Page 4 of Dallas
I don’t know why I picture him that way, except that he projects himself as being incredibly sure of himself and bossy. That part’s not imaginary. He’s the cockiest man I’ve ever met. He’s also significantly older than me and way out of my league.
Why does he come here every day and flirt with me? It’s almost insulting. Borderline cruel. He’s leading me on. Isn’t he?
Why should I care? I’m using him for fodder for my newly found sexuality. My panties are wet all the time because of him. Day and night. They are wet now as he smirks at me.
“You’re not wearing your glasses today,” he teases, nodding to where they sit on the counter.
I roll my eyes. I’ve worn those glasses every day for two years. They’ve been part of my “look.” Dallas dismantles me, though. It’s like he’s stripping me, starting with my glasses, whether it’s intentional or not.
The chime over the door tingles, indicating someone else is entering the library, and I grab the glasses and slide them onto my face without thinking about how Dallas will perceive the action. It’s a habit. Sometimes, the weight of them on the bridge of my nose gives me a headache, but I always put them on when someone comes in.
A glance at Dallas shows that he has noticed. One corner of his mouth is lifted in a much bigger smirk and he’s chuckling under his breath.
I jerk my attention to the newcomer for a fleeting second. It’s Doug Swanson. He works for Reagan Clegg, who owns the adventure company in town. Reagan is also the wife of Dallas’s cousin Tiago. They are the couple Dallas just mentioned who are on their honeymoon.
Doug comes into the library now and then. He’s one of the men I’m pretty sure only does so to flirt with me. I look away quickly so that I won’t meet his gaze. “Welcome to Wilde Public Library. Let me know if I can help you find anything.”
Doug continues toward the desk. “Hey, Arianna.”
Dallas doesn’t move. He continues to lean on the counter, giving the impression he and I were deep in conversation.
Doug looks in his direction. “You must be one of the Wildes.”
Dallas nods. “I am.” He doesn’t introduce himself, and there’s an odd pause during which no one speaks at all.
Doug slowly returns his attention to me. “I’m looking for some books about rock climbing. Can you help me?”
I sigh inwardly. I’ve “helped” Doug find books on rock climbing on more than one occasion. He usually checks out a few, sits in one of the library’s comfy chairs to read for a while, and tries to make small talk with me.
“Of course.” I round the desk, leaving Dallas. Part of me hates to put distance between us because I love our odd daily banter. But part of me thinks it might be interesting to see how Dallas reacts to me being courted by a local man.
Doug is much closer to my age. He’s probably late twenties. He’s fit and athletic. I suppose most people would consider him attractive. Maybe I would, too, if it weren’t for the fact that no man catches my attention.
Until Dallas. That man catches my attention just fine.
Is it possible I can feel him watching me as I lead Doug to the aisle in the library dedicated to outdoor activities? I swear his gaze is drilling holes in my back.
Doug glances toward the desk as I reach for a book. “That guy is creepy,” he mutters. “He’s watching you. What’s he doing here?”
I pull out the book and hand it to Doug, even though he’s already checked it out before. Sometimes, he checks out the same books. I’m pretty sure he doesn’t read them. It’s not like he doesn’t know everything about rock climbing already.
“He’s researching the town’s blueprints,” I inform him.
“Boring.”
I inhale slowly through my nose and find myself sticking up for the man still standing at my counter. “Wilde needs his help,” I murmur.
“Yeah, I guess.”
I grab another book and hold it out, but when he doesn’t take it out of my hand, I glance up to realize he’s looking past me toward Dallas. “He’s into you,” he whispers. “He’s like twice your age.”
I stiffen. “Don’t be ridiculous. He’s waiting for me to help him,” I lie. Dallas could go on back into the archive room and start his search without me. He’s done so several times. He doesn’t need my permission or assistance.
“Want me to stick around? I feel weird leaving you here alone with him.”
I turn fully toward Doug and look at him without quite meeting his eyes. “He’s just doing research. I’m fine.” The truth is I’d rather be alone with Dallas than Doug any day of the week.
Doug isn’t exactly creepy. He’s a perfectly nice guy. It’s just that I’m not interested in him, and he clearly only comes to the library to flirt with me. I’ll be glad when he leaves. He’s interrupting my time with Dallas.
