Page 35 of Best Served Cold

“I see,” he says, frowning. He gives me a sidelong look that invites me to speak, to share everything. That penny feels like a reminder, though:If you tell him, something bad will happen.

After a moment, he says, “It’s just a penny that fell from someone’s pocket or wallet. Gravity made the decision. It doesn’t mean anything other than what it is.”

“Says the man who writes song lyrics.”

He shrugs a shoulder and grabs the penny up off the ground.

“You shouldn’t have done that,” I say, hating the stupid quaver in my voice.

“Because now its bad luck will be attached to me?” He’s giving me a challenging look, and suddenly I’m very aware of being alone with him.

“Yeah,” I say softly. “And I think I’ve decided I like you.”

He pockets the penny. “I’ve decided I like you too. Which is why I’m going to prove to you nothing bad will happen to me for collecting that penny.” He smiles as he studies my face. “You think I’ve really jinxed myself now, don’t you?”

Yes. No. I don’t even know anymore. “You think I’m being silly.”

“Maybe. But it turns out you’re still charming when you’re being silly. Lucky you. We can’t all make that claim. I just turn into an asshole.”

I smile at that, but I still feel an itch at the back of my brain, a worry. That he and Hannah and Briar and even Otis might be better off if they stay away from me and my bad luck. The thing is, I don’t really want them to stay away.

Rob looks like he’s about to say something else, but then my phone buzzes in my purse. And buzzes again before it starts ringing. I’m not an animal—my phone is almost always on silent—but I know it’s ringing because the buzzing is more persistent. So I pull it out and check.

I frown at him, then glance at the back door. “It’s Hannah. Maybe something’s wrong inside. We should go see.”

“Let’s.”

I’m deeply aware of him as he falls in behind me, as his finger grazes the small of my back, guiding me away from a stump that definitely would have sent me flying.

We reach the back door. When he opens it, I immediately hear Hannah’s voice saying the wordprick.

Rob shrugs. “We could always leave from the back,” he says with a half-smile.

“We’re not scoundrels,” I say, which makes his smile upgrade to a grin.

“Sure, but let me go first.”

I probably surprise both of us by allowing it. We walk inside, and I gasp when the tasting room comes into view ahead of Rob.

Hannah is standing in front of her stool, facing off with Jonah, who thankfully has his back to us.

“Oh bless my heart,” I say, since no older Southern ladies are around to say it for me.

I guess I should have checked my messages.

CHAPTER TEN

ROB

What the hell is Jonah doing here?

Wait a minute…

He’s obviously struck out with Hannah and Briar. Is he here to make a play on GingerBeerBabe?

What a total douche.

The old rage fills me, more self-righteous in flavor, because it’s not just for myself this time.

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