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When it was clear I wasn’t saying a word, he sighed and headed toward the refrigerator to pull out a half-gallon of milk.
“You’ve done it a few times now,” he said, uncapping the jug. “Gone out with the guys, come back, then left again.”
Gavin had been watching me? What the hell?
“You keepin’ tabs on me now?”
His hand froze mid-pour as he glanced back at me.
Huh, that’s two times in one day. Guess Iamoff his shitlist.
“No, I’m not keeping— Damn it.” He spun back to his mug, where the milk and coffee had spilled over onto the counter, and quickly put the container down, reaching for some paper towels. He mopped up the mess in front of him, and as he crouched down to get the overspill at his feet, he let out a sigh. “I just heard the door, that’s all.”
Gavin shook his head and straightened, tossing the soaked towels in the trash.
“Why are you always so damn defensive?”
“I’mdefensive.” I grunted and pulled out my cell. “That’s rich, coming from you.”
“Excuse me?”
What was his deal this morning? What happened to the awkward silence? I could handle that. But I didn’t do verbal pissing matches. Why bother when it was easier to use your fists and end it with one quick punch?
But it wasn’t like I was going to do that to Gavin. Hell no. Not when a strong wind could knock him off his feet.
So if he wanted to go a couple rounds in the verbal ring, I guess I needed to start using my words.
“You’ve been nothing but defensive for months.”
“No, I?—”
“With Van, the guys, with me. You’ve got a stick up your ass, and you know it.”
Gavin’s jaw practically hit the floor he’d just been mopping up.
“Are you serious right now? Van and I are…fine, and I have not been defensive with the guys. As for you—” His words cut off as I crossed my arms, but he quickly regained his footing. “You know exactly why I’ve been the way I’ve been.”
“Defensive.”
“Would you stop saying that?”
“Pissed off.”
“I’m not pissed off.”
“A surlier fuck than me.”
Gavin opened his mouth as though about to fire back, but at the last second it clicked shut. A small hint of a smile curled his lip.
“Is that even possible?”
“I wouldn’t have thought so, but what do I know.”
Gavin let out a breath and leaned back against the counter, then he slipped his hands into his pockets, making the tight fit of his pants even tighter—not that I noticed.
“I don’t want to be like that.” His voice was soft, his eyes on the floor, and I wasn’t sure if he was talking to me or himself until he looked over at me.
“Then don’t be.”
