“What’s going on, Ms. Frazier?” Susan asked in alarm.
“I just lost track of time, Susan, and I forgot I told your mom I’d have you back soon.” Olivia lied, hoping both girls would cooperate and come with her. She didn’t know what she’d do, if they ignored her. Ivy was too big to pick up and carry. Olivia didn’t want to start an argument either drawing attention.
Ivy eyed her, like she didn’t fully believe her, but then an idea struck. “How about after dropping Susan off we stop at the diner for some pie?” That should do the trick. Ivy had a wicked sweet tooth that Olivia couldn’t divulge into often.
“Deal,” Ivy practically jumped up and down excitedly.
“Great, let’s go.” Before Heath decided to come after her, trying to lay on more charm.
She would ask Kathy about picking up some more hours. The quicker she raised the money, the sooner they could leave town. Always stay on the move.
Once you start running, you’ll never stop.
Olivia just didn’t see another choice.
Chapter 8
“What happened to your date?” Mike asked, holding a container of nachos piled high with toppings.
“It wasn’t a date.” Heath quickly denied. “I don’t date.” Even though, it had kind of felt like a date. Strange, he had been with countless women, but never once had he spent as much time talking to one, as he had Olivia. Even Nadine, didn’t really know about his parents. So, why had he told Olivia?
He told himself it was because she had been scared on the Ferris wheel, and he was trying to distract her, but he knew it for the lie it was. He felt a closer connection to her.
“Is that what you told her, so she tried to drown you?”
Heath was baffled by Mike’s accusation, until he followed Mike’s gaze to his soaked shirt. Oh yeah, he had forgotten about that.
“That’s from bobbing for apples.”
Mike raised a brow. “You went bobbing for apples?” Mike was trying to hide his grin but failed.
Heath punched him in the arm almost making him drop his food. The guy had quick reflexes and saved it. “Loose that smirk. It’s not what it looks like.”
“You stalked the woman for a month and came to a carnival for her. I saw you two going to the booths, and even the Ferris wheel. That was a date, Hawk. Plain and simple. You can’t deny you like her.”
“What the hell, man? Were you spying on me?” He didn’t know why, but the thought of his friend watching him with Olivia pissed him off.
“I wouldn’t say spying, but I did watch her. I have nothing else to do here.” He said, looking around at the masses of children running by. The two of them did stuck out in the crowd.
“Maybe ask if they need a clown.” Heath grumbled.
“You should check out the petting zoo. I think they’re in need of an ass.” Mike fired back.
Was he being an ass? Maybe a little. “So, why were you watching us?” Heath asked again.
“I wanted to see her.” Mike shrugged. “The other guys will, too.”
“That’s not going to happen.” He had never introduced a woman to the team, nor did he have any intention of introducing a woman to his friends. Especially, a woman he didn’t plan on seeing for long. Olivia was just the next woman in his life, nothing more. There was no point in introducing her to his friends. How would he explain that one? ‘This is Olivia, and I only plan on seeing her a few times then never again.’ No, there would be no introductions.
“Why not? Maybe, she’s the one.”
There was no such thing as the one. It was something made up for fairytales. So, what if he felt a connection with her. They would eventually get bored of each other.
“Well, maybe not after the way she ran away from you. She couldn’t get away fast enough. You really must be losing your charm. First Linzy, and now this lady.” Mike chuckled.
Heath didn’t find the humor. “I’m not losing anything.” Olivia was just timid. He had almost had her right where he wanted her, until that guy bumped into them. The bastard ruined his plans. It was okay. Heath would see Olivia at the diner tomorrow, and everything would be back on track. He just had to put on a little charm, and voila, he would be back in business.
“Says the man who is standing at a carnival with me, while your lady ran off with two other people.”
