Page 25 of Fallen Flame

I smiled before I could stop myself. “That’s... annoyingly attractive.”

“It’s practical.”

“Uh-huh.”

“It is.”

I stepped closer, unable to fight the grin spreading across my face. “You know, Oliver...”

He sighed like he already regretted whatever was coming.

“...you’re a lot nicer than you pretend to be.”

“I’m really not.”

“You absolutely are. You know what your problem is?”

He pinched the bridge of his nose. “I’m sure you’re going to tell me.”

“You keep doing nice things.”

“I don’t.”

“You do.”

“I really don’t.”

“But then you ruin it by acting grumpy.”

He looked at me with the flattest expression I’d ever seen. “I am grumpy.”

I laughed. “Fine.”

He pointed toward the stack of upside-down chairs. “Quit talking and help me with the chairs.”

“Bossy.”

“Move.”

I saluted. “Yes, sir.”

He muttered something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like unbelievable as he grabbed the first bottle of cleaner from the counter.

The swinging door pushed open behind us.

Ever walked out carrying a bucket filled with hot water while Jude balanced an armful of towels, spray bottles, and a mop.

“This is all we’ve got,” Ever said. “Ready to work?”

Oliver already had a rag in his hand. “I’ve been ready.”

I grabbed another towel from Jude before he could hand it to me. “Let’s get this place looking like a Dairy Bar again.”

Chapter Five

Oliver

The clubhouse had finally gone quiet by the time I headed down the hallway toward Lark’s room.