Page 11 of Broken Skulls

Her big brown eyes bounce over my face as I stare at her.

“You know you’re one of the handsomest men I’ve ever met,” she says.

“Better not let the big guy hear you say that.”

She huffs. “I said one of. The big guy will always be number one. Sorry, but you’ll never beat him in my eyes. But you can be number two.”

I laugh. “I’m different, Lily. It’s okay. Stop worrying about me.”

“You’re right. You are different. In the best of ways.”

I shake my head. “Okay, little Miss Positive. I’m sure the single guys of the club will appreciate a new female at the warehouse, but I’m not interested.”

She lifts her face to the sun after taking a long drink of her lemonade. She’s ignoring my comment which doesn’t bode well for me. I make a mental note to avoid Lily during the fundraiser. I might not even go this year.

When she finishes her drink, she hops off the tailgate. “I’m going to go wash my hands.”

Slowly I stand, closing the tailgate. I lean against it, finishing my beer. A few minutes later, she’s skipping back down the steps.

“Did Charlotte paint the picture on the fridge?” she asks as she reaches me.

Be still.

Be quiet.

“It’s so cute. She’s such a smart little girl,” she answers her own question. She checks the back of the truck, making sure everything is secure for her drive back to town.

“Charlotte is smart as a whip,” I agree.

“It kinda reminds me of my tattoo.”

“Never seen it.”

She smacks me in the arm as she rounds the truck to get in. “You have too.”

“Anyone who admits that out loud is asking for an ass kicking.”

This makes her laugh. “You’re probably right there, but I do wear shorts from time to time. I’m sure everyone’s seen it.”

“Not me. I keep my eyes right here.” I pretend to poke her eyes.

The woman doesn’t even blink. She just pulls me to her, hugging me. “I love you, friend.”

I untangle myself from her. “Okay. Okay. Get out of here.”

Her smile brings one to my face as she waves, pulling away. Lily is contagious. You can’t help but catch a smile after being around her.

Quietly, I make my way down the stairs. Lizzie has been extremely silent today.

I knock on the wood. “You okay in there?”

“If I say no, will you let me out?”

“Do you want out?”

I glance at the door, waiting for her response. She remains quiet for a long moment.

“I don’t know.”

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