“But…he…” My eyebrows knit together. Why did I think that conversation went differently? Why would Sawyer put him on the spot?
“He’s seen us together,” Luke says. “You know that. He asked me if we’re dating.”
“And you said?”
“No.”
“Just…no?”
“I, ah…” Luke rubs the back of his neck. “I may have added a little more color to my denial.”
I bet. If insults about my looks were colors, he could paint a rainbow. “Heaven forbid a local fisherman knows you’re sleeping with the receptionist at the clinic.”
“Sawyer has a lot of friends, Els. Gossip spreads quickly in a small town.”
I point out the front window to where Luke’s car is sprawled across two parking spots. “Are you sure that’s safe, then? What if someone sees you here?”
“Who?”
“Mrs…” My lips flatten. I haven’t checked the appointments yet, and I’m not creative enough to blurt out a name on the spot. “The journalist. Hmm? How about that? What if she’s wandering past and recognizes your car?”
“It’s hardly newsworthy to be at the doctor’s.”
“But what if she thinks you have”—I lean closer and whisper—“an infection?”
“I’m the picture of perfect health.”
“What about in a place no one can see? Like yourpenis?”
“What?” His olive skin pales. “I’ve never had—”
“Who knows how these rumors get started? I don’t gossip, butsomeonemight suggest it. It’s a small town, and all that.” I flutter my eyelashes. “And there have been some cases of pubic lice these past few months. She might think you’re infested.”
He smothers a smile. “Els, I love that you’re putting on a brave face—”
“Don’t.”
“—but I know you’d never do that.”
“I might.” I hug my lumpy knit close. Lying is easier that way.
“You’re a sweetheart. My little gem.” Why does he have to hit me with that crooked smile? It always lands like a thud on my chest and snatches my breath away. “Els, I promise I’ll make it up to you. Nothing needs to change between us.”
My eyebrows pop up. “Excuse me?”Everythinghas changed.
“I like our arrangement,” he adds.
I roll my eyes. “Of course you do.” What man wouldn’t? No strings attached means low effort, no emotional investment, and a huge payoff…for him.
“Even you have to admit our nights together have been out of this world,” he says.
I snort a laugh. “They were okay.”
“Okay?”
That flippant comment dented his pride. Finally. Progress. “I mean, they were…fine.”
“Fine?”
