Page 29 of Brutal Titan

Dalton looks confused but nods his head. “Yeah, that sounds about right.”

So much for a truce.

“I can hold some out of the next shipment when they arrive this week and give you a call when they come in.”

“Thanks.” I force out the word, wanting to be polite to Dalton, but I’m absolutely fuming on the inside.

Dalton reaches over, grabbing a spiral sketchpad off the shelf. “But we have these in the meantime.”

“No, that’s okay.” Since it’s Olivia’s preference, I know that drawing in it will only remind me of her foolish son, so it won’t be relaxing at all.

“Can I get your number?” He puts his hands in his pocket, rolling uncomfortably on the balls of his feet. “I mean … so I can give you a call when the shipment comes in.”

“Yes. Yeah, that’d be great.” I glance away as he motions for me to follow him to the register where he hands me a slip of paper.

Taking the pen out of his hand, I focus on writing my name and phone number before sliding the paper across the counter to him. “Thanks again.” I give him a half-smile before turning to walk away.

“Victoria,” Dalton hesitantly says as I turn back to him. “There’s a new exhibit at the museum that I’ve been wanting to check out. Would you like to join me, grab some coffee or dinner … maybe make a date out of it?”

My mind races with so many thoughts that I don’t know what to say. I want to say yes. I want to forget about the face that popped into my mind as soon as I realized where Dalton’s question was headed, but I can’t—and I hate it. Elliot is nothing but misery wrapped in an enticing package.

“Yes,” I respond as Dalton’s smile grows.

“My dad needs me to help out all day tomorrow, but how about next week. Saturday okay for you?”

“Sounds good.”

“Perfect.” He smiles, holding up the piece of paper with my number on it. “So, it’s okay for me to give you a call to iron out the details?”

“Sure.” I give him a genuine smile, appreciating his politeness. I almost enjoy the fact that he isn’t so sure of himself, doesn’t assume he can have anyone or anything of his choosing. Actually asking instead of just taking. Dropping into the driver seat, I retrieve my phone from my pocket and do a quick search online for sketchbooks, ordering a few for backup because they’ll more than likely arrive before the next shipment, and it’s the only way to distract myself from everything going on around me. I’ll need the distraction this week for sure.