I opened my mouth to respond, but glared over her shoulder as another woman began walking up from the street toward us. Grabbing Violet's hand, I pulled her further into the station and then glanced back. The strange woman had stopped, and she looked pissed.
Good. So was I.
I looked over at the guys who were once again focused on checking the equipment. Maybe they were on to something.
Only one way to find out. I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around Violet, bringing her in for a hug.
For someone who looked like Wednesday from theAddams Family,I was surprised that she smelled like a field of sunflowers on a summer day. A mix of honey, grass, and a light floral scent.
That same feeling I had when she wrapped around me on the ladder was back. Soft, surprisingly pleasant.
She wrapped her arms around my back. “Would have never guessed you were a hugger. But you're in luck, ‘cause I give the best hugs. Or so I've been told.”
The strange woman turned and walked away. Interesting.
I untangled myself and stepped back. “You said you wanted to thank me?”
“Yeah.” She squeaked before clearing her throat and lifting the container again. “Cookies.”
“I need a girlfriend.”
She tilted her head. “A girlfriend?”
“Yeah. I need it to stop.”
“Need what to stop?” Her brows pulled together. Had she not seen the video that blew up?
“The women. They won't leave me alone after that video was posted.”
“Oh. That. Yeah, those comments are hilarious.”
“You want to thank me? Pretend you're my girlfriend so everyone will leave me alone.”
“But, I baked you cookies.” She thrust the container out toward me. “Remember?”
I shook my head. “I don't eat sugar.”
Her lips formed a pout and I could see her mind working. Good, that meant she was at least considering it.
“How would that even work?” I sensed more curiosity than hesitance in her voice. Another good sign. “You can't just tell people that. They'd expect to see us around town together and stuff.”
“I'll take you out.” What the hell did I just say? And why? I didn't want to have to talk to anyone. But I guess if I had to choose, Violet didn't seem like she'd be horrible company.
She smiled brightly. “Like on a date?”
Christ. I narrowed my eyes. Last thing I needed was her getting the wrong idea. “Fake date,” I clarified.
“Right.” She glanced up, thinking it over before finally shrugging. “Okay. Fine. When?”
Perfect. One date. That should be enough to solve my problem. “Tomorrow night.”
“Will you bring me flowers?”
I glowered at her. “No.”
She huffed. “Will you at least try my cookies?”
Shit, if she was going to help me keep these women away, I'd eat the entire container.
