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“We were already there and this place was on the way,” I explain, my tongue tangling in knots. “I just thought it would be nice.”
Her eyes close as she inhales the aroma. Then she takes a sip before giving me the most rewarding groan of pleasure. My mind immediately goes to scenarios where my tongue has her making those sounds.
Fuck.
I’m losing control.
“Sit for a second,” she says, pointing at the seat across from the desk. “How is everyone?”
Right. Mom’s bestie. She wants the obligatory family checkup.
“Mom’s cleaning silver, Dad’s working, me and Gemma are all signed up for college.”
Her eyebrows lift in surprise. “You’re going to college?”
Her words strike me, feeling every bit like the loser I am. A flare of anger spikes in my chest. Anger at me, at Dad, at her. Mostly just me, though.
“Yup,” I clip out, irritation in my tone. “Shocker, I know.”
“Oh,” she mutters and then curses under her breath. “I’m so sorry. Sometimes things come out worse than I mean them. I just didn’t realize you liked school. I thought maybe you’d do something with your art, is all.”
Her explanation soothes my embarrassment. Maybe she doesn’t think I’m a total tool bag.
“Students can enter this art expo they’re doing,” I tell her with a genuine smile. “So maybe I can kill two birds with one stone.”
Blue eyes bore into me, studying me closely and more intensely than ever before. I want to squirm under her gaze, but despite feeling awkward, I like being here. I like any part of her on me, even if it’s only her eyes.
“I’m really proud of you,” she says and then sips her coffee. “You always had way more potential than you let on.”
“Gee, thanks,” I deadpan.
“Well,” she teases, “it’s the truth. You know I’ll always be straight with you, kid.”
Kid.
Fuck my life.
Clearing my throat, I start to stand, deciding I’ve had enough emotional torture for one morning. Panic glimmers in her gaze and she holds up a hand to stop me.
“Wait, Dempsey, please.” She sighs heavily and rubs at the tension on one side of her neck. I’d love to put my fingers there instead. “You know I never say the right thing. I appreciate you and I know you’re a good guy. Look how well you’ve done with Kaden. He worships you.” She bites on her bottom lip and then looks at me with slightly hooded eyes. “I was wondering if I could ask a favor.”
Oh great.
She wants me to babysit.
“It’ll cost you,” I grit out, not giving a shit about the money. I’ll find something else to trade for. “My services don’t come for free.”
Sloane chuffs and shakes her head. “That Park blood runs thick in those veins, huh?”
I shrug. “I am what I am.”
She glances around the station before lowering her voice. “My nephew is in trouble.”
All teasing evaporates as I stiffen at her words. “Kaden?”
“No, Trevor. He’s around your age.”
I only know of one Trevor who hangs out at the lodge and can be a major prick.
