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“Was your bed uncomfortable?” I ask. Then my gaze slips to his mouth—just for a second—and his Adam’s apple dips.
“Nah.” He shifts his weight. “Just a lot on my mind.”
“Like what?”
“Not worth talking about.”
“Let me guess.”Don’t look at his lips. “You were worried about the safety of your chopsticks in a strange parking lot.”
“Hey.” He lifts the nozzle, his expression dead pan. “Do not denigrate my chopsticks.”
“You wouldn’t dare.” I widen my stance and tilt my head.
He aims the nozzle directly at me. “How bad do you want to test that theory?” The spark in his eyes makes my stomach swoop.
“You’re right,” I say. “Not worth testing.” I glance at the few remaining sticks on the cart. Spencer must’ve put the marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers away this morning. I should’ve done that last night. A more responsible woman probably would have. “I can finish the rest,” I offer.
“Almost done,” he says.
“You didn’t have to do all this, you know. There’s no one to impress here.”
His jaw shifts. “I told you I would, so I’m following through.” He gulps. “I know my relentless reliability bothers you, but I figuresomeonemight appreciate it someday.”
Something twists behind my ribs. Regret. Longing. Both. “Someone like Kayla?”
He puffs out a breath. “Doubtful.”
“Why do you say that?” And why won’t you leave the kitchen? This conversation has gotten too serious. A water fight would be safer.
“You of all people should know why Kayla would never be interested in me.” He smirks. “You’ve been pointing out all my annoying qualities since the day we met.” Now his mouth goes crooked. Ah. Maybe Spencer doesn’t want to be so serious after all.
Good. I can play along. We can get along. For the sake of camp.
“That’s because there are so many,manyqualities. And they’re so very,veryannoying.” My lips curve up. “But I’m not giving up on you yet. If you’re hiding a superhero under that stiff Clark Kent surface, we’ll dig him up.”
“Gee, thanks.” He chuckles. “When you describe me like that, I feel downright irresistible.”
“Oh you definitely are.” Heat rises in my throat. “Irresistible to Kayla, I mean. That woman was made for you. Plus you already like her, so…” My voice trails off, waiting for his reaction. But instead of confirming or denying, Spencer locks eyes with me.
Gulp.
We probablyshouldhave a serious conversation about this—a real one, no more joking—but my heart would crack if I had to listen to all the reasons we’re so wrong for each other. And then we’d still have to work together. Me and Spencer and my cracked heart.
No thank you, very much.
If Spencer and Kayla would just get together, out in the open, in front of everyone, then Mrs. Lockhart would leave us alone, and I could stop hoping for something that’s not even mine to want.
“You know what?” I pull my phone out. “I think I’ll text Kayla right now. I can tell her what a big help you’ve been and invite her to our first movie night personally.”
Spencer bobs his head. “Kinda early for texting, isn’t it?”
“You’re right. I’ll call her in a couple hours.”
He blinks. “You don’t have to do that.”
“Too late.” I force a smile. “I may be a mess, but I follow through too.”
Spencer leans forward, and his eyes roam my face, examining me longer than necessary. “Why do you even care?” His eyes are glued to mine again. It’s like he’s doing a mind-meld or something. But my brain is a messy place.
