Page 38 of The Kissing Part
“Thank you,” she says with a small smile and heads upstairs.
Owen returns to me. “Finn says he won’t flirt if she doesn’t want him to, but he’s still convinced there’s something between them. I think he inherited his mom’s romantic nature. Poor bastard.” Finn’s mom is Hailey, the wedding planner and self-proclaimed love junkie.
“He’ll make some woman very happy one day,” I say.
Owen grunts. “I know move-in day is tomorrow, but you can’t stay here until I’ve got the whole place secured. You’ll need to stay at the hotel another night. It should be ready by Monday night or Tuesday night at the latest.”
“I’m not missing my first night with my honorary sisters,” I say.
He clenches his jaw. He does that a lot around me. “You hired me to do a job, and that’s what I’m doing.”
“It’s been more than a week since Matt’s done anything. Maybe he’s moved on.”
He lets out a breath. “That’s wishful thinking.”
I rub my temple. He’s not wrong.
“If you insist on staying here, then I’m staying here too,” he says.
I brighten, the words tumbling out rapid-fire. “Why didn’t you say so? You can sleep on the couch downstairs. I’d love that. I was going to ask you anyway. It makes the most sense, and actually, I thought that might’ve been your intention all along since you rejected the bodyguard we were going to hire. Which is fine since we have you.”
“Fine.”
“Great! And then I’ll hire a new guard, and you can go back to your work.”
“Absolutely. Mackenzie says things are moving forward with the DC project. It’s going to the next level of committee for review.”
“Good for you.”
I run out of steam and just look at him mutely, glad he’s sticking around. His eyes are intent on mine, and something shifts in that moment. A tension shimmering in the air between us. It’s not angry. It’s more…potential.
I take his hand and give it a squeeze. “I’m really glad you’re here. I hope—” My voice catches as he leans down, his lips mere millimeters from mine. My heart hammers, my breath quickening. It’s happening. It’s finally happening.
He eases closer still, our breaths mingling. My eyes close, my entire body vibrating in anticipation. I sway toward him; the heat between us is palpable. Finally, he’s—
Gone.
I open my eyes to find he’s backed off.
He smirks. “I know why you really moved to town.” He swaggers over to Cooper.
I scowl. Faking me out with an almost kiss!
I want to yell it wasn’t because of you! But there’re too many witnesses to give in to a fit of temper. I’m here for my friends and to feel normal for once. Living the small-town life in Clover Park is exactly what I need.
Someone needs a dose of reality.
10
It’s move-in day! I stand on the front porch and direct some movers to where a rug should go. It’s really happening. I’m going to have a real home with friends who’re like family. Unlike my lonely house in LA or the many temporary hotel rooms I call home.
I let out a happy sigh, turn, and freeze. There’s a beige car parked across the street, and the man inside stares directly at me. My heart’s in my throat. He’s wearing a hat and sunglasses, so I can’t see him clearly, but the intensity of his stare tells me it’s Matt.
Olivia comes out. “Your bedroom is set up. Do you want to take a look at the furniture arrangement? I think—Shayla? Why are you frozen like a statue?”
“That man,” I say under my breath.
She texts while talking to me at the same time. “I can’t tell from here. Is it Matt or a pap?”
