Ugh, he’s right. I soften a smidgen and blow out a confirming breath.
“Do you need me to show you where you can work or something during the day?”
“No. I’m currently unemployed, on a sabbatical, trying to figure out life, yadda yadda, whatever you want to call it. I made a deal with my old company when I left, so I can weigh out my options for a little. I’m about to finish a nutrition course, but that’s online, and I’m practicing recipes.”
“Hmm, I could see you as a nutritionist.” He walks past me to the fridge to grab a soda. “Want a drink?”
“No, it’s okay. But I should get some water for Pickles.” We both look at my dog who is standing in the middle of the kitchen panting.
Spencer angles his head to study my pet. “Does his eye always twitch?”
“Yes. I adopted him from the shelter. He's older, so nobody wanted him, but he is a big softie and a good dog.”
To my surprise, Spencer grabs a bowl and fills it with water. He is already confusing me with his effort. I thought he would tell me to get it myself.
He sets the dish down. “You can have any of the guest rooms.”
I stare at him with a neutral face. I thought for sure he would take the opportunity to reference that night, but he doesn’t, and I’m not sure why that disappoints me. Shaking off the thought, I get us back on track.
“I’ll take the room farthest from you. It will be less enticing to strangle you in your sleep.”
He rubs his face in aggravation. “Your maturity level needs work.”
“Well, you do bring out the best in me.” I plaster on a fake smile before walking past him. When I reach my suitcase at the bottom of the stairs, I clear my throat, indicating for him to carry my bag. I’m going to make the man work because we are in this mess because of him. Plus, seeing his muscles flexmaybe a bonus.
Spencer scoffs and reluctantly follows me until he purposely leans over to grab the handle and grazes my body in the process. He is doing that on purpose, right? I mean, his shoulder touches my arm, and the smell of his freshly shampooed hair hits my nose. Something inside of me feels heightened.
“Remind me to find my handcuffs in case you get out of line,” he mentions before heading up the steps.
Leaving me to picture the thought in my head.
* * *
Of course,Spencer speeds along the road to the general store. I guess what man wouldn’t when you have a Jaguar like this?
“When is your lawyer updating you on the situation?” I ask as I look out the window.
“I have a call with Celeste tomorrow. I think she works with your mother, as they are in the same firm.” He focuses on the road with his hand on the wheel.
My lips roll in from the thought of my mother finding out about the video. “Yeah, she does. Since I know she has client confidentiality then I won’t worry about her telling my mother. But make no mistake, this goes down as the worst one-night stand in history, hands down.”
“Let’s maybe not get into it while we approach the sharp turns around the lake.”
“Fair point.”
He glances to his side real quick, I see it in the corner of my eye. “I forget that Lake Spark is your family spot.”
I smile to myself because it’s true. “Well, I’ve been coming here for years. My mom and uncle always visited, and then Hudson bought his house, so Lake Spark became a frequent visit. Then my best friend decided to become his wife. I don’t need a map for this area, as I’m here often enough.”
“Good. I can just let you be and not worry about you getting lost in the woods or something.”
I shoot him a glare. “Touching.”
Arriving at the general store, I know it’s anything but a basic stop. This place is a gourmet supermarket for all the people of Lake Spark who enjoy paying an arm and a leg for almond milk.
Spencer and I get out of the car, and I grab a cart that I pass on to Spencer.
“I need to get a few things,” he says as we enter the store and land right in the produce area.
