Page 10 of Better Not Pout
Every time I look up, there he is.
The other morning, he was at Frosty’s just as I was picking up my beloved caramel cold brew, and he promptly ruined my morning with his stupid half smile and muscles that have no business looking that hot beneath his worn black hoodie as he stole the last blueberry muffin right in front of me.
The same muffin he saw me order multiple times.
And, honestly, how can anyone look so hot in ahoodie?
Yesterday afternoon, he was helping Doc Jones shovel snow off his front step, and all of the ladies from Pokeno werepractically in a circle fawning over him. They evenclappedwhen he was done.
The man was shoveling godforsaken snow, not solving world hunger!
Then there was the whole mercantile fiasco, where, of course, yet again, he swooped in and took my parking spot and had the audacity to tell me I look hot when I’m mad.
Like he’s enjoying being the one to make me that way.
Ugh!
Sighing, I watch from behind the counter as he helps Gramps unload bags of sugar from the back of his pickup and carry them inside the store like they don’t weigh fifty pounds.
No matter what, I can’t seem to escape my frustratingly hot, infuriatingly charming, but annoying new neighbor.
And despite his dickish demeanor, everyone seems to love Wells McCoy.
For the life of me, I can’t understand why. It’s not like he’s got a laundry list of redeemable qualities.
Okay… maybe he has afewqualities to be admired. Like helping the elderly in our town, like lending a hand to Gramps when he needed it.
But still. To me? He’s annoying and infuriating.
Okay, and also maybe I am slightly projecting because I don’t want to find him attractive. Not only is he my neighbor, but I’ve met many guys like him before.
Handsome, charming, have the world eating out of the palm of their hands.
Like… Bradley. And we all know how that ended.
I’m wary, especially after the few times I’ve been around him.
I found out that he did indeed purchase the building next door and is renovating it with the help of his best friend, Collin. Information courtesy of Kennedy, of course. If there’s anattractive, single man anywhere in this town, she’s on them like a bloodhound.
The fact of the matter is: he’s not going anywhere, no matter how many glares I send his way.
Something Grams points out as soon as the bell above the door jingles when she shuts it behind her. “You know, Rosalie, I just don’t understand why you don’t like the darling man. He’s a peach. Just sweet as pie,” she muses, a dreamy look in her eyes.
A groan nearly bursts past my lips, but somehow, I manage to keep it contained. “God, Grams, not you too. He’s… annoying and rude. And obviously self-centered.”
Her brow lifts higher as her lips purse, saying so much without saying anything at all.
I toss my hands up. “What? He is! I can’t help it that he has a fan club fooled. I, on the other hand, am not so easily fooled by good looks and a blinding smile.”
“Oh, so you think he’scute?” she smarts, her lips pulling into a grin the second my eyes go wide, and I’m already backpedaling.
“Uh, no, that is not at all what I said, Grams. Actually, can we just not talk about him, like at all? Ever again, preferably?”
She hums as she rolls her lips together, busying herself with the glass canisters on the counter in front of us. “Sure, darling, whatever you say. As soon as Gramps is done unloading, then we’ll be on our way and out of your hair, but… Are you sure you’re okay with closing up tonight? I feel bad that we’re having to leave early.”
“Of course it’s okay, Grams. I literally live right above the store, and there’s nothing that’s more important to me than Sweet Sullivan’s. You know that. Kennedy is going to come by and keep me company while I close up.”
Her face softens, her eyes shining with affection as she steps toward me and slides her arms tightly around me in a hug. “Itwouldn’t be the same without you here, my darling girl. Your Gramps and I are so lucky to have you.”
