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Chapter Three
Clark
“You seem to be spending a lot of time away from your siblings on this siblings’ camping trip, Clark,” Jerry observed. “If you really want out, I can make an excuse to the others so you can head back to Boston. I’d be willing to bet Lizzy’s ready to go, too.”
More likely, my brothers were ready for Lizzy to go. She wasn’t great about giving people their space, and since everyone else seemed to be here for a romantic getaway, they didn’t need either of us lingering around too closely.
His offer was tempting, but I wasn’t ready to leave just yet. I shook my head. “Scenic New Hampshire has a lot to offer. I’m just taking advantage of all the sights.” Like one gorgeous, mysterious woman.
“Want some company today? I’m sure Reanna wouldn’t mind…”
“No. I’m good,” I blurted.
Jerry raised a brow. “Why do I have a feeling that something more than just the forest has caught your attention?”
Fuck. You know me too well.
I tried a different angle. “Surprised you even noticed I was gone. You’d think you and Reanna didn’t live together by the way you can’t keep your eyes off her.” I hoped turning the focus on them would deflect it from me. No such luck.
“So, it’s a woman?” he accused.
I didn’t respond.
“So she’s a local?”
How does he do that?Even as kids, Jerry could tell when I was keeping something from the others. It would’ve pissed me off, except he never shared any of my secrets. Even now, he was having this conversation with me away from everyone else.
“She’s here on business.”
Jerry laughed. “Sounds like she might be mixing it with pleasure.”
With any luck.
“She extended her stay.” I had no idea why I was sharing this with Jerry. We usually kept our personal lives to ourselves.
“Then I don’t need to tell the others you’re leaving for Boston.”
“Not yet. But I would appreciate it if you kept this to yourself,” I said.
“Worried it will hurt Lizzy’s feelings?” he asked.
“Hell no! There’s nothing between us,” I stated firmly. “When we take off together, it is for convenience only. She goes her way and I go mine.”
“Does she know you’re meeting another woman?”
“Didn’t you hear me? There is nothing between us,” I said again.
“Oh, I hear you, but you didn’t answer my question. See, I’ve learned a lot by being with Reanna. Mostly that the Heart men are totally clueless when it comes to women. Even though there is nothing going on between you and Lizzy, you probably want to make it clear. Just in case she feels differently.”
I couldn’t imagine why Lizzy might think there was anything romantic between us, but Jerry was correct - we were great at business, less so at reading women. “I’ll talk to her.”
“Good. I wouldn’t have said anything, but if you hurt Lizzy, it could cause issues with Richard and Joyelle.”
“I’m not the one who invited her,” I reminded him.
“And somehow you think that matters? If a woman has something set in her mind, nothing you say or do is going to change it,” he chuckled. “Trust me, I’ve learned that lesson the hard way.”
I looked over to where the others were sitting by the campfire. Lizzy was in deep conversation with Joyelle, and I had a feeling I was the topic. Our eyes met, confirming my suspicions. Joyelle shot me a look and shook her head. Great. I’m in trouble.
