Damn it. “Fine. I’m sorry for calling you names, okay? It won’t happen again.” Today. It won’t happen again today.
He turns. “So, tell me about this favor and give up on that whole marketing for a friend story you fed me. You’re a terrible liar.”
I really am, but I hate him for knowing any of my weaknesses. “If you spread this story around town, I will—”
“Gut me and feed my entrails to the crows, Demon? The threat’s always implicit between us. Go on.”
“My sister’s getting married and—”
Garrick’s whole face transforms into a cheerful smile. “Way to go, Nick.”
I wave a hand. “Whatever. The point is, Peach and Nick have chosen a horrible venue and they need to be convinced to cancel it and choose the amazing one I’ve found for them.”
“Why don’t you just tell your sister about this other, better venue?”
“You know sisters.” I turn toward the kitchen to signal the conversation is done. The cat on top of my refrigerator hisses like I’m about to invade her territory and she’s ready for war. I take two big steps toward Garrick, which only puts me in closer proximity to his delicious scent. What is that mixed in with thecedar? Is that pheromones? It should be illegal to smell this good.
He narrows his eyes and just stares at me for so long I want to hiss at him like the cat hissed at me.
Finally, he shakes his head. “Nah. Not buying it. Find someone else to do your dirty work.”
“It’s not dirty work. You’re just spreading the word about a truly wonderful wedding venue. Don’t you have siblings? Don’t you want the best for them?”
His expression tightens, and he pushes off the door. “Time for me to go.”
“Fine. Peach thinks I’m overprotective and controlling. She’s asked me to butt out of her life. She won’t listen to anything I say, but she needs to know the truth about this terrible venue she’s chosen before it’s too late.”
Garrick’s eyes light and he licks his lips like he’s just tasted something delicious. “You controlling and overprotective? I don’t see it.”
I throw my hands up. “Exactly.” The cat hisses and I stuff my hands back in my pockets. “Peach is all wrong. I’m the big sister. Looking out for her is my job. She’s just overly sensitive—”
He lifts a hand palm out. The cat doesn’t hiss at him. “I was being sarcastic, Demon. People from space can see you as overprotective and controlling.”
Of course, he’d take the most negative view of me possible. “Whatever. Will you help me?”
He rubs his lips together, tilting his head from side-to-side like he’s considering. He nods, but what comes out of his mouth is, “Absolutely not.”
“Are you being sarcastic again?”
“Nope. I refuse to manipulate your sister and Nick. They’re adults. They can choose their own wedding venue.”
“Are you fucking kidding me? I’m just asking you to say nice things about a wonderful venue. How hard is that?”
He smirks. “I’m not your man, Demon. Find someone else for the job.”
He turns and walks out my door without another word.
I stare after him, completely at a loss.
I look up at the cat. “He said no?”
She hisses at me.
“Yeah, yeah. Clearly, you’re on his side. Like everyone else in this town.
CHAPTER TWO
Blue
