Page 48 of Tulips and Lost Time

“You’re twisting yourself up over this.” He tosses his notebook and scratches his stubbled chin. “Believe it or not, but I’m following you. You love her, you want her. But she’s quality, grass fed steak, and you want her confidence to be built up before you claim her for yourself.”

“Yes. Mostly.” I shake my head. “Sure. Whatever.”

“You want her to know this is a choice you both make, and not a ‘well, that person will do’ kind of thing. Have you considered the consequences that may come if she explores the world and finds steak somewhere else?”

“Yes.” My stomach rebels at the thought. My heart aches at the threat. “And if that was to happen, then I would need to find understanding. Whatever is best for her, is best for us.”

“Jesus.” He scoffs, the sound mocking me from the back of his throat. “Magnanimous of you, Lenaghan. So if she finds her steak elsewhere, you’re just gonna go to her wedding? Cool as a cucumber? You’re okay with that?”

“As long as she’s happy,” I bite out. “She has the right to choose, Mitch. And if I claim her as mine now, she’s too loyal to sneak off and look at the other plates in the meantime. This is a risk I have to take. For her own well-being.”

“Selfless of you,” he breathes, puffing his cheeks and widening his eyes. “As the brother of a protected woman, I suppose I can respect that.”

“Great.” I crush my eyes closed. “So that’s my dilemma. She’s heading out of town soon, and although she can come back regularly, she’ll technically have four years to… explore.”

“But she wants a commitment from you?”

“Kinda.” I drop my hands and shrug. “She’s calling me a coward because I’m avoiding her as much as I can.”

“Out of loyalty to her future and to your friend?”

“Basically. If I see her before she goes, I’m gonna fuck everything up. Either I’ll chicken out on the sampler thing and demand she be mine. Short-term gain. Or I’ll hurt her feelings and screw everything up. Long-term loss.”

“And you think ignoring her is the best solution to this?”

“What the fuck other solution do you have?”

“Luca?” Marcus’ voice echoes throughout the garage we’re parked in. His boots thumping against the concrete floor. Color drains from my face—I feel it—and in response, Mitch’s brow shoots up in question.

He glances over his shoulder and grins when Marc stops outside the bus.

“Oh, hey Mitch.” Marc extends his hand and shakes when Mitch reciprocates. “How’s it going?”

“Aww, ya know. Drama, drama, drama.” He chuckles, pulling back and picking up his notebook. “You need an ambulance, or…?”

“No.” Marc’s eyes jump to mine. “We’re grabbing pizza at my place tonight. It’s Kari’s sendoff.”

“Yeah?” My throat aches as that single, painful word rolls along it. “That’s cool.”

“She’s invited all the family. But she mentioned getting RSVPs from everyone except you. She was gonna head down here on her way home, but I was already near, so I told her I’d drop in.”

“I probably can’t come,” I rasp. “Mitch and I are on shift. So?—”

“We’re off at six,” Mitch, oh-so-fucking helpfully, adds. Fuck him. Fuck his sister. I hope whoever she falls in love with fucks him up. “I’ll make sure we’re clear on the dot.”

“Dude—”

“Excellent.” Marc claps his knuckles on the shell of the rig and turns away. “I’ll see you there then. I’ve still got a few errands to run before everyone arrives.”

“You’re a dog.” I shove up from my seat and slam my palm to the side of Mitchell’s face as I pass. “I hope your sister falls in love with your worst enemy.”

“He’s your best friend, bro! Why wouldn’t you go to your best friend’s younger sister’s farewell dinner?” He turns at the back of the bus as I step to the concrete. “Make it make sense, Lenaghan!”

“I’m gonna drive our bus straight off Lookout Hill.” I spy Marc climbing into his truck on the street, then I look back at my partner and sneer. “You brought this on yourself.”

“This is karma,” he quips. “For scamming on your friend’s little sister.” He picks up his pen and chuckles, making notes in his book again. “Dick.”

Kane pulls up a chair to my dining room table, his chest bouncing with the knowledge of Mitchell’s sister’s current husband.

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