I scoff. “They lied to you.”
He shrugs. “That may be, but again, you were staring with that dreamy look.”
My lips part, and I suck in a breath. “You! You are so full of it. If I was looking, which I wasn’t, it was to make sure you haven’t grown horns yet. Since you are evil.”
His grin does not make me feel gooey inside. Not at all. Not even a sliver of goo. I’m all solid.
Lies.
“Whatever you say, Gatlin.”
I glare at him. “I say you should shut up and do your job.”
He laughs. “See, I’ve still been making boxes while you’ve just been there slobbering over my good looks.”
I hate him.
It’s official. Whatever stupid feelings of desire I had floating around are gone. I don’t have a single inkling of it.
I point the tape dispenser at him. “It’s a good thing I liked your wife or I’d…”
“You’d?”
I groan at my stupid mouth and the need to get the last word. “I’d tape you to the chair and then tape your mouth closed!”
“I might like that,” he says, his voice low and gravelly.
Before I can say anything else, the door opens. “All right, you two, you have reinforcements, but, Lark, I know you have to get going,” Suzanne says as Angela and Tammy Draven enter. They are both a few years older and have kids that are Sadie’s age.
And here is my cue. “Yes, I do.” I lean in and kiss Suzanne’s cheek. “You’re going to pay for this.”
She grins. “I expect no less.”
I go to grab my wallet, but it’s not where I placed it. Instead, Tristan is holding it in his hand. I have no choice but to acknowledge him now. I take the offered wallet, our hands touching, and I swear I feel it all the way to my toes.
His eyes find mine, and I see something very familiar swirling there. Something like desire, but mixed with loathing. “Lark.”
“Tristan,” I manage to say without a shake in my voice.
“I’m sure I’ll see you around.”
“I’m sure you will.”
Then I walk out, my legs quaking.
This is bad.
So, so bad.
Chapter 5
Lark
“You’re serious?” Jeremy asks from across the table in the Patty Melt Diner, owned by Miss Patty and Mr. Bob. “You’re ending things? Over this?”
I figured a public place might be a little better location to have this conversation rather than anywhere near my brothers.
I’m really not all that great at confrontation, and all of this is so awkward. “It’s more than just the storm, Jeremy. We’re not interested in the same things, and I really don’t fit in with your friends or family.”
