I sighed, defeated. “Okay. Fine. I’ll rent your apartment.”
“Thank you,” he said.
“You’re insufferable.”
“I know,” he said quickly, not even denying it. “Afterthe Fair, we'll head back to my place, and I'll give you the keys.”
And then he walked away to help someone asking for a screening, as if he hadn’t just completely rearranged my life in two minutes during our conversation.
I let out a shaky breath.
I was so, so doomed.
CHAPTER 23
By the time the fair wrapped up, the sun was going down over the mountainside. Volunteers milled around, packing up displays, folding tables, and rolling carts of leftover supplies. The chaos of the day was dying down, and the last few families were drifting toward the exit with tired kids in tow.
I helped Macey stack the giant toothbrushes into a crate, then helped Shelby and Devin collect the last of the pamphlets. My body felt pleasantly worn out, and for once, I didn’t mind it. I’d actually enjoyed the fair more than I thought I would.
Across the tent, Erica, Jenn, and Jay were breaking down the screening station.
Our earlier conversation came back to me.
“You’re insufferable.”
“I know.”
I forced myself to look away.
Macey gestured to the last supply box. “I can take this in my car and just bring it to work on Monday.”
“Thanks, Macey.”
People were starting to say their goodbyes, calling out, “Great job today!” and “See you Monday!”
That was my cue.
I slung my purse over my shoulder and started across the grass toward where I’d parked earlier. A few cars down from mine, I noticed Jay’s truck, and with a small glance behind me, I saw he was about twenty paces behind me. A shiver went down my spine, and I quickly faced forward again. We were headed to the same place—the same house. I was going to be living in his home. Okay, his accessory apartment. But still.
I took a breath, trying to ignore his presence behind me, and reached into my pocket for my keys.
“Hope! Wait up!”
Tyler’s voice echoed across the lot, and I turned to find him running toward me. His cheeks were flushed from hauling boxes, and his hair was messier, falling across his forehead. He looked kinda adorable.
“Hey,” I said, shifting my purse to my other shoulder. “What’s up?”
“I didn’t get to say goodbye.” He slowed to a stop in front of me, suddenly sheepish.
“Sorry, I’m exhausted.” I gave him a tired smile. “I should’ve said bye.”
“No worries. It was fun hanging out with you today. I enjoyed it.”
“Yeah, it wasn’t what I expected. It was actually kinda fun to do something different from everyday clinic stuff.”
“Yeah, totally. Um, I was gonna ask you. The other day, when we were talking at work, you said you’d want to maybe hear me play sometime. Were you serious about that?” He gave a small laugh.
“I was serious.” I smiled at him reassuringly.
