Page 48 of Sweet Temptation

“I tried to kiss you,” I said clearly, so he couldn’t pretend not to hear me. “And you weren’t having it. It’s fine.”

It was fine. Really.

But ever since that night, whenever we’d crossed paths, he was awkward as hell. And unfortunately, we crossed paths a lot. He was just always around, watching Elle’s back. Watching my back, too, when I was with her.

The thing was—and it had taken me a long while to fully absorb this—Flynn had never really been onboard with the idea of the two of us hooking up.

That delusion was all mine.

“Look…” he said, seeming unsure. “Summer… I….”

“It’s no big deal. Really,” I assured him. “So you rejected me. I’m a big girl. And I get it. I’m not for everyone. I’m sassy and loud. Sometimes, I catch on fire at fancy parties…” I was trying to make him laugh, maybe… something… but as usual, it wasn’t working. “I’m sure everyone has their type, and for some guys, girls who catch on fire just aren’t—”

“It’s not you,” he said, probably just to shut me up.

“Right. Heard that one before. You don’t need to spare my feelings, Flynn. Really. So I don’t float your boat. So what?”

He cleared his throat, like he’d rather be on fire than having this conversation.

“I mean,” I pressed on, “you could’ve just told me you’re not attracted to me—”

“There’s someone else,” he practically coughed out.

My jaw dropped.

Holy fuck. He was serious.

“Oh,” I said. “It’s really not me?”

“No,” he said.

And then he shut right up.

I leaned forward, scooting to the edge of my seat. Because there was something he wasn’t saying. “What? I am literally on the edge of my seat here. Who is it?”

“It’s… nothing.” He sounded all uncomfortable and freaked out, like he was afraid someone might overhear that he had human feelings. “Don’t say anything, okay?”

I waited. I could practically hear the sweat collecting on his forehead like bullets. “But… who is it? I thought you were single. Wait. You told Elle you were single.” I knew that, because she’d casually inquired on my behalf.

We’d both always assumed Flynn was single, but the man was so damn private. So Elle had asked him, just a few weeks ago, if he was involved with anyone.

He’d said no.

“Summer…”

“Why are you being weird?”

“I’d prefer not to talk—”

“Oh my God. Hold the phone. Are you not with her?”

“Uh—”

“You’re in love with someone you’re not even with??”

“I didn’t say I was—”

“Does she even know? Have you told her? Is this a secret thing? An unrequited thing?”

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