“Why?” He bent to pick up his shorts. “We both enjoyed it, and neither of us want more than sex.”
He was right, of course, she didn’t want more, so why did it hurt hearing the words?
“No. I don’t want to do it again,” Lani said.
“Why not? Surely you’re not the happily ever after kind of girl? Because if you’re dreaming about that, I’m not your guy. But if you want some fun while you’re here, then I am.”
He looked cold and shut off now, and as she wore that particular expression most days, she knew what it meant.
“I’m not dreaming of happy ever afters, but neither do I want more. This happened, and we need to forget it. I promised Mrs. C I’d work the next two weeks, and after that I’m gone.”
“Sweet. So we know where we stand then. Sex, but nothing more.”
“No more sex,” she managed to get out.
“But you enjoyed it as much as I did, and now you’re going to be next door to me. Why not?” He sounded reasonable and unemotional, and again, she should be happy about that. “Why not scratch that itch when required?”
She’d been an itch?
“So I’m an itch that needs scratching?”
“That came out wrong—”
“No.” Lani backed away as he advanced on her. “No, it probably came out just right, and to be honest, I don’t want more… or any more sex with you. So thanks, but no thanks. Bye.”
“Lani, wait.”
Ignoring him, she ran back to the trail and down it with far too much speed. Tripping, she rolled. She couldn’t even make a clean exit without embarrassing herself. Buddy burst onto the path beside her, barking with excitement.
“Now you show up.”
The thud of feet had her scrambling to hers. Noah was following. She ran as fast as she could with Buddy following. Reaching the road, she slowed to a jog and hoped he didn’t catch her. Soon her sides were heaving. Buddy didn’t look like the exercise was bothering him.
The sound of an engine had her moving to the side and clicking her fingers so he followed. She then waited for a car to pass. It didn’t.
“Want a ride?” Hope lowered the window.
“No, thanks, we’ll just run.”
“Doesn’t look much fun, and there’s plenty of room in the back for Buddy.”
“If you’re sure.” Lani didn’t see Noah, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t appear. He knew those trails and likely a shortcut back to town.
“I am.”
Lani opened the back door for Buddy to jump in, then took the passenger seat.
Hope drove slowly down the road.
“Just out for a run?”
“I was walking the trails.”
“Nice place to get your head on straight.”
Lani made a humming noise and looked over her shoulder. At the speed they were traveling, Noah would be passing them soon.
“Who are you avoiding?”
