Page 28 of Nerdelicious
My face heats. “It’s not what you think. We drove together so I can’t leave until all of that,” I circle a hand, “is done.”
“Well, it should be what I think. It’s weird if it isn’t.” She sighs. “If only I was fifteen years younger...”
Ranger’s head pops out again. “If you were fifteen years younger, maybe you could count that till faster.”
“You’re more than welcome to take over, Ranger.”
He disappears again.
I finish cleaning the bar and head back to the office to grab my stuff, taking my time, going to the bathroom and washing my hands and splashing water on my face to help get rid of the greasy, dirty feeling. Working in food service leaves a film. Not to mention, the longer I take, the more likely she’ll be gone when I get out and I won’t be forced to watch Beast with his... paramour.
But it doesn’t matter.
She’s still here. Beast’s ears are red, the back of his neck flushing as Caroline pulls away from doing something. Hugging him? She walks out the door. But she doesn’t do something as pedestrian aswalk, she sashays like she’s on a runway, hips swaying, dress flipping up with each step to expose perfectly tanned and shaped calves.
She casts one last sultry glance under her lashes before exiting.
The ride home is silent, like it always is. But there’s a palpable tension in the air. It’s probably all in my head. When I tilt my head to eyeball him covertly, he’s the same as always. Serious. Staring straight ahead. Focused on the road.
I practically leap from the car when he stops, yelling good night and heading straight up the stairs for bed. I don’t want to know if he’s still downstairs or if he’s left to meet her. As far as I know, he hasn’t actually gone anywhere with Caroline, outside of their conversations at the bar, and I really don’t want to know.
But after I’ve washed up and gotten under the cool sheets, I can’t sleep.
I grab my phone to check my email. Maybe I’ll have a job offer for millions and I can leave Blue Falls next week and never worry about anything again. To my surprise, there is a new email. It’s from the job I applied to last week. My heart jumps for a moment as I scroll over the words.
Thank you for your submission. Unfortunately...
Ugh. One of thosethanks but no thanks, position has been filled by someone much more qualified and better lookingletters.
I’m more relieved than upset. It was an entry-level human resources job. I don’t even know why I applied, except it seemed like something that wouldn’t need a specific degree. But even the junior positions are out of my reach.
I toss my phone on the nightstand and flip onto my side in an attempt to get comfortable.
My stomach gurgles. Staying up late all the time has a way of increasing hunger. I made some hummingbird cake for Grace and Granny yesterday since it’s a Southern recipe Scarlett has used before at the food truck. I figured they would like it. I wonder if they left me any. It sure does sound good right about now.
Only one way to find out.
The light is on in the kitchen, casting a glow into the entry. Someone else is awake. I wouldn’t put it past Grace to be up late hacking into some kind of illegal server or whatever. Doing shady shit stirs up the appetite.
But when I make it to the kitchen, it’s not Grace, it’s Beast.
He’s leaning back against the counter, phone in hand, dressed in a grey cotton tee and darker grey sleep shorts.
“Hey. You want some cake? If there’s any left.”
If he’s surprised to see me, he doesn’t show it. He’s pretty engrossed in the phone. But he nods.
I grab two plates from the cupboard and open the fridge. Goose bumps race up my arms from the cool air. I should have grabbed my robe. I’m only wearing flimsy shorts and a tank top. But it’s too hot for anything else, even with the AC.
“Milk?” I set the cake next to his elbow at the counter.
He nods again.
The glasses are up high in the cabinet and I have to stretch to reach.
I set them down and turn around to grab the milk. My gaze meets Beast’s, and his eyes flick back down to the phone in his hand.
Was he... checking me out?
