Tally turns her entire body, leaning her back up against the door, and studies me. “Have you checked your phone in a while?”
I watch the way the moon makes her eyes sparkle. “What?”
“Your phone? Here, let me.” She reaches across the center console and pats my hip.
“What are you doing?” I grit out even as my dick throbs in my jeans. Her hand is too close, and my body doesn’t understand that she’s off-limits.
“Looking for your phone,” she replies as she continues to stroke my side.
I’m thrilled when I spot her sister’s bookstore and find a parking spot right in front. I pull in and park as Tally gives up her search. Then, hands on the steering wheel, I keep my focus forward. “Have a good night.”
“Hey, about what my mom said tonight.” The way Tally’s tone has changed from her normal teasing to something more serious, or maybe even nervous, has me pulling my attention to face her.
She sucks her bottom lip between her teeth before rolling it out of her mouth. My eyes flare. Hers almost seem to droop. “Is that going to be okay? Me helping you? I know you don’t trust me, but I’ll do whatever you tell me. I want this towork.” She reaches across the truck like she’s going to put her hand on my thigh, and instinct has me jolting back. She mimics the movement, practically hitting the door, and squeezes her fists.
“Tally, I—” Words fail me. I want to say I’m sorry. That yes, I can make this work. But I don’t trust myself right now, for a multitude of reasons. Most importantly, the secrets I’m currently keeping because her mom asked me to and the dire state of the farm. Also because her dad warned me to stay away. After all Gail and Peter have given me, I’m not going to be selfish just to make myself feel good for a night. I need to be stronger than that.
Tally lets out a heavy sigh. “Whatever, it’s fine. I’ll just stay out of your way. Thanks for the ride.” Her phone buzzes again and she lets out a hiss of air when she sees the screen.
My heart rate ticks up. “What?”
She rolls her eyes. “Just Eli being Eli.”
“What does that mean?”
She points to my phone, which won’t stop buzzing.
“What is this, and how do I make it stop?” I ask.
Tally snorts, and the tension from just moments before eases. She hands me her phone and, unlike mine, hers has names that go along with all the messages.
PENNY:Did you hear that Walker asked Mrs. Simmons to send him pictures?
FLETCHER:That doesn’t sound like Walker.
BABS:I don’t know. He’s a good looking man and he’s all alone in that big house.
RAYNA:That’s not true, Tallulah Darling is back. Remember? Bet you by the end of the Daffodil Festival they’re a couple!
ELI:Walker isn’t the only man in this town. Maybe she’ll end up with me.
ROSIE:Well, things just got INTERESTING.
STEW:Maybe if you played for Boston you’d have a shot, but a New York team? No way.
ELI:I DIDN’T CHOOSE NEW YORK THEY CHOSE ME!
RAYNA:Don’t use all caps in this chat young man. Use your manners!
ELI:Sorry Mrs. McGovern.
BABS:They just pulled up to the bookstore and they’re sitting in the car staring at one another.
My head whips up and I spot a group of Hope Harbor residents with their noses pressed against the window, watching us. “Ah hell.”
Tally’s lips puff out with a laugh. “I’ll see you back at the house.”
I shake my head right as another message pops up.
