Page 92 of When You Were Mine

“Okay, see?” She sounded triumphant. “You should not be alone in a bedroom with another girl.”

“Especially one as pretty as Precious Grace Olson?”

“Okay, now, you’re just winding me up. She was not that pretty.”

“She was the Wind River Queen two years in a row.”

“Well, then, you should’ve dated her.” She had that fire in her eyes that got him all stirred up.

“I never wanted her. I only ever wanted you. And did you forget that she smelled like Bill Oberlansky’s puke that night? There was no canoodling, I can promise you.”

“Well, that’s true. Okay, you win. But you still broke the attic window and chased me around my house in the middle of the school day.”

“The window was already broken. I just finished it off.” Which was why he’d wanted to earn enough money, so their families didn’t have to live like that anymore. “And it was hardly a chase.”

“Gee, sorry if I couldn’t outrun a six-three man with zero body fat.”

“Or maybe you wanted me to catch you so you could run your hands all over this zero-body fat chest of mine. Hey, Elz.” He started to unbutton his shirt. “Remember that six-pack you used to lick?”

She burst out laughing.

But the smile faded when a woman approached their table. She leaned over and said, “I know this is so bad, and I should leave you alone, but come on. You’re Trevor Montgomery. I’ve loved you longer than I’ve loved my husband. I know you’re not wearing your kilt, but can I get just one little selfie? I promise not to make a scene or draw attention to you.” She squeezed into the small booth beside him and handed her phone to Elzy. “Will you please take one?”

He hated the interruption, hated the way a fan turned Elzy into an outsider. This woman had popped the bubble of intimacy, and he didn’t like it. But the only alternative to taking the selfie would be to put Elzy in the picture, and if the media found it, they’d track her down and station themselves outside her house. So, he smiled, and the woman thanked him and quietly slipped away.

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.” She seemed okay with it. “You’re a movie star. I’m sure it happens all the time.”

“It rarely happens in Calamity.” How did he get them back on track?

“But this is a good opportunity to get the inside scoop.” She leaned across the table and whispered, “Commando or boxers?”

“Sweetheart, the whole world wants the answer to that. You think I’m giving it up that easily?”

She laughed.

“Well, there you go. Looks like I just bought myself more time with you.” He motioned to get the server’s attention. It was time to hit the road where he could be alone with her.

Chapter Fourteen

While Trevor drove,Jessica pretended to be engrossed in something on her laptop screen.

But she wasn’t seeing words or colors or pendant hanging lights.

She was back in the café.

You’remy calling.

Of all the things he’d said over the past two days, that was the one that hit home.

I don’t care how it sounds. I don’t care what anyone thinks. The only thing I’ve ever wanted is to be with you.

He’d changed the landscape when he’d said it with such plain-spoken, raw honesty.

It rocked her world. Because if she believed him—and she did—it meant… Well, it meant they’d have a future.

If she wanted one.

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