Page 65 of Caught Stealing

“Exactly. I think we’re doing great though.” Destiny smiles at me and gathers her trash. “Well, I’m off to make sure my coverage is here. Gotta get to my last gown fitting appointment.”

Once Destiny is out of earshot, Lottie shifts to face me and settles her hand on my bicep. “I’m sorry about that. I hope you know I didn’t ask him to come. I told you last night that I would message him and set up a time to talk to him. I didn’t think he’d show up here. I didn’t even think he knew about the carnival.”

Regret tears at my stomach. “I know you didn’t mean for it to happen this way. I wasn’t expecting to run into him while spending time with you. That's all. I might have been a little jealous, but Destiny set me straight.”

“I understand. I’m sure it feels awkward for you. It sure does for me.” She lowers her head and her gaze to the bench seat. “I feel awful that—”

I tip her chin up and silence her before planting a kiss on her lips. It’s fast so we’re not kissing in front of her students, but enough for her to know I’m not upset or frustrated. “I know you don't want see anyone hurting. It's okay.”

She sighs and nods but the tension in her shoulders doesn’t dissipate. This is tough for her, and Destiny was right. She doesn’t want to hurt Rory even though he betrayed her. Part of me thinks he knows that too and won’t let her make a clean break, but I don’t voice my opinion. I can’t force her to do things how I would do them. It’s not who she is, and I happen to like her exactly as she is…even if it means I have to swallow my jealousy until she handles her business her way.

The rest of the afternoon flies by now that I’m out of the tank. I only see Rory once more, but he’s in a rush to get to a practice. I didn’t even know hockey practice happened this time of the year, but I couldn’t care less. It got rid of him, and I can help Lottie and the others clean up without him lurking in the corner.

Lottie hasn’t been the same since the talk at the picnic table. She’s reserved and pulling away from me, but in fairness, she isn’t as talkative with her coworkers either. She smiles and gets excited for the kids, but when they’re not looking, storm clouds descend upon her usually sunny disposition.

Eventually, it’s down to just us. Koa stole my truck long ago, leaving Lottie to drop me off at my house. I’m completely dry at this point, but still ready to get home, shower, and relax with Goblin for a bit.

“All that is left is to take the trash to the dumpster. Just let me tell the custodians, and we can head out.” Lottie turns to go but I grab her wrist. I don’t know why, but I need her in my arms. I need her to see I’m still here for her, still waiting, and she doesn’t have to be so sullen.

“Hey, what’s wrong?”

She lets me pull her into a hug and rests her head on my chest. “I’m tired for one, but I’m more emotionally spent than physically.”

“Is there anything I can do?”

“Mmm, this helps.” She links her arms behind my waist and I tighten my embrace. “I can’t help wishing there was an easier way to do all of this. You know? Like hire someone to really give Rory a lashing because even though I want to, I can’t make mean words come out of my mouth.”

Yet again, Destiny is proven to be right.

“My friends said it seems like I'm stalling, but it’s not what I want to do. I’m stuck, and I don't like causing another person pain. It doesn't matter how much he hurt me first. I also don't like putting you in this position."

I slide my hands up her back and over her shoulders, gently tugging her away so I can look down at her. “You’re the sweetest person I’ve ever met. I realized that on our first date, and you’ve only proven how wonderful you are since then. If you went on a rampage, it wouldn’t be you.”

Her eyes water as she looks back up at me, truly torn because she doesn’t want this jerk to have his heart broken. He deserves it and more, but to her, he’s still a human with feelings and she doesn’t want to be responsible for burning them.

“Lottie, you stole my heart from minute one, and it’s here for you whenever you’re ready for it. Right now, months from now, heck, I think I’d even wait years for you. I like you. We fit, and I want you for the long term. What’s a few days or weeks waiting for you to settle things with him if there’s a chance I get you in the end?”

Her lips part and she finally relaxes. “It’s not a chance. I thought we established last night that I am your girlfriend."

Oh, thank you. Thank you, Lord, for this. I needed the confidence boost and confirmation.

I grin. "Did we?"

She smirks. “Yeah, pink jersey, remember?"

"Oh, yeah, I seem to remember that."

"I’m a lucky girl that you weren’t already snatched up.” Her smirk relaxes into her usual smile.

I can’t help laughing at that. “Well, they were honest last night when they called me grumpy. I can be a little grouchy when I’m not feeling great. Just ask Goblin.”

“I’ll be sure to do that later this week. I still need to give you drum lessons now that your shoulder is mostly better, remember? I mean, if you’re up for it so soon.”

“Well, I have an appointment with Doc Monday, and if all goes as planned, I’ll be playing Monday night. Want to come?”

She grumbles. “I would love to, but I have parent teacher conferences all week next week. With church tomorrow and choir practice, I’m afraid I won’t see much of you unless you want to grab me for lunch one day?”

“Lunch it is. Now smile and let’s get out of here. I’m starving.”

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