The woman is bound to drive me mad.
Jerking on the door handle, I jump out of the truck and walk to the back to grab my gear. Lily meets me there, the smirk still lingering on her mouth.
“Nice driving.” Humor glitters in her eyes, and I can’t even be mad because the sight of it is so breathtaking.
She’s wearing a pair of cut-off jeans and a Benton Falls High School T-shirt. It’s form-fitting, revealing the curve of her waist and causing me to nearly swallow my tongue. Her hair is pulled up in a bun meant to look messy, but knowing Lily, it’s meticulously placed—and dang it, if she isn’t beautiful.
I’m wearing a ball cap that sits low on my brow, hiding most of my face from her, and I’m thankful I had the sense to put it on before I left the house. Otherwise, she’d be privy tojusthow much I enjoy seeing her like this.
“The sun was in my eyes,” I lie, and she snorts.
“Now, who’s lying to themselves?”
Shrugging, I don’t deny it. There’s no reason to. She’s right.
After dropping my tailgate, I reach in, pull out the bag full of gear, and sling it over my shoulder.
Then I turn so we are face to face, our bodies inches apart. She tilts her head back to look at me, and I dip mine down to do the same. We stand there staring at each other for a minute until I break the silence.
“Are you ready for this?”
She lifts one shoulder and lets it fall back down. “I’m used to putting on a show.”
I frown, my brows knitting together. “What’s that supposed tomean?”
Lily’s eyes dart away from mine, looking at something over my shoulder. “Nothing,” she says, her voice flat. “We have company.”
She steps closer, her hand coming up to rest on my arm. Today’s heat index is at a record high, but it’s nothing compared to the heat radiating off Lily. Her eyes come back to me, and she smiles. And I forget my name.
“You’re going to need to pretend you like me, Theo,” she says through her smile. “Your ex-wife is heading this way.”
Pretend?
I want to laugh.
Who has to pretend when she’s enough to make a man downright obsessed?
I’d tell her that, but the mention of my ex-wife is like a bucket of cold water thrown over my head. I tense, starting to turn my head to look, but Lily’s hand moves up my arm to my neck, blocking me.
“You are terrible at this. I wouldn’t have agreed so quickly if I knew I would have to carry our weight.”
I glare down at her, my face still hidden by the shadow of my hat. “Nothing about that decision was quick, hopeless.”
“Oh, shut up, and do better,” she says, flicking the side of my neck before smoothing her hand over my jawline. She smirks when a shiver runs over my shoulders. She’s playing a dangerous game, but two can play it—and I’m not one for losing.
Leaning down, I move in closer until my cheek brushes against hers. My hand lands on her waist, tugging her closer until she’s pressed against me. Her breathing hitches, and I chuckle. My voice is low and dark when I whisper, “I love when you boss me around, hopeless.”
I can feel her heart beating against my ribs—fast and steady. Every addiction starts with one hit, and I’ve just had mine.
It’s like playing with fire, and I crave the burn.
“Well, isn’t this cozy.” Josephine’s voice is grating, scratching againstevery last nerve I have.
Sighing, I close my eyes, but before I can pull away, Lily whispers, “Don’t let her get to you. That’s what she wants.”
Her voice is surprisingly even as she steps back while I, on the other hand, feel like a bumbling teenager.
Lily—one. Theo—zero.
