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I didn’t look at him.
“I’m sorry. Did someone need me?” he drawled.
“When we are together as a family, then I expect you to act like it.”
“This isn’t my family. It’s yours,” he replied.
I stared down at my hands as if my new nail color was fascinating.
There was an uncomfortable silence. I knew Mom wasn’t going to like this. It would upset her. Then, Garrett was going to take it out on Trev.
“He’s busy with his phone. Most likely texting that girl who I’ve seen around the house the past two days. He has his father’s good looks. There must be a line of girls after him,” Mom said in her pleasant way. Using her musical voice that no one could be annoyed with.
I lifted my eyes to stare out the window. I wouldn’t look at any of them. I couldn’t. They’d be able to see it on my face. The heartbreak, loss, longing.
“It’s a never-ending line,” Trev replied with amusement in his tone.
“I have no doubt,” Mom replied. “Be picky.”
He chuckled. “I will.”
Please stop, Mom. Please, please, please. I closed my eyes a moment and managed to keep from tearing up.
“Don’t be as picky as Gypsi though. I was sure she and your friend Saxon were going to possibly date, but no such luck. But the senator’s son that came over the other night … what was his name?”
“Townes,” Garrett supplied.
“Yes! Townes. He seemed very taken with you, Gypsi. He got your number, didn’t he? If he calls, please give him a chance. He was a nice young man.”
“Townes is a spoiled prick,” Trev said.
“Son.” Garrett’s one word held a warning.
“Well, if he is a prick, then Gypsi needs a heads-up,” Mom said to Garrett. “I don’t want to push her into anything where she gets hurt. She’s not got much experience with guys. Her one time she decided to finally date, he ended up being abusive.”
Please, Mom, just stop.
“Townes isn’t a prick,” Garrett said. “I wouldn’t have invited him if he was. I’m choosing the men I put in Gypsi’s path carefully. I promise.”
Oh God. He had invited Townes on purpose? Townes was a prick. He was too aggressive and touchy. He even kissed me. He was a sloppy kisser too. It had made me sick to my stomach.
“I didn’t realize marrying her mom made you Gypsi’s matchmaker. Does she require that much help, finding a man?”
Trev’s words made my gut twist. I wanted out of this limo. I wanted my camper. I should have told Mom yes to having Garrett buy it back. I could live on the property in my own safe haven. Away from girls walking around in Trev’s shirts after climbing out of his bed. The one he’d told me he didn’t let other girls sleep in.
The limo came to a stop, and I almost cried in relief.
“Trev, you’ll come directly home and meet me in my office after this.” Garrett’s tone reminded me of ice-cold granite.
The door opened, and I climbed out first since I was closest. Kye took my hand and helped me out. I thanked him, then stood to the side, waiting on Mom and Garrett. Mom stepped out next, and then she was followed by Garrett. He held his elbow out to her and slid her arm around it. I started to follow behind them when Trev was at my side. I didn’t turn to look at him. What was he doing so close?
“Take my arm, Gypsi,” he whispered. “I have to escort you in here. You don’t get a say in it.”
I looked down at his arm he held out to me. I was supposed to touch him. How was I going to survive that? He was already so close that I could smell him. That was hard enough.
“Gypsi.” He said my name again. Just hearing him use it made me want to cry.
To think I hadn’t liked the name Lollipop in the beginning. I’d give anything to hear him say it again. It would more than likely crush my soul, but still.
I slipped my arm inside his and tried to think of something other than him. The pictures I had taken today. How nice the new camera was. Anything but how delicious Trev smelled or how hard his bicep was under my hand.
“You should probably smile. I know I’m not Townes fucking Hoagan, but you’re an excellent actress,” he said between clenched teeth.
I turned to look up at him for the first time. “Why would you say that? You’re right. Townes is a prick. And pushy.”
Trev’s arm flexed under my touch as his eyes locked on mine. I jerked my gaze away. I couldn’t look at him. That was not good for my mental health, and right now, it was hanging on by a thread.
“I need you to explain that comment further,” he told me.
