Page 316 of The Sinner: James

Propped against the car, James is waiting for me patiently. He raises his eyes from his phone.

“It’s still not what you are looking for?”

“No. They’re either too old or too big.”

“What’s wrong with big?” he asks.

Amusement flickers through his eyes.

“I wasn’t talking dicks, Sexton,” I say, gingerly waving goodbye at the real estate agent and plastering an ingenue smile over my face.

I feel James’ stare on my cheek.

“Good thing you didn’t lose your sense of humor.”

“Mm-hmm,” I say, my eyes still on that lady.

“And hopefully, you’re not one of those women who are looking for a fake boyfriend because she’s no longer interested in sex,” he slips to me.

“No,” I say, distracted, not looking at him, missing the meaning of his words completely.

His laugh rolls in my ears.

I cut my eyes at him, grinning.

“Are you fucking with me?”

He narrows his eyes, amused.

“Just checking,” he says.

I wave him off.

“Can we go, please?”

We climb into his car.

He starts the engine and slowly backs away while I observe him, unable to peel my gaze away.

A knowing smile moves his lips.

“Don’t even think it works in your favor,” I say.

“What’s that, sweetheart?” he asks, his eyes dancing with a playful grin.

“You know what,” I say, smoothing my dress. “It’s pure happenstance that I haven’t been with anyone since I spent time with you. Don’t let it go to your head.”

“I’m sure it is, darling,” he says, entertained. “Happenstance or not, I’ll take credit for it anyway.”

I huff with frustration.

“You’re unbelievable. I shouldn’t have told you.”

“I would’ve known anyway,” he says, tucking a cigarette between his lips.

He lets it dangle at the corner of his mouth while he flicks the lighter open and runs the flame over the tip.

He takes a drag off it before tearing it away from his mouth.

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