Page 35 of Rhett

“It’s not something one can ever hear too much.” I open the bag and push it toward him. He takes one out, dips it, then pops it in his mouth.

“I like you more because of this.”

“My plan worked.”

We take a break, eating chips and dip for lunch. Not the healthiest, but I don’t think either of us minds. When we’re done, I say, “I need to call Archer real quick. I have to head out tomorrow to pick up materials a couple of hours away. Mom has an appointment and can’t pick up Meadow from school. Since my best friend is currently unemployed, this is a job for Uncle Archer.”

Just as I’m about to dial, Rhett says, “I can pick her up. It’s fine if you or Meadow would rather he do it, but I’m able…or if Archer is busy, just let me know.”

Inexplicably, my heart beats harder, like it’s…I don’t know, pleased or excited at his offer. I know that took a lot for Rhett, and it means the world to me that he did.

I push my phone into my pocket. “That would be great. Meadow will enjoy it too. She keeps asking about you. I swear, she wants to steal all my friends.” I chuckle, and Rhett does the same.

“Okay. That works. I can bring her home or anywhere else she wants.”

“Don’t tell her that. She’ll have you flying to the city. Home is fine. Maybe you can hang out and wait for me, and I’ll bring us dinner.”

He stares at me for a moment, my heart still going uncharacteristically wild. He does this sometimes when we’re talking, just looks at me like he’s trying to figure me out. I’ve also noticed him doing it sometimes when he doesn’t think I’m paying attention. We’ll be working together, and I’ll feel Rhett’s gaze on me. Sometimes I’ll look and he’ll turn away, and others I’m more incognito about it. When he doesn’t realize he’s been caught, Rhett Swift doesn’t turn away.

“We can do that. What should I bring?”

“Just you…and, well, my daughter.”

He rolls his eyes. “I have to bring something. Wine?”

“Beer maybe? Wine is a taste I haven’t acquired.”

“I’ll bring both. What does Meadow like to drink?”

“She’s partial to vodka.”

Rhett nudges me with his arm. “You’re playful today.”

I am, and it’s because I’m enjoying my time with him so much. “Do you like me this way?”

“I like you every way.” His pupils blow wide as if he can’t believe he said that. Before I can reply, he closes his eyes. “Jesus, why did I say that?”

“Was it a lie? Because I like you every way too.” I don’t even know what I’m saying, what he’s saying. I don’t think Rhett means sexually, though again, there’s no denying I’m attracted to him, both physically and emotionally.

He opens his eyes again. “It wasn’t a lie, but it was weird.”

“I don’t think it’s weird.”

“You also just told me your thirteen-year-old daughter likes vodka.”

“Clearly, I was joking.”

He smiles, then I smile, and we’re just really fucking smiley.

I don’t want to make Rhett uncomfortable, so I figure changing the subject is the smartest course of action. “She likes those nonalcoholic sparkling apple ciders that look like you’re drinking champagne.”

“Okay. I’ll bring that,” he says, and then we get back to work.

I feel Rhett watching me the rest of the day.

*

Me: Help. I need to talk to my best friend.

---