Page 51 of The Worst Guy Ever
“Slow down,” she says, and I stop abruptly, her body slamming into the back of me.
“Why is the idea of us together so laughable to you, Hattie? It’s not enough to scar me, you’ve got to piss yourself at a stranger’s simple mistake?”
“I’m sorry Rob,” she hangs her head. “It’s not you. It’s laughable that anyone would look at me and think I’m in a relationship.”
I can’t go there with her right now.
In the car I examine my cheek in the passenger sun visor mirror. It really isn’t that bad and the longer we drive, the more guilty I feel. I’ve made a mountain out of a molehill here. Hattie’s been decent enough to drive me, and mostly keep her mouth shut, despite my outbursts. By the time she pulls up outside my house, I know I owe her an apology, or at the very least to make sure she knows I’ve accepted her numerous ones.
“Do you need me to get anything for you?” she asks, scratching off the last bits of nail varnish on her thumb.
“Are you offering to nurse me back to health?”
“Am I fuck. Get out of my car.”Dammit. I knew that would be bold.
When I get out I lean down before closing the door. “I’m sorry for shouting at you so much today. I just panicked, I really like my face.”
“I suppose it’s quite a good face,” she says, repressing a smile. “I’m glad I haven’t scarred you for life.”
Quite a good face, huh?I’ll take it.
Chapter 21
Hattie
RobanswersKaraandLuke’s door wearing a bright yellow high-vis jacket, safety goggles, and a hard-hat.
“Hurrah! You’re here,” he says, rubbing his hands together and stepping aside to let me into the house.
“What the fuck are you wearing that for?”
“Ready for battle with my favourite girl.”
“No,” I hold my hand up to his face. “Can we call a truce? I’ve had a long, stressful day, I worked through lunch, I’ve not had enough water, and I’m in no fit shape to fight with you. Give me five minutes.”
“Oh, shit guys,” he shouts as he ushers me through to the kitchen. “Hattie’s had a tough day. Quick, Luke, get the kettle on.”
He pushes me past a very tanned looking Luke, who is standing at the counter arranging snacks in little bowls. Kara is equally bronzed, and watches the scene unfold from where she and Megan are sitting at the dining table. I barely have time to say hello before Rob rushes me towards the sofa. With both hands on my shoulders, he pushes me to sit.
“Here we go, my Queen. You put your feet up, and relax.” He lifts my legs and spins them round, stretching me out while he fluffs a cushion and props it behind my back. From a wicker basket by the window, he pulls a blanket and makes a show of throwing it open wide and floating it gently down on top of me, tucking it in at my sides.
“OK, you precious thing, you just sit tight here for a minute and I’ll be right back with a lovely cuppa and a snack for you.”
“What is going on?” Kara calls out.
“I have no idea,” I half-laugh, completely bemused.
He’s such a dick, but I’m not exactly hating being made a fuss of. After a frustrating day with still no answers about what I’m supposed to be working on, I’m glad to be off my feet for a bit. I let myself fully rest my head on the cushions and enjoy the view of the garden, which is full of colour thanks to Kara’s green fingers. Whatever Luke is cooking smells amazing, and I close my eyes listening to some folky song he’s chosen. The man has great taste in music. I used to be really into music at university, but somewhere along the way I’ve had less time for it.
Rob appears at my side, crouched low with a cup of tea in one hand. When I take it, he gives my shoulder a squeeze before he leaves.
“Thank you,” I whisper, hoping it reaches his ears only. I daren’t let the rest of them witness anything that might resemble gratitude for this man.
He’s ditched the personal protective equipment by the time he returns. On the coffee table, he sets a glass of water, a glass of red wine, and a bowl of olives. Lifting my feet, he takes a seat underneath me and settles them in his lap. I’m too tired to object.
“How was your day?”
“It was fine.” I sip my tea and narrow my eyes. “Why are you being so nice? Did you poison this?”
