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Tattoos, facial piercings, and a criminal record will do that.
I’m going to be a published author, I remind myself. Still not boring, but the right type of exciting to catch Summer’s attention.
“Well, I only came out to say a quick hi. Good luck with your research. We still on for trivia tomorrow night?” Jasmine stands from the table, and Summer gives her a thumbs up.
“Definitely.”
“Cool.” I expect the woman to walk away with a wave, but she turns to fully face me.
“Cole?” Her voice has lost its teasing edge, and her eyes bore deep into mine.
“Yes?”
“She’s too good for any man. You won’t ever deserve her. But no one does, so just put in a solid effort and make sure she’s happy.”
“Jasmine!” Summer jumps up from her seat, glaring at her friend. I mourn the loss of her hand. “That’s not funny. He’s my patron. You’re making this awkward.”
“Oh, am I? Sorry.” She doesn’t sound sorry, wiggling her fingers in a mocking goodbye before strolling away.
Tense silence remains in her place. With stiff movements, Summer lowers herself back to her seat. Somehow, she ends up settling with a few inches of empty space between us.
Jasmine’s proclamation rings in my head, twines through my chest. The words were half warning half…encouragement?
Did I just get a seal of approval?
Still, the seal means nothing if Summer doesn’t want to be with me. And I don’t like how much physical and mental space she’s putting between us.
Which is what prompts my next question.
“Am I only your patron?”
“I…uh…I mean…what else would you be?” She fiddles with some papers in front of her, not meeting my eyes.
Shit. That stings.
But she’s Summer, so it’s not like she meant to stab me in the chest with her innocent question. And I can’t help remembering the way she sprinted toward me for an escape from the walking, talking white noise machine. At least she prefers me to him.
So I give her a break, clarifying rather than getting defensive or shutting down like I tend to do.
“Your friend.” I don’t frame it as a question because in this moment I decide Iamher friend. I will do my damnedest to tempt her into more than that. But if at the end of the day Summer tells me no, I may lessen the amount of time I’m around her.
But it’s impossible she’d be my enemy.
And she can’t be nothing to me.
So, for now, she’s my friend.
“Yes.” My librarian sighs as a brilliant smile spreads over her face. And she’s just evil enough to direct it my way. “Yes, you’re right. Cole Allemand, you are my friend, and that is the best offer I’ve had in a long while.”
“Seriously?” I frown.
She laughs, poking me in the shoulder. “Stop scowling. Never sell yourself short!” Summer scoots an inch closer, and I feel like I’ve won a mile. “So. Research. Let’s do it.”
Yes. Let’s do it.
Chapter Eleven
SUMMER
