Page 52 of Unruly

It doesn’t explain this stupid grin on my face every time I think about the way he says Darlin’, his out-of-this-world confidence, his green eyes that catch even the slightest hesitation in me, or the way he says my name.

Just … everything.

I groan, tilting my head up toward the fluorescent lights and let my arm holding the small primer can fall by my side.

“This is embarrassing,” I mutter, and fortunately, there isn’t anyone around to hear me.

It’s not a thing.

It’s absolutely a thing.

It’s not.

Then why are you smiling right now?

I immediately stop smiling. Traitor.

By the time I’ve narrowed it down to two options for primers, I am no closer to making a decision than I was when I walked in.

“Need help finding anything, miss?”

The voice catches me off guard as I glance up from the two cans in my hands.

“Ryan?”

His grin appears instantly. “Well damn, Halle. I was wondering if that was you. Long time no see!”

I chuckle. “You could say that. What’s it been … since senior year? How have you been?”

“Pretty good—just working here. What about you?”

He has no fucking clue.

We weren’t exactly friends in high school, but ran in enough of the same circles that being sarcastic is probably the bad option here.

“I’m just doing lots of house renovations lately. It’s time to take on the kitchen cabinets, which is why I’ve been standing here.” I gesture to the rows of cans and two in my hands.

His gaze drops to my fingers on my left hand briefly, expression shifting just enough.

“Well, if you’re doing cabinets, neither of those are good for that.” He takes them both from my hands, fingers brushing mine, before placing them on the shelf and grabbing a new one. “You need this instead—works the best and keeps a good even base.”

He sets the can into my cart.

“Awesome. Thank you so much!”

“Anytime, Halle. Also, not to be too forward, but if you ever need a hand, or want some company, I’d love to come see you,” he says bashfully.

In an almost failed attempt, I keep my tone even and don’t roll my eyes. “Thanks but no thanks, Ryan. It was nice seeing you, though!”

Before he can say another word, I turn and take off down the aisle to the register out front to purchase it all.

That was almost awkward as fuck.

My phone buzzes in my pocket as I make my way to the front, the sound shooting straight through me. I don’t have to look to know who it is, which is a little ridiculous.

I get in line and pull my phone out, seeing I’m right, and my stomach immediately does something embarrassing.

Cash: