Page 14 of Unwrap Me After Dark
“No, no, no,” I say quickly. “Definitely nottogether.” I stifle the urge to pat Liam on the back as he coughs. I shouldn’t care about the dickhead.
“Huh,” Nick says, looking between us with new interest.
Next to me, Liam has stopped coughing, but he’s now glaring at Nick.
I take a long sip of my drink, grateful for the distraction. “This is really good.”
“Thanks,” Nick gives me another bright smile. “So, Tyler, how long are you here for?”
The emphasis on my name, the subtle exclusion of Liam from the question—it’s no accident.
“We’re heading back Sunday.”
“Shame,” Nick says. “But I’m off tomorrow if you wanted to check out some local spots. There’s more to do around here than most tourists realize.”
I have to bite down on my lower lip to stifle my triumphant grin. Now, I’ve never been interested in guys before. Correction, I’ve never been interested in any guy, except for my infuriating stepbrother, for some bizarre reason. But it feels nice to have Nick’s attention on me. Liam is seething next to me, and it feels good to give him a taste of his own medicine.
Before I can respond, Liam sets his mug down. “We should go. The ice cream will melt.”
I blink at him. “I didn’t buy ice cream. Did you?”
Liam stares at me, jaw clenched. “I’m going to wait in the car.”
He stalks out, the bell jingling in his wake.
Nick raises an eyebrow but says nothing.
I sigh, finishing my coffee in a few quick gulps. “Sorry about that.”
“No worries.” Nick pulls out a napkin, scribbles something on it, and slides it across the counter. “My number. In case you do have some free time tomorrow.”
I hesitate, then take it. “Thanks. I’ll see.”
“No pressure,” he says with another amiable smile. “But the offer stands.”
I tuck the napkin into my pocket and head out to where Liam waits in the passenger seat of my car, arms crossed over his chest. I climb in and start the engine, waiting for the explosion I know is coming.
I don’t have to wait long.
“You took me there just to flirt with him in front of me?” Liam snaps as soon as we pull away from the curb.
I grip the steering wheel tighter. “I wanted coffee.”
“Bullshit. There was coffee at the cabin.”
“That sludge you made? Barely.”
“So it had nothing to do with making sure I saw you and barista boy making heart eyes at each other?” Liam’s voice rises with each word.
I can’t help the bitter laugh that escapes me. “Why would you care? You were all overNataliefive minutes into the store.”
“That was different.”
“How? How exactly was that different?”
Liam turns to face the window again. “Just…drive.”
For once, I do as he says and steer the car toward the lake house. The rest of the drive passes in hostile silence, both of us rigid in our seats, gazes fixed ahead.
