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She shook her head. “I’ll never find the campsite again if I bring you.” Lizzy placed her hand on Clark’s bicep and said, “If you’re serious about going, I’m sure Clark wouldn’t mind driving you.”
“I don’t want to take him away from the fun, either,” I said.
“I’m right here, and trust me, s’mores don’t hold any thrill for me,” Clark said.
“Guess you have a ride, but don’t think this gets you out of shopping tomorrow. I’ll have Clark pick you up at nine. Unless you want to come early and have breakfast with us? Nothing smells better than bacon in the morning,” Lizzy said.
“Nine is fine,” I replied.
Lizzy gave me a quick hug and said, “See you in the morning.” Then she walked away to join the others.
I was surprised she didn’t show Clark any affection, not even a kiss. Who am I to talk about other people’s kissing or non-kissing? I’m not even dating anyone.
Clark opened the door to his Jeep and I climbed in. When we were back onto the main road, he said, “I’m not surprised you didn’t want to stay. Lizzy can be a bit much.”
“She seems very sweet,” I said in her defense. One thing I couldn’t stand was someone bad-mouthing their partner. Lizzy might be a bit chatty, but I liked her. I liked them all.
“Yet you’re having me drive you to your hotel. I get it. An hour with her and I’m ready to run, too,” he said.
That was it. He was being so damn rude and even if it meant he put me out of the side of the road, I couldn’t just sit back and listen to him trash Lizzy.
“You were right,” I said ruefully. “You’re not all nice.”
He turned and looked at me in surprise, then focused back on the road. “I told you that when I first met you. I’m a man of my word. What I don’t understand is why you’re in agreement now?”
I couldn’t stand a man who cheated or mistreated a woman. And I felt badly that Lizzy seemed to be blind to his…blatant flirting with me. I’m sorry Lizzy. I never would’ve agreed to see him if I knew he wasn’t available.
“Let me explain it to you,” I said sarcastically. “You should be honest with Lizzy and tell her you’re not that interested instead of leading her on like that. I mean, why should she waste her time with you when Mr. Right might be right around the corner?”
It wasn’t any of my business, but someone needed to stand up for Lizzy. I hoped someone would do the same for me.
He chuckled. “She knows exactly how I feel.”
“Really? Taking her on a family trip is a statement,” I declared.
“I didn’t invite her. Joyelle did. As I said when I introduced her, she is a family friend. That is all,” he replied.
“Are you telling me you’re not a couple?” I asked.
He laughed. “Hell, no! Never dated. Never going to, either. What made you think we were?”
I’d never been so happy to be wrong. “It sounds silly now, but everyone else was coupled up, so I thought you two were also.”
He pulled the Jeep over to the side of the road and put it in park. Turning to face me, he asked, “Do you really think I’d have asked you out if I was involved with Lizzy?”
“I would hope not. But people do things like that.”
Clark reached over and touched my hand. “Is that why you said you were tired? Because you thought I was with Lizzy?” I didn’t answer, and he continued. “You don’t look tired to me.”
The feel of his hand on mine was distracting. “I am. A…little.”
His fingers stroked mine gently, and I fought not to pull my hand away. Not because I didn’t like it, but because I was enjoying it too much.
“Are you sure you want me to bring you to your hotel?” he asked.
Yes. And don’t leave.
“Since I have a shopping date at nine tomorrow, I think it would be best to call it an early night.”
