“Hey, Maud,” I say, setting the paper bag down betweenus. “Your book finally came in. I thought I’d save you the trip.”
She beams at me like I’ve handed her a winning lottery ticket. “You’re a star. I’ve been dying to read this one.” She leans closer. “It’s the one with the Scottish duke who pretends to be his own twin.”
I nod, pretending to listen, even as my skin prickles. Because I’m so aware of him it isn’t funny.
I risk a glance his way. He’s there, a few feet away, talking to Asher, the light catching his dark hair. Our eyes meet, and for a second, I swear I can still feel his teeth on my neck like he wants to taste me. And then he looks away. Cleanly and deliberately.
It feels like I’ve had a bucket of cold water dumped on my head. For a moment, I forget how to breathe.
Yes, I made it clear it was a one time thing. And yes, I was the one who walked away earlier, but it hurts that he’s now doing it too.
God, I’m such a hypocrite.
Maud carries on chatting, blissfully unaware that my dignity is lying somewhere on the floor between us. “I’m a sucker for Dukes,” she says dreamily. “They’re always so… rich. And grumpy, but I’ll take that with the money. Better to be rich and unhappy than poor and unhappy.”
I blink, trying to catch up. “Right. Rich Dukes. They’re the best.”
She nods, clutching the bag to her chest like it’s a treasure. “I’ll report back on which twin she ends up with. My money’s on the one with the scar. Women always go for the difficult ones.”
My laugh comes out thin and shaky. “Ain’t that the truth?”
Behind me, I hear the low rumble of Zach’s voice as hesays something to Asher. I don’t look again. I can’t. Because I already know what I’ll see. A man who can touch you like he’s starving one morning, and act like you’re invisible by nightfall.
“I’ll leave you to it,” I tell her, because I actually have two more deliveries to make before I can head to bed. I know they could wait until tomorrow, but I also know the pain of waiting for a book. “Don’t stay up all night reading.”
She laughs, like she’s definitely planning to do just that. “See you later, Sadie.”
I turn, planning to leave without looking at him again, but then my voice is called out, but by the wrong brother.
“Sadie.” Asher’s voice is warm and easy, cutting through the bar’s noise.
I pause, forcing my shoulders to relax before I turn toward him. He’s smiling, that Fitzgerald charm on full display. “Hey, did you know Francie’s on the mainland today for a signing?”
“Yeah, she told me. How’s it going?”
“Look at this,” he says, getting out his phone. “The line is around the block.” He shows me a photo of avid readers patiently waiting for the signing to start. He looks so proud it touches me. “She refused to let me go with her because she thought it would be a bust. Next time I’m not taking no for an answer.”
“You should definitely go next time,” I tell him. “She’s a huge hit.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I feel Zach’s presence like it’s weighing down on me. But I don’t give him the satisfaction of a glance. He wants distance? Fine. I can match that stride for stride.
I smile at Asher, steady and calm. “Tell her good luck from me. I’m heading home. Early start tomorrow.”
“Get home safely.” That’s Zach. So the man can talk? Who knew.
I smile widely at him. “I always do. I’m a strong, independent woman.”
His lips twitch, like he’s fighting a smile. “Pretty sure that’s what all the horror movie heroines say right before the monster chases them.”
Oh, so we’re doing this. I lift a brow and press my feet firmly against the ground.
“I don’t run in the dark,” I tell him, refusing to break eye contact. “And if I did, I’m pretty sure I could outrun the monster. Unless I let him catch me, that is.”
Asher frowns, completely oblivious to the undercurrent between me and his brother. “Why would anybody let the monster catch them?” he asks.
Zach looks down at his beer. “Why indeed?” The way he says it, low and thick, reminds me of earlier. Of his words, his touch, his damn teeth.
“Maybe she likes the rush,” I tell Asher, ignoring his brother. “Just as a one time thing. Like scratching an itch and walking away.” I flash him a smile. “I have to go, I have a couple more deliveries to make.”
