Page 35 of Small Town Frenzy
His eyes pivot back to Griffin, and he asks, “Dropping off Ms. Dover and then exiting the property?”
“Just as the lady said.” His charm is laid out, though I know Joe well enough that it won’t go far. I’ve known him for about ten years now. He can be protective, if not overly sometimes, and judges any guy I bring home. Sounds ridiculous even to me since I’m a grown woman, but I know it’s from the good of his heart, so it’s okay.
I catch the way Griffin is studying Joe. For someone so cocky, I didn’t take him for the jealous type.
Joe leans down and nods at me. “Have a good night, Cricket.”
“You too, Joe. Good night.”
Griffin says, “Good night, Joe.”
With one foot in the hut, he shoots Griffin a hard glare. “Drop-off only, Mr. Greene.”
He salutes Joe, and as soon as the crossing gate rises, the truck is already moving forward. Griffin says, “I have a feeling Joe isn’t looking out for you from the good of his heart but from a part that’s lower.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Um.” His eyes dart between the road and me twice before he looks at me like the answer is obvious. Openinghis mouth, he closes it again, but then says, “Good to know you’re safe here.”
“Aw.” His caring about me makes my heart clench. “That’s sweet.”
Leaning over, he rests his elbow on the console and raises an eyebrow. “Must make it hard to date or have someone stay over.”If he only knew . . .
“It’s not something I’ve dealt with in a long time, so it’s not a concern.”
“How long?”
I point off to the side in the distance. “Take the first right and follow the curve of the road left just after the bend.” He’s looking around as he slowly cruises the property. When he looks at me in anticipation, I reply, “Maybe college since I brought someone home.”
“And since someone stayed over?”
No need to lie. The truth comes easily on this one. “Not ever in this home. A boyfriend back in college once or twice. That relationship didn’t stick for long. It’s up on the right.”
His eyes widen as he looks through the windshield. “Nice house.”
“Thanks. It’s . . .” I look out the window at it when he pulls up to the front. “I’ve enjoyed having the space.”
“Looks big.” He glances at me. “Do you get lonely being out here all alone?”
Guilt sets in, as I’m holding on to a lie about my son instead of being honest. I pop the door open. “Thank you for tonight and for driving me home. It was completely out of your way.”
“And I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Reaching over, he asks, “When can I see you again?”
“I have a busy few days ahead. My cousin and I aremoving our office to a new space on the second floor. I imagine I won’t be good company when I’m tired.”
“How about I give you my number. When you’re ready, just give me a text and I’ll take you out.”
When I hand him my phone, I take the time he’s busy to admire him. There’s no denying the man is gorgeous, but seeing who he is tonight makes him even more attractive to me. He’s not a monster or an asshole. Griffin seems like a good guy. He makes it so much harder to keep this secret. I say, “Hey, I?—”
“I’ll see you soon, okay?” He leans over and kisses me. It’s too quick and way too sweet, but I like the way his lips feel against mine, and I hope we can find the time to connect again.
“Okay.” I hop down to the ground and shut the door. Backing onto the curb, I stand tall and raise my hand. “See you around, Greene.”
He about levels me with a hit of his smile, weakening my knees. “See you around, Dover.”
I turn to walk inside, though the pull to him is stronger than my will. I can only hope he drives away before I give in entirely. I reach the front door and watch his taillights disappear around the bend. As soon as the truck is out of sight, I go inside.
I almost slept with him. I would have if he hadn’t put the brakes on. “God, Cricket, what are you doing?” I should feel shame for how I behaved, but I can’t muster the energy. I head upstairs and pass the guest room where Judy is sleeping. Since she left the door cracked open, I shut it and go to the next room in the hall. Jacob’s.
