Page 26 of Perfect

I smiled thinly. Same old shit, different day. I managed to suck back my original retort and went with, “So, you see me as one of those worthless society girls?” I snorted. “You’re wrong, I may like nice clothes and stuff but I’m not like that at all. You’ve been watching too many dodgy American dramas.”

“No,youhave,” he shot back.

“I don’t watch the Kardashians actually. I find it boring.”

“Really?” Connor sneered, doubt radiating from his pinned expression. That sly smirk still kicked up my pulse.

“Yes,really. Not that my life is any of your business.” I curled my fingers into fists.

He nodded and agreed with me. But it still wasn’t pleasant. “That’s right. It isn’t my business and I really couldn’t give a shit. I’ve no time for sheltered brats.”

I felt the urge to thump him and backed away a few steps. The closeness of our bodies was doing strange things to my pulse. The wall hit my back and I attempted to look casual as I leaned against it. Hopefully, the stone support would make me appear more chilled out than I was feeling. I so needed to conquer my body’s weakness toward this boy.

Eying him warily beneath my lashes, I recalled Ella’s words about Connor and his issues with his dad. Maybe the punk brought it on himself, it wouldn’t surprise me as he was such an argumentative dick. I was a lunatic for wanting to talk to him but I couldn’t fight that strange pull I felt. It was like I needed him to like me.

I felt momentarily deflated but powered on.

“Why don’t we call a truce, try and be friends? I’m actually quite nice when you get to know me. Why make this situation more difficult?”

My fingers crossed of their own accord, hoping he’d take the offer. It was extremely gracious of me, bearing in mind his terrible behaviour so far.

Connor smirked and propped his backside against the car, leaning against it before folding his arms across his chest. A hot wave of lust crashed against my pelvis. He was taller and broader than any other boy I had met. I imagined he’d be able to handle himself physically. The thought of that also made me feel gooey inside which was odd. I hated violence of any type.

“I suppose I’m just a difficult kind of guy.” He cocked his head to one side and regarded me.

I smiled as for once we agreed with each other.

“Yes, one that doesn’t do quizzes or Kim Kardashian I hear,” I pointed out with a half-joking tone. He didn’t return my smile; the guy was merely humouring me. I refused to care as at least he was talking to me.

“You’re right about the first point, not so much the second. I’d certainlydoKim Kardashian if given the chance.”

I rolled my eyes, ignoring the stab of jealousy. “Nice.” I pushed my hands into the pockets of my jeans. His eyes followed the movement.

“So, whatdidyou do at the pub?” I asked, regaining his attention. His eyes darkened as they drilled into me, talk about intense. I could see from his face that he thought my question moronic and I suppose it was, but I was trying to coax a response.

“Drink,” he replied in a ‘dur’ type of tone.

It made me smile wider, literally from ear to ear. “Yes, I know that but what else? Do you play darts or something?”

Although he fought it, my words forced his lips into a grin and my pulse skyrocketed. Connor Barratt wore an actual smile and the fact that I had put it there felt like I’d created a small miracle. It made him appear human, boyish even. It was the first proper smile I’d seen on his face.

I didn’t know why I questioned him. I wanted to poke for answers but knew the chance of getting any true facts was probably slim to none.

Connor unfolded his arms and placed them behind his back on the truck, one winged brow arched in question. It was a very sexy eyebrow if eyebrows could be deemed sexy of course.

His chuckle was gravelly.

“Is that your idea of how a farmer spends his spare time, playing darts? Now, who’s been watching too many dodgy dramas?” The muscles on his shoulders bunched as he rocked his weight against the car, eyeing me thoughtfully. “It’s the pub. I do what everyone else does in there. I drink, I hang out, relax; catch up with mates, that sort of thing.”

I managed to ignore his vague taunt and raised my freshly tweezed eyebrows, gaining confidence. We were now engaged in actual banter, it felt refreshing.

“You do have some friends then?” I cast him my best playful look. Usually, when I used that expression, boys fell to their knees. Connor didn’t of course but the atmosphere between us changed to a lighter tone.

He shot me one ofthosesmiles. “Funny.” He acknowledged grimly, releasing a nasty laugh.

A few strands of hair had come loose from my ponytail and I pushed them back whilst powering on.

“What did you talk about?” I asked, genuinely interested to know what farm boys discussed when getting pissed. Would they chat about girls or their opinion on the latest model of tractor? I’d put my money on the latter.

---