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I chuckled. “I’m not so sure about that. You ladies don’t strike me as people who can be pushed around.”
“You know, you’re making this a lot harder than it is supposed to be,” Lizzy said.
“What exactly is that?”
“We were talking about the two of you last night after you left. You’re perfect for Clark. We just need for him to see that,” Lizzy stated. “Now I think we need to open your eyes too. What is wrong with you guys?”
My jaw dropped. “You’re here with me playing matchmaker?”
“That and shopping. I’m a great multi-tasker,” she replied.
If Clark knew, he’d be just as upset as I was. I hated whenever Crystal tried to control what I did. I sure as heck didn’t need a bunch of strangers doing it.
I had wanted to see Clark, but right now, I needed some space. “Lizzy, I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but please, don’t. I’m not here for a boyfriend. I was here on business, and just happened to meet a family to spend some time with too. That’s all this is.”
Lizzy crossed her arms and said, “I’m not buying it. And by your expression, you don’t really believe that yourself. But I’ll respect your wishes, and drop it, for now.”
I knew that wasn’t going to last long. I needed to break away now before she started on another topic I wished to avoid. Work.
“I was up so early today and I think I’d like to go back to my hotel and lie down for a while.”
“It’s not anything I said, is it?” she asked.
Of course it is.
“No. I’ll call Clark after I get some rest.” Or not.
She seemed to accept that response. “Great, because we’re going to have a fantastic dinner. I’m cooking.”
“Then it sounds like you should get back to the camp. I’m sure you have a lot of prep work if you’re cooking for everyone,” I said.
Lizzy nodded. “I opened my big mouth bragging about how good my sesame chicken was. Now I’m stuck doing all the cooking. What part don’t they get? I cook on a gas stove in my apartment. Not in a cast iron frying pan on a campfire. It’s going to be a disaster.”
“I’m sure it will be fine, but you might want to pick up a backup option just in case,” I suggested.
“You’re brilliant. Are you sure you don’t want to come back with me now and help me cook?” she asked.
If I didn’t think Lizzy had another agenda, I’d say yes. “Nope. You’re on your own for this one.”
I left Lizzy to complete her shopping and headed for my hotel. It would be so easy to just walk away from these people, but Clark had been nice to me. I couldn’t just hop on a plane without saying goodbye.
I decided to send him a text.
I CAN’T MAKE IT TONIGHT.
Instead of him texting back, my phone rang. I answered. “Hello, Clark.”
“Is everything okay?” he asked.
“Yes. Just been a long day,” I said.
“Lizzy dragged you to every shop in town?” he laughed.
“She loves to shop and getting her to stop was nearly impossible. I think I’d like to just stay in tonight.”
There was a pause, then he asked, “Did you want company?”
This was my chance. If I said yes, we probably would be up all night having amazing sex. Not a bad thing, but if Lizzy was right, and there was more developing between me and Clark, I should shut it down now. I wasn’t worried about breaking his heart, but why set myself up for heartache if I could avoid it?
