Page 78 of All Our Secrets

Before I responded, she spun back around. I narrowed my eyes and followed. Maybe I’d expected Peyton to be all quiet and unable to meet my gaze. Maybe even sit me down at the table and tell me it was a mistake. But notthis.Speaking and acting normally, like she hadn’t ridden the hell out of my dick last night.

“Peyton.”

“Are you ready?” She looked over her shoulder, studying me quickly from top to bottom. “Everyone’s wanting to walk the streets, then watch that show this evening. I forgot what it was called, but it has horses and things.”

It was a little after ten. I had slept longer than I wanted, but only because it took so long to fall asleep once she’d left my room. Clearly, that hadn’t been the case for Peyton. The woman had a bit of eye makeup on, and her gorgeous brown hair was down. She was so beautiful; I had half a mind to lock the door and not let her out of the hotel room.

“I’m ready. Just have to put on my socks and shoes.”

“Good,” she said a little too cheerily.

A slip-up? I wondered.Ah. She was trying her best toactnormal. I quirked a brow as she headed for the exit.

“They’re waiting, so I’m going to head down. Be quick.”

“Peyton,” I called out, but she was gone.

So she was going to pretend it didn’t happen?Fuck that.Peyton had always beenmygirl. It was time to show her that.

∞∞∞

Dinner and a show. All I knew was that people barrel raced and did other impressive things on the backs of horses. All my focus fell on Peyton. Her excitement was palpable. She darted looks everywhere, waiting for it to begin until I plopped down in the seat beside her. Our eyes caught, and I swore hers crystallized. Hardened into a permanent state of sadness when she spotted me.

With a huff, she said, “Oh, there’s a spot beside Sarah. I’ll join her—”

I placed my palm over her shoulder when she tried to raise from her seat.

“Yeah, but she doesn’t havetwovacant seats beside her.” Leaning into her ear, I whispered, “You’re not running from me.”

Her cheeks reddened before she rolled her eyes. “You’re so overbearing.” She pushed my hand away, goose bumps forming on her arm as she did. “How many times do I have to tell you not to boss me around?”

“I want you right here. Besideme. Why would you go over there?”

Her chocolate eyes snapped to mine, rounding adorably, before she shook her head. “Don’t.”

My brows furrowed. “Don’t what?”

“It was nothing.”

Thenothingshe spoke of had to be about her sneaking into my room. My anger climbed at her swift dismissal of what she started. “You’re not a good liar, baby. If it was nothing, as you said, why are you trying so hard to run?”

Her back went ramrod straight before she stood abruptly, placing T.J. in his stroller.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

“I’m going to watch the show and eat my dinner over there.” She pointed toward Sarah, who waved her over.

I leaned back in my seat. The impulse to snatch Peyton right then and there had my skin crawling. I glanced at Sarah until she caught my stare and smirked. What the—? Could she know my intentions with Peyton? Then again, I wasn’t subtle. Anyone who paid attention should know. I was surprised Devin hadn’t picked up on it when I decided to come on vacation.

While I glared daggers at Sarah, Peyton laughed. My head snapped toward the sound, lightning quick. One of the younger men of our group had stopped her. A nasty burst of jealousy spread through my chest, making the itch beneath my flesh worse. I could fucking burn the building down with how hot my temper had risen. Who was he? Steven’s cousin? Devin’s? I wanted to make her laugh more than anything. Enough to be jealous that she’d given it to someone else. When she chuckled again, I saw and heard the sound leave her lips. Discomfort radiated from her. It was in her nod as she glanced at his hand resting on her shoulder. She pushed it away before pointing toward Sarah. Peyton was finished with the conversation, but he stopped her again, making her smile that not-really smile. I stood and walked over.

Peyton tensed before she even turned around. “Silas,” she said quickly, still smiling in that faker than shit way.

I placed a hand on her shoulder. “Go have a seat.”

“Hey, Silas,” the young man greeted me.

I’d seen him around, but I couldn’t remember his name. Besides, I had nothing to say that Peyton would approve of, and glowering seemed to do the trick. The kid squirmed.

---