Page 53 of Make Her Mine

Thank God.

Zach says, “Sure. See you around.”

“Maybe,” Jefferson sighs.

“I’ll wave from my front porch,” Zach tells him.

Jefferson stops mid-turn.

I almost groan. I need to get back to the table where I can spit this thing out.

“What front porch?” Jefferson asks.

“I’m staying in Mrs. Dixon’s house for the week,” Zach says.

Jefferson frowns. “Since when?”

“About three hours ago. I was renting the Kastenbaum house, kind of an Airbnb thing, but the AC went out. Fortunately for me, the Dixons are out of town visiting their daughter and grandbaby in their RV. Of course, someone knew that instantly, and was able to get a hold of them. They said they were happy to let me stay in their place.”

I want to growl. The Dixons live across the street and down one house from Jefferson. That means Phoebe’s suggestion about me staying with Jefferson is an even bigger deal. Zach will be driving right by Jefferson’s place all the time, and he’ll see if my car is in the driveway or not. Hell, he’ll be able to look out his living room or kitchen window and keep track of us coming and going. He’ll know exactly when I’m there, when I’m not, and how often Jefferson and I leave or return together.

Well, fuck.

What’s Ray doing? He’s the heating and air-conditioning guy in town. Can’t he go over and fix the AC at the Kastenbaums?

“Okay then. Let me know if you need a cup of sugar or anything,” Jefferson says.

“Yeah. Ditto,” Zach says. His eyes land on me. “I guess I’ll be seeing you too. “

I nod. “Yep.” I hope it doesn’t sound like I’m holding a piece of food in my cheek.

Jefferson turns and guides me back to the table, his hand on my lower back, in clear view of Zach, who I am sure is watching us walk away.

As soon as we get to the table, I step in front of Jefferson, quickly reach for his napkin and spit the Brussels sprout out.

Jefferson chuckles.

“I will be getting you back for that,” I tell him.

“Can’t wait, Lily,” he says, pulling my chair out for me.

Then he looks at the end of the table with the parents. “And what’s going on at the Dixons? They weren’t gone as of yesterday.”

“They just decided to go visit their daughter this afternoon,” Adrianne says. “Isn’t that such great timing?” Then she looks at Phoebe and they both start laughing.

Joe just smiles. Mason shakes his head.

Great. The parents ‘broke’ the Kastenbaums’ AC and then made the Dixons leave town?

Well, if I wanted help pulling a fake dating scheme off, I’ve got it. Maybe more help than I want, in fact.

CHAPTER 12

JEFFERSON

I have my hand on Harlow’s low back, escorting her out of the restaurant after dinner when I see Zach and a couple of friends lingering by their cars.

I don’t know what they’re doing. It doesn’t matter.

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