Page 91 of Honey Be Mine
“Don’t be flattered. Be adventurous.” She reached across the table, running a finger across the back of his hand. “You work too hard, Everett. You deserve to have some fun. That’s what I’m offering you. Fun. Lots and lots of it.”
He blinked, slowly pulling his hand back. “Libby, I’m not sure where this is coming from, but I’m not interested in you in that way.”
“Really?” She was very good at that—looking equal parts seductive and innocent. “Because I’m pretty certain I’ve caught you checking out the merchandise more than once.”
“Sounds like you might need to make an appointment with the eye doctor.” He sat back, frowning. “I don’t play games. I’m not playing with you.”
“Is this because of her?” She sighed, crossing her arms beneath her breasts to give them a boost. As if her skintight brown top didn’t already showcase her assets. “Because of Rosemary?”
He stared into his coffee. “Libby, I’m really tired.”
“Oh, Everett. When are you going to wake up and realize she’d not interested in you that way? Period. Like zero chance of scoring with Miss Rosemary Goodie-Two-Shoes Hill.”
“I’d appreciate it if you’d be more respectful of Rosebud.” He pushed his coffee cup away.
“Why? Because you’ve been in love with her since you were, what, five or something? Because you’ve put her on some sort of pedestal—as if she wasn’t untouchable enough?” She shook her head. “You deserve a real woman, Everett. Someone that sees you and knows what a man wants and needs and who you’d be proud to have on your arm. That’s me, Everett. NotRosebud. You’re wasting your love on her. It’s a little...pathetic.”
“Love isn’t a choice, Libby.” He was all out of patience. “If you think my loving the same girl my whole life is pathetic, fine by me. It’s true. I do love Rosebud. I always will. And because I love her, I want what’s best for her—even if that isn’t me.” He shook his head. “Real love takes work and time. It’s not about making one another feel good all the time, it’s about sticking it out through good and bad times. It’s about wanting her happiness over mine. Her well-being above all others—” He broke off and stood, dropping his napkin on the table. “You wouldn’t understand it, Libby. And as sad as I am for you, I can’t explain it.”
“Now you’re going to get all sanctimonious on me?” She held her hands up. “Fine. You do you. I still think you’re making a mistake.”
“I think you’re right about that. Since our employment policy states there’s no fraternization among coworkers, I think it’s best if we find you a different position. It’s clear what’s happened here would make for a compromised working environment.”
“Thanks but no thanks.” She stood up, pressing her finger in the middle of his chest. “I quit.” She grinned. “You do realize your precious Rosebud works for you now? It’s almost like the two of you aren’t meant to be together.” She spun around and walked out of the diner.
He eyed his coffee and slid back into the booth, fuming, when his phone started ringing.
“Dane?” He hadn’t meant to snap. “What’s up?”
“Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning.” Dane chuckled. “Heading into town. Where are you?”
“Delaney’s.” Everett flipped over the menu. “I’m not much company, but you’re welcome to join me.”
“On my way.” Dane hung up.
Everett glanced across the way at Leif’s booth. The boy waved at him, a sympathetic smile on his face. For the first time, Everett looked around the café. It wasn’t packed, but there were plenty of prying eyes and ears to relay everything that had just taken place. Lucky for him, he was too tired to worry about that now. Later, when he’d had some sleep, he’d likely regret almost every word that came out of his mouth.
He was through his third cup of coffee when Dane arrived. “What’s that look for?”
“You look like hell.” Dane slid into the booth, frowning.
“Yeah, well, it’s been a hell of a twenty-four hours.” He waited for the waitress to fill up Dane’s coffee cup. “You hear?”
“That you’re a damn hero who brought down [email protected]? I might have heard something about it.” Dane grinned. “I bet you’re feeling pretty proud of yourself this morning.”
Everett frowned. “Not really. They were kids. And Dennis Hobart was devastated.” Dane’s expression revealed his skepticism. “I’m serious. That man has never been speechless, but he was last night. From the looks of it, all sorts of torn up inside, too.”
Dane shrugged, sipping his coffee. “Can’t say I’m sad all that’s over.”
Everett nodded. “What brings you into town?”
“I got an SOS call.” Dane pointed at Leif. “He said you’d landed in the middle of it—again—and might need backup.”
“He’s a good kid.” Everett chuckled. “But you missed a show.”
Dane shook his head. “You might remember someone tried to warn you about Libby—”
“You came all this way to say ‘I told you so’? Really?” Everett propped himself up with one elbow.
