"Hmm." I can't adjust my earring again, that would look too obvious. I settle for picking an invisible piece of lint from my top. "Were you and Cecily ever involved?"
Hugo makes a face, like the question is abhorrent. "She's my friend's sister."
"So?"
"Friends don't date their friend's little sisters."
"Umm, I think you are very wrong about that."
Alarm widens Hugo's eyes. "Why? Did Vivi say something?"
"No, but I don't think it's uncommon." It's cute watching him be a protective big brother.
So cute, I decide to needle him some more. "Vivi is a grown woman though. She can do what she wants. Withwhoshe wants to do it with."
Hugo has caught on, and he inspects my face with a shrewd gaze. "You're messing with me, aren't you?"
I can't help the grin spreading across my cheeks. "Maybe."
Hugo reaches out, pinches my hip bone. "Troublemaker."
I wiggle my eyebrows. "I solemnly swear I am up to no good."
Hugo laughs. The phone in his pocket dings with a text message. He drops the hand from my hip so he can read the message. He frowns at the screen, and the private bubble we're in pops. "The mill manager is asking where I am. I better get going."
Hugo strides for the door, pausing once he reaches it. "Mallory, I think you should know that green is a great color on you."
He chuckles and walks from the house.
Maybe green is a great color on me, but right now, my cheeks are nothing but red.
Chapter 29
Hugo
"Mom?"I pop my head into the kitchen at the big house.
"Back here," she yells.
I'm walking through the living room to find her when she emerges from the office. Aunt Carmen follows behind, wearing her eyeglasses and holding a pad of paper, pencil poised above it.
She reads out, "... Proud owner of a sexy cardigan collection, Ralph spent his Friday nights country dancing with two left feet and romancin' the ladies."
"Cute," my mom compliments about my aunt's latest obituary. She turns an appraising eye on me. "Hugo, are you here to tell me about the young lady you have staying in your home?"
Aunt Carmen whistles. "Busted."
"It's Mallory," I explain to my mom.
She gives me a droll look. "I know."
My eyebrows raise teasingly. "If you know, why are you asking?"
"To my knowledge, Hugo, you have never brought a woman to your home."
I rock back on my heels. "You would be right about that."
Her eyebrows lift too, imploring me. "The man who hasn't allowed a woman to step foot in his house, has one staying in it?"
