Page 105 of Out on a Limb
My boobs would be as long as Cynthia’s and I’d have to dye my cupcake so he wouldn’t realize all my hair was grey.
I punched at the keypad on the main building and yanked open the side entrance, continuing my rant as I stormed through the gift shop, hopping along as I grabbed at one of the heels hindering my progress, yanking it free of my foot before going at the other one.
“Most impatient woman he’s ever met.” I could move faster now that I was barefoot and I made good use of the speed, hoofing it as fast as I could out the double doors at the back of the building and into the garden my grandmother loved so much.
Andrew was right. I was impatient.
And I was officially done waiting.
For him.
For my granddad.
For someone else to pop their head out of their ass and save this place.
I was going to do it myself.
Whatever it took. Time. Money. Chicken drops. I’d make it happen.
Then Andrew could freaking notice that.
I went straight for the koi pond. It was the spot I always went when I needed to think.
Or escape.
And right now I needed both.
I ran along the line of rocks serving as steps through the lush groundcover that gave the space a whimsical feel. Like you were hidden in an enchanted forest where the problems of the real world didn’t exist.
I reached the small grassy area just beside the bottom portion of the water feature and stopped, sucking in a breath to replenish my burning lungs.
I might need some more cardio in my life.
Among other things.
“You done?” Andrew’s voice was short and sharp behind me, sending me swinging around to face him.
“You’re not supposed to be here.” I pointed toward the front of the property. “You’re supposed to be leaving.”
“We drove your car, Pickles.” Andrew set down the bags and pulled a blanket from one, spreading it across the ground. “And I’m not leaving you here alone.”
“Stop it.” If he didn’t want me that was fine. I was a big girl and I could handle not being what he was looking for.
But I couldn’t handle whatever this was.
“Stop fucking with me.”
Andrew shook his head. “I’m not fucking with you, Collette.”
“You are.” I swung my pointing finger his way. “You don’t get to say you want me then act like you don’t.” My voice broke a little. “It’s not fair.”
He stared at me for a few long seconds.
Then his shoulders dropped.
“Fine.” He dug into his pocket and pulled out the keys to my Jeep, holding them my way.
I bit my lower lip to keep it from trying to do anything terrible, like quivering. “Fine.” I snatched the keys away.
