Page 26 of I Knew You Were Trouble

“You’re supposed to be a badass, remember?”

“Right. I take the offer back!”

He laughs that too-loud laugh, grabbing the attention of a girl our age on the other side of the trees. She’s smiling super wide as she eyes him up and down. She’s totally checking out his butt.

I follow her gaze—completely involuntary—and then jut my eyes to the ceiling.

Pete has a great butt. It’s now imprinted in my brain. Yay… that’ll be fun for me.

“What you got there?” He gestures to the clothes hanging from my hand. Oh good, he didn’t notice my subconscious ogling. “Not exactly your style.”

“That’s the point.”

“Too impatient for my makeover advice, huh?”

Yes. “What do you think?” I hold it up to myself. “Does it say I’m shutting down the party or joining in?”

“I don’t think it matters what I think.”

My smile drops. “That’s what all guys say when they don’t want to say what they think.”

“It is a safe answer.” He adjusts the box on his shoulder, his neck turning a little red. “Well, I’m gonna cart this up to the front. See you on Saturday?”

“If we can switch shifts, yeah.” We both work Saturday, but maybe he hasn’t seen the schedule yet.

“I figured we’d do lessons in the morning. Unless you’ve got plans.”

“Sort of… but you can help me with them.”

He smirks. “Elaborate.”

“I have to take the horses out. Stretch their legs a bit.” It’s my payment for the mortgage. Every Saturday morning I head to the stables and take care of Mona Lisa, June, and Pearl. Dad really is super easy on me.

“For real?” His eyes light up, and I’m reminded of when I told Mom I was going to art school. She was ecstatic. “Mind if I bring someone?”

“Elaborate,” I say, using his word.

“Maddie loves horses. And she could use a good day.”

“Are all brothers like you? Because where do I sign up for one?”

“So it’s okay?”

“Sure. But warn her that I’m in training, and anything I say or do can’t be held against me in first impression status.”

“You got it.” His face turns redder by the second. He really should either check out or put the box down if he wants to chit chat some more. “Though, you’ve already met.”

“We have?”

“I’m gonna let you think about that.” He turns, and I duck so I don’t get whacked in the head by a Christmas tree. “See you Saturday.”

“If not sooner!” I call at his retreating back. “I’m going to be playing around with my schedule.”

“Just don’t disappoint Tanner again!” he shouts across the aisle. Great, even he knows that Tanner won’t be too happy with me if I decide to swap.

I’ve got art class tomorrow after work. If things go as badly as they did last time, forget Tanner’s unrequited feelings. I’m going to need as much time with Pete as possible if I’m even going to have a chance with Zach.

Candace

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