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“So cute,” Lally says.
“Maybe he pranked you,” I say.
Harley wrinkles her nose. “Doubtful and not cute when you’re brushing your teeth.”
Lally cites several lizard fun facts. Meanwhile, I cannot stop thinking about Harley in that shirt. Today, or all those years ago. The party was at Jeff Simpson’s pool and I walked by at the same time she fell in. The guys had dared me to go swimming with her, but that’s not how I meant for it to happen. She thought I was about to push her in and jumped out of the way at the same time Joey Marciano streaked by. Their near collision sent her into the water. Of course, she blamed me for the unexpected dip.
“Thinking about Simpson’s pool party?” Harley says, arms across her chest.
“How’d you know?”
“You have the same satisfied look on yourface.”
“I blame that shirt.”
“McGregor, what am I going to do with you?”
The corner of my lip lifts. “I can think of a few things.”
“And that’s our cue to leave. Goodbye, love birds,” Magnus says.
“Are the flamingos out?” Lally asks, looking around as they walk away.
Before I can dial up the charm a notch, the squealing of more football fans comes toward me like a cloud of locusts. Apparently, word has gotten out.
I know I’ve got it bad when all I can think about is Harley: Harley’s favorite foods and drinks, Harley at the beach, Harley’s clothing. Harley this, Harley that, Harley everything all the time.
“It’s selfie time,” one of the fans drones, making a kissy face toward me.
My gaze doesn’t leave Harley and the way the crochet knit halter top hugs her curves and highlights her sun-tipped shoulders with a smattering of freckles.
“Number fourteen, our favorite,” a second adds, draping herself over me.
My eyes locked on Harley, I hope she can read my mind this time. I want nothing to do with this situation with the fans.
The third woman hurls questions at me about my relationship status, Jayda, and everything that happened before and after the bachelor party. It feels very much like an inquisition when my single ambition in life right now is Harley’s attention.
But instead of a knowing smile of her understanding that this is part of my job and I no longer take any pleasure in it, her arms cross over her chest and she wears the sassiest, brattiest expression.
The three Riptide fans must sense the ice coming from her gaze despite the morning sun and they scuttle off.
“Did you want a coffee?” I ask.
“No.”
“Something to eat? Typically Beans & Books has great muffins, pastries, and uh...” I trail off because she’sacting more annoyed than the lizard incident when she thought I’d pranked her.
Is she jealous of the attention those women were giving me? No way.
“I came into town to see if there are any doughnuts for everyone back at the house.”
I try to steer the conversation toward family stuff and away from fans. “Your sisters and their families arrived? I can’t believe they’re married with kids.”
“It’s really no big deal.” If her teeth were sharper, those words would’ve torn flesh.
“I didn’t mean it in a bad way. I just?—”
“Some people want to get married, have kids, and lead a simple life, Ryan. Is that so hard to believe?”
