Page 64 of Suits and Spark Plugs

“Big.”

“That’s a strange answer.”

“It’s a strange question. Do you often ask people about their showers?”

My mouth gaped open at him. “You’re a serious mental case. Like you can’t remember that the last time we talked it was about showerheads?”

“All I remember about the last time we talked is that you hugged me.”

We reached the diner and he stepped ahead to open the door for me. Our eyes caught and my hands got warm and tingly as I came to a stop near him, just outside the building.

“What, exactly, is the point of reminding me about that serious lapse in judgment?”

He leaned in until I could feel his breath tickle my ear. “It was a real nice hug, Livy.”

My throat felt thick, and I knew he could hear the way my voice changed as I said, “My name is Liv.” I leaned away and hurried through the door. “Find a seat, preferably in the section where I’m not working.” I dodged behind the bar.

“Which section would that be?”

“Pick one, and I won’t work there,” I growled, hating how wonderful it had felt to have his cheek brush against my curls and his fingers tickle my spine.

I made my way straight back to the employee lounge to leave my things, wash up, and get my apron on. When I came back out Kelly brushed past me on her way to get an order.

“Can you believe this weather?” she said. “Scott says it’s almost time to start planting a garden.”

I frowned, unsure I’d heard her right. A garden? That sounded awfully domestic. “You must really love this guy if you’re getting excited about gardening.”

“It has been the best month of my life.”

It was true that Kelly had a glow around her. While she remained true to her bubbly personality, there was a new peaceful confidence about her. Her eyes were lighter, her steps steadier, and the underlying desperation that had driven so much of what she did was gone. I was thrilled for her and told her so when I came to the bar to scan the dining room as part of my mission to avoid Connor. Thankfully he was in a corner booth that I could easily steer clear of.

“Your eyes just got all beady. What’s up?” Kelly leaned up against me and propped her head next to mine to try to see what I was looking at.

“I ran into Connor on the way in, and he’s being a giant irritant. Do you mind waiting on him?” I replied in a quiet voice.

She straightened. “Sure, no problem.”

“Thanks.”

“Although, I’m having a hard time picturing Connor being irritating.” She jokingly rubbed her chin as though thinking deeply over it.

“You were singing a different tune when he showed up at that basketball game the other day.” I grabbed menus to take to some customers down the bar and threw her a look over my shoulder.

“True. What did he do?” she asked when I returned with two empty cups needing a refill.

The sound of ice clinking into glass kept me from answering right away, but I still pulled a face and motioned for her to come closer. “He was talking to Levi Madsen at the post office and used me to get away. Then he said inappropriate things to me on the way back. Typical.”

Her voice was a whisper as she replied, “Levi? He’s been after Connor about something for a while now.”

“Connor probably dated his sister and broke her heart.”

Kelly shook her head. “Really, Levi’s sister? Isn’t she in her forties?”

“I thought you said he dates anyone who’s interested?” I turned away to finish refilling, hoping to hide the look on my face, because I knew I was being mean and lying all over the place. I didn’t actually believe those things about Connor anymore. But still...

“I said he doesn’t go after girls who aren’t interested. He’s looking for more than just a body sucking air,” Kelly stated. “And what do you mean he said inappropriate things?”

“Use your imagination, Kelly.”

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