Page 61 of Vengeful Union

“You know what I mean,” she mutters, chewing furiously.

“Are you jealous, honey?” I tease, and Lara gives me a withering look.

“Don’t start.”

I chuckle. “What? I’m curious.”

“Of course, I’m not jealous. We’re not marriedfor real.”

“I mean, it’s legal,” I point out, and she groans.

“You know what I mean. It’s not like we really like each other.”

I pause for a moment, looking at her. “I like you.”

Her eyes snap to mine. “You do?”

“Sure. You’re beautiful and smart, kind of funny. What’s there not to like?”

She flushes. “I mean, I like you, too. You’re pretty cool. For an accountant.”

I throw back my head and laugh at that. “Glad you think so.”

“But it’s not love.”

“Of course not.”

But it’s certainly something, and that something makes me nervous.

Today was a lot like a date, with the tour and the creek and ending up making her dinner in our room.

I’m definitely getting closer to her, and that’s not a good sign.

I can’t allow myself to get attached. After this is all over, I’m leaving town and going back to my job. I don’t want to be a gangster. I never have.

“Oh, no,” Lara says, and I frown.

“What?”

“You’ve got that look on your face.” She points at my expression.

I bring a hand to my face, confused. “What are you talking about? Is there steak blood on my face?”

She snorts. “No. It’s just your expression. You make this face when you’re thinking too much.”

“How would you know that?”

“I’ve spent enough time with you to know your expressions.”

My heart skips a couple of beats.

She knows my expressions? Should that worry me?

“I’m thinking just enough, thank you.”

Lara snickers. “If you say so.”

I stand up, feeling restless, like there are ants in my pants. “I think I’m going to go for a drive.”

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