence of a challenge is a wet rag on the miniscule amount of attraction I had for Mallory.
Laughing at my idiocy, I fold my hands in front of me and evaluate Mallory once more. She is beautiful, no doubt. Fun. Smart. Agreeable.
But I think I like my women a little… less agreeable.
A feisty blonde takes center stage within my thoughts, and I swallow the budding lump in my throat.
“I like you a lot, Mallory, I do, but…”
She holds up two petite hands. “Say no more. There’s no romantic spark. Just the kindling of a sweet friendship. To be honest, I thought I was ready to date, but I don’t think I’m as ready as I thought I was.”
Breath exits my body, an easy smile slides over my face, and we slip into political conversation. We continue chatting throughout the rest of our dinner, and though the conversation is stimulating and we have a lot in common, no spark ignites.
I search for it in her laugh, in her smirk, in her body…
But nothing.
No “I have to kiss you right now” chemistry.
No challenge to be met.
When I hug her goodnight beside her car, there are no feelings of wanting to do it again or to not let go.
Not like when Emma Jane was in my arms or on top of me—
A knock at my driver’s window thankfully pulls me from my inappropriate memories that need to be exorcized from my brain.
Which is not a word I need to think of, especially if I want to keep thoughts of Cami and her awful past at bay…
She never would tell me what happened during her time away, before she moved to north Mississippi, but I knew the pentagrambranded into the back of her neck was nothing good. Couldn’t be removed. We tried. The best we could do was tattoo colorful wildflowers over the nefarious brand, but even then, she refused to wear anything that revealed her neck while she was in public.
A shiver runs down my spine.
“What’s up?” I ask Mallory. She points to her car.
“It won’t start. My engine light is on. Do you think you could give me a lift home?”
“Of course,” I say, right as a call from Marcus comes through. I answer as she gets into my truck, and he asks me to come over to talk about something he’s conflicted about. I agree, but I want to change vehicles if I’m going to go out to Hartfield. “Where do you live?”
She tells me, and it’s past my place. “Do you think we could stop at my house so I can switch vehicles? I’m going to visit a friend out in Hartfield after dropping you off.”
“Not a problem, as long as you aren’t trying to take me home…”
Heat crawls up my neck at the insinuation. “Uh, um, no. I’m not that kind of man.”
“I know.” She laughs, settling into the passenger seat. “I was just teasing. You’re a great guy. I hope we get to work together politically one day. Let me know how I can help out with your campaign, okay? Oh! Actually, I have an idea if you’re up for it.”
I crank the truck. “What is it?”
“You’re worried about losing because you’re single, right?”
“Yes.” I cut my eyes to her as I pull out of the restaurant’s parking lot.
