The man takes a step back and holds his arms up by his sides like it’s a stickup. “Sorry. Didn’t know she was taken.” He gives me an apologetic smile and walks to the bar.
I drop my fists on my hips. “Why did you do that?”
“Pretty Boy over there was getting a little too friendly.”
“So?”
Lucas slides his hands into his pockets. “Just thought you didn’t need any attention—you know, in case he recognized you.”
“He didn’t recognize me. Your interruption wasn’t necessary. Or did you have another reason?”
“What other reason could I have?”
I shrug a shoulder. “You tell me.”
He’s the one who zeroed in on my lips and was staring at me from across the room. Could he be jealous? I mentally shake myself. Surely not.
He averts his gaze for a second. “There’s no other reason.”
“If you say so.”
“I do say so.” Then he swings out his arm in the man’s direction and says, “He’s all yours.”
He turns to leave, and I stop him by placing a hand on his arm. He turns back, glances at where I’m touching—the muscles hardening under my palm—and he looks at me with a raised eyebrow.
“I don’t have the energy to deal with another man right now. All I want to do is get the key to my room and go to bed.”
He calls out to Alison. When she approaches us with a pissed-off expression aimed at me, Lucas tells her I want to go to my room.
“I’ll show her the room, and I’ll be right back. Then we can head over to my place.” Alison fiddles with the collar of Lucas’ t-shirt.
“Allie, as much as I’d love to come over, I’m beat. All I’m good for is sleep. I’m going to head back to the cabin.”
Alison pouts her bottom lip. “Are you sure? I promise when you’re home with me, you won’t want to sleep.”
Oh please! Alison makes me want to gag. Doesn’t she care that I’m standing right next to her overhearing everything she’s saying? Obviously not.
He removes her hand from him. “Not tonight.”
Her face hardens. I bet she’s not used to rejection.
Well, this is it. It’s time to finally part ways with Lucas. I hold out my hand to him. “Thank you for all your help. I know it hasn’t been easy for you. So I really appreciate it.”
When he takes my hand to shake it, the connection sends a shock of electricity through my arm and sizzles into my chest. My gaze snaps up to meet Lucas’ eyes, and they lock on mine. Did he feel the current too? Is his chest warming up like mine? My heart is beating rapidly, so I pull my hand out of his grip, andI take a step back. Like putting distance between us will break the connection. It didn’t work. A slight sizzle is still charging my body.
Lucas clears his throat. “You’re welcome. Good luck with everything.” Turning to Alison, he says, “Bye, Allie.”
There’s no mention of seeing her again. Or arranging another night to meet. That doesn’t mean that they won’t. He said he’s in Oaks Valley for a few days, so there’s plenty of time.
I watch Lucas leave. I’m not as happy as I thought I’d be to see him go. Probably because he was there for me during my time of need. As much as I hate to admit it, it’s hard letting him go.
“Get your bags,” Alison demands as she walks toward the room.
I hurry to the booth and take the handle of my luggage and fling the strap of my purse over my shoulder and quickly follow her. She unlocks and opens the door to the room. Stepping inside, the air is thick with dust, and it clogs my throat. The light turns on above me, bathing the ugly, dingy room with brown, peeling wallpaper in a dim, flickering, yellow glow.
“How many days are you staying?” Alison asks. “Because payment is upfront.”
“Arrh…” I’m not sure I can stay one night. “Maybe four or five days.”
