Page 31 of My UnTrue Love
“Clementine Miner.” She squiggled her palm into the three-inch opening between the door and the jamb. “Great to meet you.”
He didn’t shake her hand. “You shouldn’t be here.” He said in a colossally unwelcoming tone. “What do you want?”
“I wanted to meet you. I heard you were living here by yourself.” He really wasveryyoung. She pegged him at no more than sixteen. Clem gave him a compassionate look. “I lost my parents, when I was about your age. It’s so difficult to be alone.”
“Does the hardass know you’re here?”
“Who?”
“The coyote next door who scares the shit out of everyone. You have his scent all over you.”
She pulled her hand away. “I do?” She gave her fingers a surreptitious sniff and didn’t smell anything unusual. She lacked shifter senses, though. “I guess that’s because I’m his new roommate.” She pointed towards 2C. “Once you get to know Bill, he’s not at all scary.”
“Roommate.” The kid repeated, stressing the second syllable. “That’s what he’s calling it?”
“Well, I’m also his manager. Bill’s a musician.” She beamed. “Just like you.”
The boy didn’t take a hint and pick up that perfect segue. “Does he know you’re here?” He asked again.
“Of course he does.”
The kid regarded her silently.
Clementine relented, because those odd eyes were seeing right through her. “Does Bill know I’m here right thissecond?Not exactly. But he knew I’d come see you eventually.”
“Doubt it, since I’m still alive.”
Her eyebrows compressed. So many people seemed to have an issue with Bill, for no reason at all. It was very strange. “Bill isn’t dangerous. He just stays to himself, because he’s like you.”
The kid shook his head emphatically. “No, he’s not.”
“Sure he is! Bill is a little shy, and wary of strangers, and used to being misjudged.”
“Shy.” The boy repeated.
“Yes. He’s extremely sensitive. Most artists are. If you get to know him, you’ll see how wonderful he is.” Clementine spotted another opening. “I’d love it if he could make some new friends, actually. People who share his musical gift.” And the kid obviously needed someone looking out for him. From what she could see of him through the narrow opening of the door, he was far too thin. “Maybe you could come for dinner sometime.”
“I’m busy.”
“I didn’t even suggest a day, yet.”
“Whenever it is, I’m busy. And you shouldn’t be here.”
“Why not?”
“You just shouldn’t. Especially wearing what you’re wearing. Your ‘roommate’ won’t like it.”
“What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?” She had plans to go chasing after Bill later and she needed to look her best. “Do you think he’ll hate this outfit?”
Sadly, enticing stubborn roommates didn’t come naturally to Clem. She’d spent too many years deliberately trying not to attract male attention. She’d wasted an hourpicking out “I’m the girl you want to marry” clothes, but she wasn’t sure she’d quite achieved her goal.
She wrinkled her nose, plagued with self-doubt. “Do you think this skirt would look better with sandals?” She had an expensive pair of Herring Box heels in her closet that she only wore on special occasions. Chasing a cowboy qualified, right? “Maybe I should switch to sandals.”
One silvery brow rose a fraction of an inch. “Lady, no one’s gonna be looking at your shoes.”
“Oh, Bill will. He’s very observant.” She paused for a beat. “At least I hope he is.” She could use a male perspective on her developing feelings for Bill. This kid was a far better choice than her brothers. “Can you keep a secret?”
“No.”
