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She got in her car, backed out of the driveway, and left.
“Well, that was interesting,” Aida said. “I swear, I didn’t know what she was up to.”
“Whatever. Just get in.”
“Hold on.” She came closer and sucked on the end of her thumb, then swiped it across my cheek. “She got lipstick on you.”
My back stiffened. I didn’t particularly want her touching me. She wiped my cheek again and shifted closer, right as Audrey pulled into her driveway.
Shit. Shit, shit, shit.
I tried to move but Aida had me backed up against my truck.
“I didn’t know what she was up to, but I’m glad she did it. I saw you at the bar the other night and I couldn’t help but wonder about you.”
My brows drew in and I was painfully aware that Audrey was watching this.
“I’m just going to be blunt,” Aida continued, inching closer to me. “I know Louise and my grandma have been conspiring to get us together. It’s cute. But I also know that Louise probably told you I’m a nice girl.” Her eyes swept up and down and she licked her lips. “I’m not a nice girl, Josiah.”
I felt like a caged animal. Audrey called for Max. From the corner of my eye, I could see her as she led him inside. I wanted to run over there. Tell her this wasn’t what it looked like; it wasn’t my fault.
But I hesitated. And a second later, her door shut behind her.
I wanted to give Aida a ride about as much as I wanted a hole in the head, but I couldn’t tell her to walk. Her grandma lived off the highway south of town. Which was obviously why Louise had dropped her off. She knew I’d do it and figured a drive together might get me to ask her out.
“Let’s go,” I said, before Aida could try to give my face another spit bath. I brushed past her and went for the driver’s side while I swiped the back of my hand over my cheek, both to rid myself of the last vestiges of Aunt Louise’s lipstick and to wipe away Aida’s saliva.
Aida got in the passenger’s seat and shut her door. “Are you okay?”
No. The girl next door who I’m not supposed to have feelings for just saw me with another woman, which shouldn’t matter because I didn’t kiss her for a reason. But now I feel like garbage about all of it. “Yeah.”
“Are you sure? If you don’t want to give me a ride, I can—”
“It’s fine.” I turned on the engine and backed down the driveway.
“Sorry if I came on too strong. I just like to be up front with people. I’m only staying for another few weeks, so obviously I’m not interested in anything serious.” She paused. “I thought that might be appealing to you.”
“It probably would be for a lot of guys.”
“But not you.”
I shook my head.
“You’re kind of fascinating, Josiah Haven. You realize that, don’t you?” She seemed to expect a reply, but when I didn’t give her one, she kept going. “You’re exactly the type of guy I usually go for. Dark and brooding, averse to commitment. Emotionally unavailable but probably an animal in bed. And down to a man, they always want exactly what I want. But apparently not you.”
“Guess not.”
“What do you want?”
Audrey. I wanted Audrey.
Damn it. No, I didn’t.
“To be left alone.”
“I really want to ask who hurt you but I doubt you’ll tell me.”
“What are you, a therapist?”
