Page 38 of Made for You

“That sounds...quaint.” His face scrunches in disgust at the thought of being off grid.

The kitchen door once again opens and I’ve never been so thankful for an interruption. Except that it’s Liam’s face I see when he comes through.

“Oh, uh, I need some dinner. I didn’t think anyone would still be here.” He stammers out, his eyes bouncing back and forth between Alexander and I.

“I bet you didn’t.” I give him a knowing look, letting him know that his avoidance of me isn’t so secretive.

He glares at me, and turns to Alexander, “Hi, I’m Liam Keaton. I see you’ve met Violet.”

“Oh the owner! Nice to meet you. I’m Alexander Williams. I’ll be staying here for the week, and a few times over the next couple of weeks for work.” He puts on a sickeningly fake smile, so much so I almost roll my eyes at him.

“Great.” Liam answers, but doesn’t sound like he actually thinks it is great.

He reaches into the refrigerator and pulls out a sandwich like I did. Except instead of leaving he pulls a stool right up next to me, sitting so close that our thighs brush together.

Before he opens his meal, he places his hand on my thigh and leans in to kiss my cheek while keeping eye contact with Alexander.

I stiffen under his touch. I wasn’t ready for the jealousy game that he wants to play.

Only Alexander doesn’t break eye contact with Liam either, and now I’m in the middle of some awkward as hell pissing match between the two men who don’t seem to be thinking of me at all.

I push my stool back hard enough that it falls over. I step over it to bring my container to the sink and right the stool. Igrab my phone and the box for Liam. When I get close enough I drop it on the island in front of him, far enough up that the thud is audible and the pastries are likely broken.

Fuck him. He deserves no pastries after this stunt.

“These were for you. I was going to come find you after but since you’re here you can take them yourself. Have a good night out in the barn.” I turn to face the other man in the room. “Alexander, I hope you enjoy the rest of the evening. I would recommend relaxing by the fire in the living room. It’s beautiful at night.”

I turn and leave the kitchen. Marching my ass right up the steps into my room, ignoring Emma’s open door policy and opting for a hot bubble bath instead.

Fuck them. How dare they act like I’m some commodity to win over and lay claim to. That’s no different than Linda and Larry using me for their own damn image.

I slam around in my room, finding cozy pajamas to lay out and running the bath. I pour in extra bubbles than needed and set up my tray that goes across the tub and holds a glass of wine and my laptop for some trashy television in the tub.

I’ve never been more proud of myself for the forethought of buying those small wine bottles at the grocery store. I twist open my merlot and slide into the hot bubbles.

I sink down further, grateful that Emma convinced Liam to go with the tubs big enough for two. The hot water soothes my sore muscles from the day.

My mind however is racing. How dare Liam kiss my cheek in a display of ownership over me in front of Alexander. And Alexander, what the hell does he think he’s going to get from staring like a creep and then locking eyes daring Liam.

My phone dings with a text message, I bring my arm out from the bubbles and grab my phone to see Liam’s name flash.

Liam:I’m sorry.

Liam:Thank you for the pastries, they’re delicious. But I had to share some. >

If he thinks that’s enough, he’s dead fucking wrong.

Alexander spent the week up Violet’s ass. I haven’t been able to get her alone since that night I first saw them together. And she’s pissed at me for kissing her in front of him.

I tried apologizing by texting her, to which Emma told me I was an idiot for thinking that would work. Clearly she was right because I haven’t heard from Violet yet.

I saw Alexander’s car pull out this morning and my quick check of the booking system says he’s gone for a glorious two days, coming back Sunday night.

So I have two days to get Violet to forgive me. I need Emma’s help.

Me:I was thinking of cooking for Violet, is that weird? She’s obviously able to do it herself.

Emma:If you ever paid any attention to anything, you’d notice that she eats sandwiches most nights because she’s too tired of cooking to even put something in the microwave.

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