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His eyes are on me and I avoid them at all cost. The smug jackass just had to grin like the cat that got the cream and I had about lost it when I saw him.
“I just need a drink. I’ll be right back.”
What am I going to do? Dad can’t be that dull not to notice it. Lucas needs to leave. I just can’t handle this right now.
I just need a breath. I need space. Maybe after I’ve had time to think of a way to clear the air here, it would be easier. But why is Lucas here? Is he trying to push for something?
“Hey.”
Holy cheese and rice, is he trying to make me turn into one of those women that yells? I don’t like to yell and scream. But I just might with this guy.
“What do you want, Lucas?” The drumbeat in my chest hits against my ribcage harder, the closer he gets, and my hands tremble.
Dad and Jadon’s laughs are loud from outside, and I focus on those just to keep cool.
“Well, for starters, to know why I have to get your dad to invite me over for dinner just so you’ll talk to me.”
“Why? You’ll just dump me out of the nearest vehicle when you’re done talking.”
“Come on, Allie, don’t be like that.” He leans against the fridge and I want there to be a sudden sinkhole right where he’s standing. “Yeah, I kicked you out of the car, and I’m really sorry. Okay? I can’t change that, and I can’t change the fact that I haven’t been here, but I’m here now. I want to get to know him and take responsibility for my part.”
“Why? You saw him eight hours ago. Plus, you don’t even know if he’s yours.” I hate how Lucas Kennedy has that five o’clock shadow on his face that only makes him look better, whereas my makeup is essentially gone and my hair is most definitely a mess at the end of the day.
Lucas cocks his head to the side because that was one weak argument from my side. Can’t help it, his stupid face is pretty. “Really? You mean to tell me in this population fifteen-thousand town that there is another person here that has my eyes and looks exactly like me when I was five years old? Maybe I have a brother I didn’t know about?”
“Who knows? Maybe hidden pregnancies run in your family and you have a brother out there, making you look bad. You should put an ad out on a milk carton.”
“Are you always like this?”
“Like what? A joy? Always.” I turn and grab a glass to fill with water from the fridge.
Standing beside him, I have to stop breathing. He smells like something I don’t need to smell right now. Trouble. That’s what I’ll call the eucalyptus and coconut oil smell. Trouble. And... saturated fat. Two things I don’t need in my life right now.
I get my water and back away far enough that it won’t invade my senses.
“No, a bitter ball of anger and hatred, even when you could have said no. And for the record, I came back that night to look for you because I wanted to get to know you. Nobody knew who you were, and I searched every room I could, but you were long gone.”
“You two okay in there?” Dad calls from outside.
“Coming!” I shout back. I hate shouting. It’s Lucas’ fault.
“Allie, wait.” He takes my arm in his firm hand. “Can we just talk about this before he figures it out?”
“Nope. You can leave.”
He steps closer to me, trapping me against the counter. “I’m not going anywhere, Allie. Act like an adult for a minute.”
“Oh, that’s rich coming from you. I’ve been the adult for five years while you were judging wet t-shirt contests.”
“Oh, for fuck's sake, Allie, really? I went on one trip with the football team. And what does it matter? I didn’t know I had a kid!”
“Fine,” I say. I blink enough so I see my eyelashes more than his stupid, pretty face. “Stay. See what happens.”
“Fine. I will.” His eyes lower to my lips, and I shrink under his stare. Those stupid little shocks of electricity every time he touches me will stop eventually. I will force an immunity.
He licks his lips, and I do the same.
He really came back for me?
