Page 69 of Salty, Spiced, and a Little Bit Nice

“How come you’ve never told me about this spot?”

“My deepest apologies.” Alec placed a palm over his heart, his expression contrite. “Shall I make a list of all the places I frequent for your approval?”

Rolling my eyes, I took out my pump and bolused for the food. “Your mother ever told you that sarcasm is unbecoming?”

“Sarcasm? Who,me? I’m offended.”

We were at a lookout area, on one of the highest points of Port Benedict. A few other cars were nearby, their passengers sitting on the hoods, chatting and enjoying the view. Glittering stars liberally dotted the night sky, and beneath us, Port Benedict and the bay lit up, showing off its beautiful, sparkly lights.

Alec opened the tailgate of his SUV, and we both sat there cross-legged, opening a brown paper bag filled with burgers and fries. He’d kept his promise—we left GPG after an hour, apologizing profusely to Jacqui. We only had finger food at the party, andwe were both still hungry, so Alec had suggested grabbing some burgers and stopping here before going home.

“The view is gorgeous.” I tore open the packet of ketchup, squirting it into a puddle.

“It is, isn’t it? I come here when I need some peace and quiet.” He pulled his burger from the bag, unwrapped the greasy paper, then bit into it.

I unwrapped mine, while following and tracking his movements from the corners of my eyes. Never had I thought that the simple act of eating a burger could look so sexy, but I couldn’t stop watching him. A dash of sauce smeared his lips, and he used his thumb to wipe it, then sucked it clean, sending a jolt of lust reverberating throughout my body.

Taking a deep breath, I silently recited the Stay on Track Plan. For a few minutes, it worked, because I successfully convinced myself he was off-limits and this was not real and it was ending in a matter of weeks andI should just concentrate on my damn food.

But then he had to open his mouth.

“We need to talk. About my last message.”

I picked up some fries and dunked them into my puddle of ketchup, which had suddenly become very interesting. “Which one?”

A pause, then, “About how you were my childhood crush.”

Points to him for being upfront about it. My heart started to round up the brass band players. “What about it?”

Pointsto mefor being so blasé about it.

“I feel like I should clarify. Clear the air.”

Nope, screw being blasé.

“Okay, then clarify.” I shifted to face him. “Was that a joke? Because if it was, then you have a seriously warped sense of humor.”

His gaze never left mine. “Not a joke. I really did.”

The brass band began pounding loudly.Did.That was the operative word. He had been interested once, but not anymore.

“You had a funny way of showing it. You were so unfriendly, I thought you hated me.”

Alec barked out a dry laugh. “I never hated you. It’s my method of self-preservation.”

Jenna Ng, you’re a fucking genius.

“But that night, when I told you how I felt…” I trailed off, a thick lump suddenly forming in my throat, as the humiliation came searing back.Pull yourself together, Ellie.“You said you’ll never feel the same way, because I was nothing to you but Eric’s younger sister.”

“I didn’t handle that very well, did I?” He grimaced.

“Oh, you think?”

“I was wrong. I shouldn’t have said that.”

“I didn’t catch that.” Grinning, I placed a hand behind my ear. “Was that an apology?”

“It is.” He looked serious. “Eric knew I liked you. He knew that your mother never really warmed up to me, so he warned me that your parents would never approve of you being with someone like me. Someone whose family isn’t as affluent as yours, and because of my dad, too. So I promised him I’d stay away.”

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