Nope. She wasn’t about to turn around where she’d no doubt come into contact with Zach again. “I’ll just bring it with us.”
Wes jerked his chin toward her house. “Do you need to lock the door?”
Well, that would make sense but not when Zach might think she was backing out of the date if she turned around. “Um, I’m having some construction done, and there’s a worker inside. I think it’s okay if I leave it unlocked.”
Wes lowered his head the slightest bit. “You’re sure it’s okay to let a stranger stay in your house while you’re gone?”
Wasn’t that the million-dollar question? Also, wasn’t it ridiculous that the man who ruined her three years ago now thought he could warn her away from good men and remind her of her shortcomings?
“No, I’m not sure it’s a good idea, but I’m really hungry. At this point, there isn’t really anything he could take from me that I’d miss.”
17
Zach
Zach’s heel tapped a quick rhythm on the wooden porch. Lauren had been out with her date for hours and hadn’t bothered answering any of his messages. The least she could do was let him know she was still alive.
His breath billowed into a thick fog as he clenched his fists on the armrests of the rocking chair. It was thirty degrees outside, but he wasn’t about to give up his post.
How could she be dating? Had she been out with this guy before? Where had she met him?
The more important question was what it meant for him. He didn’t have any delusions that she’d be interested in him, but no guy with two brain cells would let his girlfriend anywhere near Zach.
That meant he’d get the boot soon. It wasn’t a surprise, except that it was. He’d gotten used to seeingher every day. He liked watching her sit on the couch with her legs bent beside her while she read or studied in the evenings. He liked the way she bossed him around and called to ask if he wanted to come over for dinner.
Good grief, they were friends. They’d becomefriends, and he hadn’t seen it coming.
If only his feelings were as tame as the friend zone.
The rumble of a truck approached, and Zach kept his seat despite the urge to jump up and make the cowboy disappear before he hit the driveway. His heart hammered as the vehicle slowly pulled in front of Lauren’s house.
He’d turned into a statue, and if Lauren and her date had noticed him, they didn’t make any quick moves to say their goodbyes. If only he could see through the darkness in the cab of the truck.
Okay, they’d had long enough. He got to his feet, ready for whatever his body decided to do on instinct, when the guy stepped out of the driver’s side and walked around the vehicle. Lauren was holding onto his arm and carrying a red rose when they made their way toward the house. Her soft laugh drifted through the night as she walked arm in arm with Mr. Perfect cowboy.
Did he want to rearrange the guy’s face or rip his arm off? He’d decide when the time came. Either way, the wrangler wouldn’t look half as good if he scored a second date with Lauren.
The melodic sound of her laughter died when shenoticed Zach standing on the porch. The light behind him cast a long shadow over the yard and loomed perfectly over her date.
Mr. Steal-Your-Girl quickly shoved Lauren behind him and whispered to her, “Get back in the truck.”
That was cute. He thought he was protecting Lauren. If anyone was going to be protecting her, it would be Zach. End of story.
Zach stepped to the end of the porch and crossed his arms over his chest. “Please spare us your embarrassment and get out of my sight.”
Lauren pushed against her date’s arm. “Zach, what are you doing?”
The man turned his head slightly but didn’t take his gaze off of Zach. “You know this guy?”
“I’m your worst nightmare,” Zach said.
“Oh, shut up,” Lauren spat. “Yes, I know him. He’s the man I’m about to kick into next week.”
Her date touched her arm as she passed him. “Are you sure you’re okay? I would feel better if I stayed until he leaves.”
Lauren’s shoulders sank, and her chin lowered. She looked tired, and Zach was no doubt the cause of it.
“I’m fine, Wes. Thank you for a wonderful date. I hope this hasn’t scared you off.”
