Page 10 of About That Pact

He gave her a cocky grin. “Because he wasn’t your sweetheart—and we both know it. If anything, our moms are wondering why you hauled my ass out here. That was all you, not me.”

“I seriously can’t stand you!”

The warm wind brushed across them, blowing her hair across her face. When she pulled her hair back, Rafe moved her so it was now her against the shed. Naturally, she swiped at him, but it didn’t change their stance.

“How much can you not stand me? If this is something written in stone, you are definitely not going to like my first favor.”

Now, her eyes were on fire.

With her hands on her hips, she looked ready for battle. “If it has anything to do with being in your vicinity, then yes, you’re right, I’m not going to like it.”

“A deal is a deal.”

Her cheeks turned pink. “I’m well aware you always cash in.”

“What are you doing tonight?”

Her eyes widened in surprise. “Not that it’s any of your business, but after I leave here, I’m meeting my friends for drinks.”

With her posted against the shed, he leaned closer, loving her citrus smell. “Then it looks like I’m meeting your friends for drinks too,” he whispered in her ear.

She stilled, then lifted her chin and pushed her shoulders back. Her hands were on her hips, not willing to take any nonsense. “No.”

He fought the urge to brush her hair away when the wind picked up again. She was stubborn and refused to move, but he knew it was driving her crazy. She had always hated not being put together and in control.

“Screw it,” he muttered, softly tucking her hair behind her ear. It was only because he had to see her reaction. Shock value and all. Whenever they touched, which wasn’t often, there was always a jolt.

Charlotte smacked his hand away. “Screw what? And if your mind goes to the gutter, I will knee you so hard, you won’t be able to have kids.”

“I have so many comebacks for you, but for the sake of my future children, I will keep my mouth shut.”

“Wise choice.”

“My first favor is I’m spending tonight with you.”

Apprehension, then dread, washed over her face. “Why? Is there no one else who can tolerate you on a holiday weekend?”

“Not when you’re my favorite person to annoy. Besides, you owe me five favors, and I don’t have plans tonight.”

She was quiet for a minute, hopefully not trying to figure out the best timing to knee him. He stepped back from her to be on the safe side.

“If we leave together, everyone here will talk about it,” she finally said.

It wasn’t a flat out no, so he would take it.

“They’re already talking about us. You dragged me away to a secluded area in the backyard and we’ve been hidden away for at least ten minutes. While I appreciate the shade from the shed, I can guarantee others are wondering what was so top-secret you needed privacy to speak to me.”

She dropped her head into her hands. “I don’t know why I lose my cool when I’m around you. You are possibly the most obnoxious person I know.”

Rafe pulled her hands away from her face so she had to look at him again. “I’m also a good time. Your friends will love me, and I promise to buy the first round.”

“Wow, you’re such a gentleman,” she sarcastically tossed back. Her blue eyes were judging him, as if he could never live up to her standards. Not that he’d ever tried.

“First time you have ever called me that. Come on, let me tag along tonight. We’ll have fun. I promise, if you want me to leave after the first drink, I will.”

“Fine, you can come with me. But if anyone asks why we’re leaving together, I’m going to say you badgered me to meet my friends.”

“Char, Rafe, what are you two doing back there?” Jason yelled, bursting their bubble of solitude.