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…
Jules was finishing up her shift when Adam pulled up to the curb. There was something really sexy about that man in an obviously well-loved truck that had seen him through the years. Had it been the only thing he’d kept with him all that time? Her heart gave a funny lurch at the thought, and she turned back to lock the front door to cover the reaction.
It’s just because we had sex. I’ve always been awful at keeping emotions out of it…probably because I never thought to try.
“Looks like your boyfriend is here!” Jamie sang from her place by the register. She grinned from ear to ear when Jules shushed her. “What? This is the most exciting thing to happen to you in your entire life. I know everyone loves Grant, but you traded up, girl!”
She shushed her cousin again, trying to ignore the buoyancy Jamie’s words brought and turned back to find Adam within reachable distance. Jules tugged at the bottom of her sundress, not sure what to do with her hands. Was she supposed to kiss him? Wave? A freaking handshake?
Adam took the decision away from her, hooking the small of her back and pulling her against him. “Hey.”
“Hey.” She frowned. “Are you okay? You look like you haven’t been sleeping.” She’d been having a hell of a time getting shut-eye, but that was all self-induced. Every time she closed her eyes, she was assaulted with memories of their time together. Her trusty friend B.O.B. had been getting a solid workout as a result.
But Adam didn’t look like he’d spent far too much time wanking it. He looked…haunted.
His mouth tightened. “I thought we covered the fact that I hate that question.”
They had. But a silly part of her thought that maybe things would have changed because of last night. She forced a smile. “My mistake.” It hurt, though. It didn’t matter that she had no right to the emotion—it still burrowed deep, twining through her and squeezing hard enough that she could barely draw a breath for one eternal second. “So what’s on the agenda tonight?”
He held up a backpack. “Moonlight picnic.”
Jules blinked. “That sounds…” Romantic. Which it most certainly couldn’t be, because he’d been very clear about what this thing was. The hurt still lingering from him shutting her down had her mouth getting away from her, “Explain to me how that’s going to get Grant off my back?”
“Sugar, it’s going to be a good time.”
That wasn’t an answer. And she had no doubt it would be a good time—too good a time. They’d had sex a grand total of twenty-four hours ago, and she was already having trouble keeping her emotions inside that cute little boundary fence she’d constructed. No, the very last thing Jules needed was a romantic picnic with Adam. She straightened her shoulders and started down the street. “Okay, then.” She headed to the door. “Call me if you need anything, Jamie.”
“I won’t!”
She pushed out into the early summer heat, driven by the messy emotions turning her insides into a maze of confusion.
“Where are you going?”
She didn’t know, but her gaze landed on the bar and inspiration struck. “I’m going to go take some shots.”
“What?” He caught up with her, matching her pace. “What’s gotten into you?”
Just that you’re sending mixed messages like whoa, and I can’t deal with it. I also can’t tell you that you’re sending mixed messages, because you flat-out told me that this couldn’t be anything, and I’m an idiot for looking too much into a theoretical moonlit picnic because it’s all about the plan.
But she couldn’t say that aloud. It sounded crazy in her head, and giving it voice would just confirm that she was a basket case. “I’m giving people something to talk about. If you want to go on a romantic picnic afterward, fine.” She crossed the street and pushed through the front door.
Jules didn’t spend much time in the bar because Aubry was kind of a shut-in and preferred to drink in her comfort zone. Plus…why would she walk down the street and pay double for alcohol she could just buy at the store? Especially when the bar’s wine selection left something to be desired.
She eyed the scattering of people. There were Kelli and Kelly over by the jukebox, dancing all slow and sexy with each other. Maybe I was wrong and they like like each other. But then they shifted and Jules nearly cursed. Grant. Because of course Grant would be there. As she was trying to figure out the best course of action, he lifted his head and met her gaze.
Crap. There was nothing for it. If she turned around and bolted, he’d know he was the reason. She felt Adam’s presence at her back, as comforting as it was aggravating. When in doubt, rush ahead as quickly as possible. Good, sound advice that had gotten her into more awkward situations than she cared to count.
