Page 46 of I Blame the Rival

“See you soon!”

Giving her a parting wave, I watch Skylar’s mom disappear from the romance section. The moment she’s out of sight, I turn to Skylar with a smile, “Your mom is awesome.”

“She’s a busybody.” He sighs, “But yeah, she’s pretty awesome.”

“And very pretty. I can see where you get it from.”

He blinks, “You think I’m pretty?”

Panic trickles through me as I press my book tight against my chest. I made the mistake of saying something similar to Jerrell once, complementing his pretty boy features, but it didn’t have the effect I intended.

“I-I didn’t mean to say that.” I swallow, feeling heat rise onto my cheeks, “Please don’t be mad.”

First you don’t put out and now you’re calling me pretty. Jesus, Lacey. Why the fuck do I put up with you?

“Flower.” Mismatched irises peer at me, pulling me back to the present, “You just complimented me. Why would I be mad at you?”

I clutch my book tighter, using it as a protective shield, “Because it’s not something you’re supposed to say to a guy. I didn’t mean to offend you, I promise.”

“I’m not offended. I’m flattered.”

My eyes widen as I bring them back to Skylar’s face, the sincerity in his tone matching the warmth in his gaze.

“Oh.”

Skylar tilts his head, the fluorescent lighting casting a shadow over the definition of his cheekbones. I meant what I said, the sharp edges of his face give him a delicate silhouette that is as unusual as it is beautiful.

“Someone asked me if I was an albino the other day. Being called pretty is probably the best compliment I’ve gotten all year.”

A laugh escapes me, “I don’t think you look like an albino.”

Skylar shrugs, “It doesn’t matter if I do. The point is you can say anything you want around me, Flower. I will never judge you for speaking your mind.”

Letting the book fall from my chest, I feel my walls start to crumble.

It took me a long time to realize my past relationship was toxic in many ways, but one of the worst parts was the easy way Jerrell could manipulate me. With a couple of cruel words, he could twist any situation so I came out looking like the bad guy.

There was so much guilt for so long that I got into the habit of apologizing before I even knew what I had done wrong. It seems silly now, looking back, but at the time it was the easiestway to appease Jerrell and keep the hurtful words to a minimum.

I open my mouth to thank him, but Skylar cuts me off with a shake of his head.

“I will always be honest with you, and you’re welcome to return the favour, but you never have to thank me. Okay?”

I nod, trying to keep the tears at bay. Skylar leans over to grab his romance novel lying on the love seat before gently taking my hand.

“I think it’s time we got some dinner. Apparently it’s my favourite tonight.”

He delivers the line with a straight face, but the teasing glint in his eyes gives him away. I laugh, tears forgotten, as our fingers intertwine and Skylar leads us out of the bookstore.

“And here’s Skylar as a baby.”

Amber passes me the photograph with a wide grin and I bite back a laugh. Skylar declared himself in charge of clean-up the moment his mom insisted on showing me the family photo albums. I’m not sure if his mom is purposefully trying to embarrass him or just trying to welcome me into the family.

Either way, it’s working.

“He’s so cute.” I smile, looking at baby Skylar beaming into the camera. His chubby face is full of expression, so unlike the boy I’ve gotten to know overthe last few days.

“He was such a happy kid. Never stopped smiling.” Glancing over her shoulder conspicuously, Amber drops her voice to a whisper, “Don’t tell him I told you, but Skylar has the most beautiful smile. It doesn’t come out very often, but when it does, look out.”

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