Page 98 of Lavender Lake
“I didn’t think you could do it,” Gideon said.
“Do what?” I asked.
He grinned. “Ignore Amber.”
“A feat, believe me,” I muttered and took a sip of my coffee. “I guess neither of us has changed that much since high school.”
“I think you’ve changed more than you think you have.”
I nibbled my lip. “I’m sorry, Gideon. I don’t think I’ve ever said that to you before.”
“No. You haven’t,” he said quietly. “It’s okay, Salem. I knew it wasn’t about me.”
“I’m embarrassed, you know? We graduated and I just left. Without a word to you. That was the wrong way to handle ourrelationship. I know the apology is long overdue, but I really hope you know I mean it.”
“I do know you mean it. That’s the thing about you, Salem. You’re always very honest with your feelings. People know where they stand with you.”
His words should’ve made me feel better, instead they made me feel worse because they only reinforced the fact that I was sneaking around with Cas behind everyone’s back.
A motorcycle rumbled in the near distance, and then a moment later, I saw Cas drive down Silver Street. Our eyes locked and his jaw clenched when his attention focused on Gideon.
For some reason, I felt extremely guilty. Like I’d been caught doing something I shouldn’t have been. But that was crazy. It wasn’t like I was kissing Gideon and Cas had caught me. Then again, we weren’t technically exclusive. The word exclusive had never been mentioned.
Cas parked his motorcycle and got off just as the door to Sweet Teeth opened and Amber strolled outside, coffee and pastry bag in hand.
“Oh, look, a party,” Amber said with a wide grin. “Bowman, I meant to thank you for rescuing me the other night.”
Cas shoved his motorcycle keys into his jeans pocket. “Glad to be of service.”
“I don’t know what I would’ve done if you hadn’t come along when you did.” She beamed at him and tossed long, glossy hair over her shoulder.
“Hey, man,” Gideon said, holding out his hand to Cas. “Nice bike.”
“Thanks.” Cas shook his hand, but glanced at me. “Didn’t know you were here.”
“Yep.” I popped the p and tried to keep the heat from my cheeks. “What are you doing in town?”
“Muddy, Declan and Hadley went to the hospital to pick up your dad. I thought I’d bring them some lunch so no one has to cook.”
“And where would you put it?” I asked.
He gestured to the plastic case on the rear of his motorcycle.
“You’re so thoughtful,” Amber simpered. “I meant to ask—did I leave my sunglasses in your truck? I can’t find them.”
“I haven’t seen them,” Cas said, gritting out a smile.
“Okay, well, if you do, call me!” She waved, and then sashayed down the street.
“Well, I’d better get going,” Gideon said. “Salem, give your dad my best.”
“I will.”
Gideon nodded at Cas, and then left us alone.
“You gave Amber a ride?” I asked, trying to appear nonchalant and clearly failing as Cas began to grin.
“How’s that jealousy feel on the other end?”
