Page 70 of Perfect

“Connor, I think…”

Again, the bloody burr of an engine cut me off as Tom drew into the yard.

I exhaled sharply. Now was obviouslynotthe time. Would that dayevercome? “I’d better go, I’ll see you later.”

He turned his head to take in the approaching vehicle.

“Which pub?” he asked. This time his voice was soft.

“The Crown, in the village. You should come, it isn’t a date or anything. We’re doing the quiz. I know it’s not your thing but you might enjoy it?” I added.

His frown told me he wasn’t on board with that suggestion. He took a moment to answer before retrieving his bag and brushing past me.

“We’ll see, enjoy yourself.”

I felt torn. I so wanted to talk about what was going on between us but Tom had already ejected himself out of the car.

He looked smart in black jeans and a button down top.

“Everything OK?” he began as he warily watched Connor leave. “He didn’t look too impressed.”

I rolled my eyes in a God give me strength manner before reassuring him.

“It’s fine, don’t worry.”

Tom pursed his lips, looking me up and down appreciatively.

“You look stunning as usual. Shall we go?”

We walked to the car with Tom shadowing me and then helping me into the vehicle like I was a member of the royal family. I sure hoped Connor wasn’t watching from the house, no doubt he’d find Tom’s chivalrous behaviour totally unnecessary.

I settled myself into the seat and put my belt on with a gargantuan lump in my throat, not really clear as to why I suddenly felt so sad.

Tom climbed in beside me and I tilted my head and asked.

“What did you mean that Connor didn’t look impressed?”

After starting the engine, he reversed the car.

“I’m not sure, maybe he’s just had a bad day as I have spoken to him about us. Well, not that there is an ‘us’, but I told him I like you and wanted to see if there was anything in it. I hope you don’t mind. He didn’t really say much, just that if I hurt you, he’d break my legs. Anyway, I’ve decided to make my move in spite of his warning. I’m a good guy after all and so I imagine my ability to walk will remain intact.”

Digesting his words, I felt a bit annoyed and not necessarily at Tom. Connor had kissed me and yet was giving other guys the green light? What the actual fuck? My usual calm attitude started to bubble to boiling point.

What was it with bloody boys and their mixed messages?

I cocked an eyebrow. “So, you taking me to the pub is ‘making your move’ right?” I said in a light tone.

Tom beamed at me, thoroughly proud of himself.

“That’s right. And I think I did the right thing by checking with Connor as he did warn us off you in the beginning. I imagined the warning was because he wanted you himself. But of course, he’d never do anything about it, you’re his stepsister, it’s against the code.”

If only he knew.

Popping the bait on my rod and flicking the line into the water, I fished like I have never fished before.

“So, you think Connor fancies me or fancied me?”

Tom changed gear, flicking me a knowing look.

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