Page 52 of Wild About You
“Ash,” she says smugly.
“He has such a big mouth.”
“He really does,” she agrees. “So, is asking her to look out for me just a way to get her back?”
“No.” I shake my head adamantly, then concede. “Fine. Yes. I am glad to have a reason to interact with her, but I wouldn’t have hired her if I didn’t think she would be good for you too. I could have pursued her without putting you in the middle.”
“Yeah?” She hits me with that smirk again. “How was that working for you the last four years?”
I wipe my hands on a napkin, ball it up, and toss it at her.
“Eat your pizza. No, you know what?” I grab her wrist and lean forward, taking a bite out of the cheesy slice.
Oh, damn that’s good. I should have been a realtor.
16
STUPID SCHOOL STUFF
PIPER
Chris pullsinto the driveway at Ash’s place. My pulse jumps as I look for some indication that Tyler is home, but he usually parks in the garage, and the light on inside could mean anyone is there.
“Thanks for dinner,” I say as I unbuckle.
He tangles his hand in my hair and brings his face closer like he’s going to kiss me. “It was good to finally spend some real time with you.”
“Yeah,” I squeak. My nerves ramp up as I glance at the house again.
“I should get inside.”
“Wait.” He stops me and his eyes widen with excitement. “Before I forget, my buddies are booking spring break tickets. Four nights, Cancun, the beach. What do you say?”
“Oh, um, I don’t know.”
“I know money is tight. I will cover the hotel.”
“That is really generous, but I can’t let you do that. Besides, I have work.”
“I checked. Park Academy is on break that week too.”
“I meant with Everly and Tyler. The Wildcats probably have a game.”
“You can’t be serious. He’s not even paying you.”
He would be if I’d let him. “I made a commitment and I’m going to honor that. I’m sorry.”
He sits back in his seat and runs a hand through his hair. “All right. I get it, I guess. Maybe we can go sometime this summer. Just the two of us.”
I nod but if I’m honest with myself I have no desire to go now or this summer. Not with him anyway. My stomach sinks. “Actually, no. This isn’t working, Chris. I wanted it to. You’re a great guy.”
“You’re breaking up with me?”
“I’m sorry.”
“I know we agreed to do casual, but I really like you.”
“I like you too, but I have to be honest, and I don’t think this is going anywhere. It’s not you. It’s me, I swear.”
