Page 95 of Swan

Outside, I asked Jody, “I presume you live around here?” We’d left at different times yesterday.

She nodded. “The husband and I moved to the area two years ago when he got transferred for his work. I left the library I’d been at and went through a few jobs. I was out of work for two months before this position opened up, and—oh….” She stopped suddenly. “Do you think that’s her boyfriend?”

I looked to where Jody was and tensed.

Petra was talking to Drake by my car. As he leaned against the vehicle, she stood close enough to touch his arm while she laughed at something he said. She flicked her long dark hair over her shoulder and pulled out her phone.

“That’s actually my friend,” I told Jody.

“Only a friend?”

“Yeah.” Did that sound sad?

“Swan, you need to get over there and stake your claim if you want him as more than a friend.”

I wished I could. “It’s complicated.”

“At least he doesn’t look like he wants her attention.”

That was true. He hadn’t smiled once.

Then, when he looked towards the doors and saw me, he straightened and grinned widely. My heart gave off a fluttering beat.

“Oh my,” I heard Jody say.

“Birdy,” Drake called. “Get your cute arse over here.”

I flushed.

Jody made a noise. “Do not stay just friends.”

I gave her a small smile and said goodbye before I walked towards my car. Petra was still trying to talk to Drake, but his amused gaze was on me as he ignored her.

“Swan, Dragon was just telling me you two are in town together.”

I stopped in front of him and caught his eyeroll. Had he not told her that we were just friends? It made me reluctant to.

“That’s right. We’re staying at a friend’s house.”

“How about you both come to dinner with me? You can tell me all about the new manager, Swan.”

Drake stepped closer and curled an arm around my shoulders. “Can’t. We already promised our friend we’d be there for food,” he said, tugging me to the car and opening the door for me. “Hurry up before she invites herself there too.”

Laughing, I pulled on my seat belt as he closed my door.

“Wait, Dragon.” Petra rushed to the driver’s side. “I didn’t get your number.”

“Gotta hit the road.” He gently shifted her away from the door and got in quickly. He started the car, snapped his belt on, and backed out. “I’ve met some forceful women before, but I think she’s the winner.”

I wanted to ask if he was interested at all, but I also didn’t in case it revealed anything. Although I would have asked him if we were just friends and I hadn’t let my emotions get the best of me.

“So, you’re not interested?” I swallowed hard.

Please don’t be.

“I ain’t into her, Birdy.”

He gave me a look. One I struggled to read. Was he telling me he did have a type, just not her?

---