Page 126 of Last Light

“Bet he thinks you are.”

“He does not.” I risk a look over at Travis and see him turning his head away. “We’re not joined at the hip, you know.”

“Maybe not. But sure seemed like you were together. And this morning you’re running like a rabbit anytime he gets too close.”

“I am not. That’s not what’s happening.” I rub my face and try to think about how to explain it. “We weren’t really together. Not like that.”

“You sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure. You make it sound simple, but it was never simple.”

“If you say so. I just like the guy. Think he deserves better.”

“Of course he deserves better.” Emotion hits me fast, making my voice break. “But it’s not like that between us. He doesn’t want people staring at us. He said he doesn’t want people thinking he’s a perv.”

Mack frowns again. “How old are you?”

“Um, do you know what the date is?”

“Not sure. Should be the beginning of August, I think.”

“Then I’m twenty-one.”

“So what’s the problem? You’re a grown-up. He’s a grown-up. Where does being a perv come into it? Seems pretty simple to me.”

“It doesn’t always work that way, Mack.”

Mack’s mouth quirks up. “Don’t see why not. But seriously. Even if you’re not all hearts and roses about the guy, at least be nice to him.”

“I am nice to him. I’m just trying to give him some space.”

Mack leans over with a glint in his eyes. This time I know he’s teasing. He murmurs into my ear, “Just how much space are you thinking he wants?”

I huff with amusement—just slightly wobbly because I’m still emotional about Travis—and I give him a friendly little punch on the arm.

The hardness of his bicep surprises me, making me blink and stare. “Damn, Mack. Your arm is like a tree trunk.”

He chuckles and flexes his muscle with a playful irony that’s impossible not to like. “You can admire it all you like.”

I’m about to respond when Mack’s expression changes. His eyes are focused over my shoulder, so I turn to look.

Travis is standing there, his face sober. When I meet his eyes, he says softly, “I think they’re gettin’ ready to start out. You ridin’ with me?”

I freeze, trapped by anxiety and indecision.

Almost everything inside me wants to ride with Travis. Where else do I belong?

But I’m supposed to be strong today. I’m not going to be clingy. I’m not going to make the rest of the world believe that Travis and I are a couple.

We aren’t.

“Oh,” I finally manage to say, forcing a smile I don’t feel. “I thought I might hang out with Anna this morning, if that’s all right.”

“Sure.” Travis glances from me to Mack. Then he gives a short nod before he turns away, walking back toward the Jeep, the dog trotting happily at his heels.

“Shit, woman,” Mack says. “That’s cold.” He draws out the last word way too long.

I give him another little push. “It is not cold. You have no idea what’s going on.”

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