Page 66 of One Big Little Secret

Aw, hell.

I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if Salem’s face burst into flames. Mom and Evelyn both look at us like we’re the center of attention.

Goddammit, here we go.

It would be so easy to say something about Salem givingmethe cold shoulder, but that wouldn’t get us anywhere.

“Kid, I’m learning. I’m thirty, not a hundred years old. That isn’t too far gone to grow a little empathy, right?” I keep my tone light while Mom gives me an epic frown. Salem glances at me in surprise, then looks away. “Mom, don’t look at me like that.”

If we were alone, she’d be wagging a finger with some choice words.

I glare at Arlo, trying like hell not to let on how annoyed I am.

Way to go, little man. You think I got you into trouble with your mama, and now you’re paying me back.

“But Mommy makes thebesthot chocolate,” Arlo says, throwing his sticky arms around her neck.

Thankfully, even a future Machiavelli still has the attention span of a bug when he’s only five.

“Boys that age are such a handful,” Mom says, giving Salem a smile that says she’s seen it all before. “He said you were going sledding, yes? Give me a moment and I’ll bring you a thermos for the road.”

“Oh, you don’t have to—”

“Nonsense. Everyone needs more cocoa. Even Patton.” She eyes me with a look that says,shut your mouth. Be nice. Drink up.

“Thank you so much,” Salem says.

“We’ll meet you by the front door.” I decide it’s in our best interests to get out of here before Arlo has a chance to demolish my reputation more. “I’ll give you that ride to the river I promised.”

“That’s so kind of you,” Evelyn whispers. “You remind me of Walt. He was always so good with his employees, he never failed to treat everyone like family.”

Salem blanches.

Her goodbye feels stilted as she practically runs from the room with Arlo bouncing along next to her.

I hold in a snort.

Real sweet, Lady Bug. Next time, let’s make it more obvious how much you hate me.

“Take care, Evelyn. Always a pleasure,” I say, giving her a quick hug.

“You don’t know how much I appreciate you meeting me like this, and I adore the opportunity to work out a new venture.” She beams at me. “Enjoy your sledding! And say, if she’s single—”

“Not my type.” I back away. “Sorry.”

Shit, I need togo.

I don’t bother telling her I have no intention of sledding myself, and I join the others at the front door. Mom hands us a tall thermos and cups, and we head for the vehicle.

Salem straps Arlo in while I put everything in the front. The boy grins at me like he knows he’s my personal inquisitor.

Yeah, fuck spending a second in the snow with them. I’m not trusting him anywhere near a sled and my balls.

I just need excuses to stay in the car.

Preferably before he has a chance to plow into me and put me in the hospital.

9

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