Page 69 of Rough Around the Hedges

“Ner-ner.” I poked out my tongue as I made my way inside.

“You’re so childish.” Oliver raised his head, then paused. “Huh. You reallyarein a dressing gown.”

Darn. The rotten git was in his glasses again.

If that didn’t give me a straight hit of horny hormones, I didn’t know what would.

I re-secured the belt and dropped onto one of the sofas, sighing heavily. “It was the best of many bad options.”

“I had clothes set out for you.”

“Yes, but you’re considerably taller and larger than me. I’m lean from continuous manual labour. What on Earth made you think those ginormous trousers of yours would fit around this lovely waist of mine?”

He tilted his head to the side, a teasing smile curving his lips. “So, what are you wearing, princess?”

Ugh.

“As if I’m going to answer that with Mr Pervert over there by the door.” I cocked my thumb towards where Lucas was still standing, staring at me with an irritated expression.

“I’m no pervert,” he snapped.

I held out my hands and shrugged. “You should have thought about that before you snooped on me, Mr Pervert.”

“Oli…” Lucas grumbled. “Why is she still here?”

As if I want to be.

“Divine punishment. For youandme,” I retorted.

Oliver rubbed his temple. “Don’t worry about her. When are you leaving for London?”

“Oh, you’re going to London?” I leant over the back of the sofa and pointed at Oliver. “Are you taking this nuisance with you?”

“There’s no need to look so pleased,” Lucas said. “And no, I’m not. I’m going there to take care of personal business.”

“Take as long as you need. Don’t come back, even. That’s half my job here done if I get rid of one of you.”

“Just go, Luke.” Oliver sighed, rubbing his forehead. “I’ve dealt with Rose’s temper enough today as it is without you pissing her off even more.”

Was that a compliment?

It felt like a compliment.

It probably shouldn’t, but it did.

I was taking it anyway. I didn’t get complimented often, so even dubiously half-hearted ones were a pretty boost to my already substantial ego.

Luke nodded his head. “Then I’ll speak to you tomorrow morning,” was all he said before he left the room without saying another word.

“Wow. He could have said goodbye,” I said, staring after him.

“Are you somehow hurt by his indifference towards you?” Oliver said dryly.

I snorted. “Please. I would be happiest if we never shared another word between us.”

He stared at me.

“What?”

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