Page 24 of The Overdue Kiss

His thumb caresses my skin. “That’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said about me.”

“I brought drinks,” Reese says cheerfully behind us, her attention so focused on not spilling the full glasses that she doesn’t see Des and me jerk our hands away from each other. “Two boring waters and a pink paradise for me. Look what Tristen added.” Glittery flakes swirl in the bubblegum-colored liquid.

“That can’t be good for your digestive system,” Des says, frowning.

“Then don’t drink it, Mr. Stick-in-the-Mud. Let me enjoy the little things, will you?”

His cheeks turn the color of Reese’s drink. “Sorry.”

“It’s fine.” She spins in her chair to me. “I’m sure mybig brotherhere has already informed you of what a disaster I am and how he always has to come clean up my messes. If it wasn’t for him telling me to not drink every second of the day, I’d probably be drunk on the floor in my own vomit.”

Des recoils from her verbal blows.

“Actually... he was just saying how proud he was of you for getting your six-month chip.”

Reese’s jaw clenches like she’s itching for an argument. “Of course he did. Even when I’m sober, I’m still a screwup. Why do you have to be so perfect all the time?” She snatches her drink and shoots to her feet, storming away. Her shoulder bumps into a tall man with an eye patch. She says something before joining a group of ladies by the pool table.

The man rubs the back of his neck as he approaches our table, his tool belt rattling with each step he takes. He glances at Des, then does a double take when he sees me sitting next to him.

“Uh, is Reese all right?” the man asks, frowning. “She seems to be in a mood.”

“Irritated at me again, but that’s nothing new.”

“Should she be . . . here?”

Des shrugs. “She says she’s fine. I’m trying to be supportive. Don’t tell her, but Tristen is keeping a sharp eye on her tonight. He won’t let her drink again. I was hoping it would save me from being the bad guy, but it appears I’ve already offended her.”

The man nods, then clears his throat, his eyes flicking to me.

“Oh, this is Maya. She’s the one they sent to update the library. Maya, this is Holt. He’s one of the guys I ride with and the universal handyman for Rocosa.”

“Another gang member?” I ask, trying my best to hold a serious expression.

“Still not a gang,” Des says and turns his attention to Holt. “Sit if you want. Not sure Reese will be coming back.”

“No, I don’t want to interrupt. I wanted to make sure your new Smart Board is working properly.”

“Oh.” Des waits a beat, mixing the ice in his drink as he thinks. “It is... but you know I can’t accept it. It’s too expensive.”

“You know Chris. He doesn’t do little gestures. But out of everyone, you deserve it. Being a teacher isn’t easy, and most of the time you don’t get the resources you need. Especially with the historical society vetoing any potential update we need. Chris said if you needed anything else, just send him a text and he’ll make it happen.”

I quickly take a sip of my drink so my nosy self doesn’t start bombarding them with questions.

“I’m fine,” Des responds, his cheerful demeanor evaporating. “I don’t need handouts.”

“Not a handout—a donation for the students.”

Des’s jaw tightens. “If I think of anything else, I’ll let him know.”

“Hey now, don’t shoot the messenger. Also, don’t forget to check the chat. We are planning on riding after you get off work tomorrow if you can make it.”

“You know I’m always down for a ride.” Des turns to me and asks, “If you want to join us, you can.”

“Oh, I’m at the library all day tomorrow. But maybe next time? It was really fun.”

“I’ll hold you to it.”

The intensity of his stare stirs up those dormant butterflies again, and I bite my lip to keep the cheesy grin off my face. His eyes flick down at the movement and take on a metallic color.

---