Page 7 of Show Off

“Wait.” My brain shakes off lust fog long enough to snap some pieces in place. “You’re not afraid of dogs.”

“What?” Lana blinks up at me. “Of course not. Mouse is adorable.”

“And you’re not drunk.” I rewind the last few minutes in my head. What am I missing?

Lana cocks her head. “Obviously.” With a little laugh, she gets to her feet. She’s smoothing her hair as she stands, and her eyes dart to my chest. “Not drunk at all. Just happy to see Mouse. Glad the garden looks great. What about a photo shoot at sunset?”

Something’s not adding up.

I glance at the ground and see the mug she dropped when she tripped. Scooping it up, I study the words.

Don’t tell me what to do unless you’re naked.

Desire stirs asI give it a sniff, but the mug just smells like coffee. Lana’s cheeks flush as I hold it out.

“I’mnotdrunk.” She snatches it back. “Thank you for your concern.”

“Sure.”

Something’s off here. Or maybe my senses are all out of whack. The soft peachy scent of her hair, the warmth of her skin. It’s all conspiring to confuse me.

“Why did you tell me to zip up my pants?” I’m wearing shorts with a long-sleeved T-shirt tied at my waist. I got sweaty on the bike ride, but I’m conscious now of Lana’s gaze on my chest.

Her throat rolls as she swallows. “I was joking.” She throws in a laugh that’s almost convincing. “Making sure you’re camera-ready forPeoplemagazine.”

“People? I thought you saidEntertainment Weekly.”

“That’s what I meant.” Her smile seems way too bright. “You’re okay doing press, right?”

“Whatever.” I don’t love it, but fine. Something’s still not adding up. “How long were you standing here?”

“Not long.” Her smile’s all sunshine, but her posture’s off. There’s a tension in her shoulders that I might’ve missed if I hadn’t spent months watching her march across campus on pink clouds of cheer. That’s Lana Judson—sunshine in human form. Some magical blend of sweetness and fire, daylight dipped in darkness. It’s a contrast I can’t put my finger on, just like I can’t catch what’s missing here.

Lana stuffs the mug back in her bag. “So I’ll go ahead and pitchEntertai?—”

“Hang on.” The pieces click as I replay my words from the past five minutes. Holy shit. “You thought I was fucking someone.”

“What?” She sounds suitably horrified—by the language or what I’ve implied? Her laugh rings way too shrill. “Wow, Dal. Maybe don’t say stuff like that to the reporter, m‘kay?” She’s shaking her head, still smiling like I’ve said something wild. “Okay, so I’ll get a group chat going with you and Tia and Nick to find a few interview times that work for everyone.” She’s dusting off her knees, all business now. “I’ll send talking points beforehand about the origins of the gardens, all the work you’ve done to keep it organic, plant native species, protect pollinators, et cetera, et cetera. Any questions?”

“Yeah.” I fold my arms, certain I’ve hit the mark. “You really thought I’d bring someone to a public garden for sex?”

Her cheeks go pink, but she doesn’t back down. “That’s quite the imagination you’ve got there.”

Nuh-uh. I’m right and I know it. “Does it suck to always be spinning some angle?”

Lana blinks. Just once as her mask slips. “Yes.” Her voice is almost a whisper. “Yes, Dal.”

Wait. “Yes it sucks, or yes you thought I was?—”

“It sounded like sex, okay?” She’s flustered and I shouldn’t love it. “I couldn’t see you at first, but all I heard was, ‘You like when I rub there?’ and ‘Go ahead and lick it,’ and ‘I need you to come when I tell you to.’ Then I spot you with no shirt on and what was I supposed to think?”

My mouth quirks. “Mouse chased a rabbit and didn’t come when I called. You heard me reprimanding her.”

“By rubbing her belly and giving treats?” Lana stares me down like it’s some sort of standoff. “In that case, remind me to piss you off.”

“Because you want a belly rub?” I shouldn’t like the thought of that. Something else pings my memory as Lana goes back to brushing dirt off her shorts. “Or should I tell you you’re a good girl?”

Her chin tilts up as her ears redden. “Let’s just stick to the talking points, shall we?”

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