Tessa cut her eyes over at Paul.
Paul shrugged. “Two years ago I spent a week in Japan and wrote a story on Mt. Fuji and the cherry blossoms. I learned other random info too.”
“I bet everyone wants you on their trivia team,” Tessa joked.
“If they want to win, they do.”
Paul cradled Huck Finn and talked to the fish in Japanese phrases while Tessa tried to call Lily but was sent to voice mail. “Lily, call me, please. I need a place to stay for a little bit. Call me. Please. Soon. Okay, call me,” she said again before disconnecting.
“You think she knows you want her to call you?” he joked. “Sharing the apartment is still an offer on the table until you find a new place. I hear the couch is comfortable.”
She rolled her eyes. “Tempting, but no. My mama doesn’t approve of me staying with strange men.”
“I’m notthatstrange,” he said. “Besides, what she doesn’t know won’t kill her.” When Tessa’s mouth fell open, he laughed and added, “I’m kidding, Ms. Tessa. I wouldn’t want to tarnish your reputation. Is that even a thing anymore? Can you still sully a reputation?”
Tessa opened the front door. “In the South you can,” she said with a sigh. “We’re still holding on to some of the most antiquated traditions, and here I am, still upholding them.”
“Mob mentality. How’s that working for you? I still say we don’t have to tell your momormine, and if you promise not to get handsy with me, I’ll let you stay.”
“Is that a fear of yours? That I’ll get handsy?” she asked boldly.
Paul laughed. “I’d say it’s less of a fear and more wishful thinking.” He winked at her, and she blushed so hard she felt like she was having a hot flash.
To alleviate the awkwardness, Tessa walked briskly out onto the porch and turned to look at him. “Coming?”
He nodded. “I almost hate to leave this place. But we’ll be back. I have afeeling.”
Tessa snorted. “Maybe it’s indigestion.” As she started the car engine, she said, “Speaking of mamas, we should probably get you back to yours.”
Paul let down his window. “They’re fine. They’ll be working all day. I’ll just be in the way.”
Tessa let down her window. “I think that’s the point. They’d probably be happy if you werein the wayall the time.” She glanced over at him, and he gazed out the window at the wind rustling through the dogwoods lining the street.
“And you’re an expert on what my parents want?” Paul asked.
An edginess coated Paul’s words. It rippled over her skin like oil in a hot cast-iron skillet. His mirth rushed out the window on a gust of wind that filled the car with the scent of dying roses.
“Not an expert, no,” Tessa said cautiously. “I just think they’re fond of you, even though I can’t imagine why.” She smiled at him, hoping to lighten the somber mood that draped across his shoulders and pulled his mouth into a frown.
His cheek dimpled. “I think it’s my roguish good looks and rapier wit.”
“And no doubt your humility.”
Paul laughed, jostling Huck Finn in his arms, as Tessa pulled away from the curb. The sound of Paul’s laughter shivered across her skin, and a part of her wanted to get used to the feeling.
Chapter 11
Spicy Scrambled Eggs
JustbeforelunchTessaparked behind the diner and turned off the Great Pumpkin’s ignition. She heaved a sigh before unbuckling her seat belt. She kept imagining the bulldozer driving across Honeysuckle Hollow’s front yard.
Paul got out and leaned back in through the open car door. “You’ll let me know what you decide?”
“About what?”
“The slumber party,” he said with a smile.
“Sure.” She grabbed her purse and heaved herself out of the car. “Enjoy time with your parents. I’m going right now to secure my room and board for the night, which willnotbe at the apartment.”
