“You told me very clearly that you weren’t interested in her, and that I could ask her out.”
Fair. I did say that. I need to think about the best way to take it back without him realising that I’m trying to take it back.
“I asked her out for dinner and she said yes.”
Can I punch a fireman? Or does that count as assault on a public servant?
He stretches his arms out along the back of the sofa and relaxes – the dickhead – watching me in complete confidence.
Okay then, Hayes. Let’s lay our cards on the table.
“Keep your hands off her.”
He raises an eyebrow, scrutinising me.
“And yourskills. Keep those away from her, too.”
“You don’t even know what skills you’re talking about.”
“That’s true, I don’t; but the women around here seem to appreciate them. I’d like to think that the headmistress doesn’t fall into this category.”
“Why?” he says, challenging. His eyes never leave mine, his chin lifted.
“Because I like her.”
He flashes me a small smile.
“And you know it. You knew it from the beginning. So don’t pull that stupid face.”
“I can’t have known that when you didn’t tell me, Kerry. I can imagine, though – maybe you need to do something to prove it to everyone. To yourself.”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
“It wasn’t a date.”
“What?”
“It was more like a business meeting.”
“Are you kidding?”
“Absolutely not.”
“You son of a—”
Tyler laughs, getting up from the sofa and heading towards the kitchenette. He opens a cupboard door and pulls out a bottle of whisky, waving it in my direction.
“It’s the least you could do,” I say, letting my body crumble onto the sofa.
He comes back over to me holding two glasses, and sits down.
“But you needed it.”
“I’m not even talking to you.”
I throw my whisky down in one gulp and grimace as it leaves a burning trail down my throat. I’m not used to this stuff.
“Maybe a little… But don’t let that make your ego even bigger!” I warn.
