Page 62 of Don't Make Me Beg
Luka must notice my sudden change in demeanor because he narrows his eyes like he’s studying me.
For a second, I think he was going to ask me if I’m okay.
But he just turns and strolls toward the door. “You coming?” he calls over his shoulder.
And once again, I find myself chasing after him, mentally scolding myself the whole way.Stop being such a pushover.
When I finally catch up to him, he gives me that easy, infuriating smile and holds the door open like nothing’s happened.
“How chivalrous of you,” I say under my breath.
But the cocky twitch of his lips tells me he heard me.
“Chivalry’s just a form of foreplay, princess,” he says with a wink. “I know that’s a new concept for you.”
My body pitches forward, and I nearly trip over my own two feet, but Luka’s hand clamps around my elbow, steadying me like he was expecting it. My eyes go wide as I look up to find him wearing that same infuriatingly amused expression.
“Welcome in,” Hank calls without looking up from the register as he audibly counts the stack of bills in his hand.
There isn’t anything flashy about the warehouse-style building with its concrete flooring and high ceilings. Industrial metal shelves line the aisles, stacked full of an assortment of materials for any DIY project.
The smell of cut wood and sawdust hits me, and I immediately feel myself perk up. It smells like new beginnings and hope for something that doesn’t yet exist.
It may not be an art supply store, but in a small town, you have to make do with what you have. Hank always made sure to keep a stock of my favorite paints and canvases. I didn’t realize it at the time, but he really went out of his way to do that. It’s just another reason why this small town is unlike anywhere else. It’s the people who look out for each other, even if it means selling products it doesn’t make sense for them to carry just so a lonely teenager doesn’t feel so alone.
“Well, would you look who it is,” Hank says when he finally looks up and sees me. “If it ain’t the newlyweds themselves.” He strides over and wraps me in a bear hug that knocks the air right out of my lungs. “It’s about time you stopped by to see me,” he says with a mock scolding tone. “Now, I’ll admit, I was a little hurt not to get a wedding invite…” He nods toward Luka, his eyes twinkling. “But then I overheard Miss Scarlett telling your mama the news, and I figured you two had your reasons for keeping it small…” His words trail off, and I know he’s referring to the incident between Luka and my parents at the town meeting the other night.
“Thanks, Hank. It’s… a… good to be back.” I glance around the store, a soft smile tugging at my lips. “This place hasn’t changed a bit.”
“Yeah, well, you know what they say, if ain’t broke don’t fix it.” He chuckles to himself and rocks on his heels as he looks from me to Luka. “So, what brings you two in today?”
“We’re going to be placing an order for some painting supplies,” Luka says, slinging an arm around my shoulder. My whole body goes stiff. “I’m sure you’ve heard by now that Scout’s going to be painting a mural downtown.”
“Oh, yeah, I caught wind of that. Wasn’t sure whether to believe it or not.” Hank grins. “It’s good to see you two finally figure yourselves out. I always knew you’d find your way back to each other. Puppy love and all that…” He winks, and I feel mycheeks heat as Luka’s hand tightens around my arm, like he’s holding me in place.
“Well, I’ll leave you to it then. I’ll be around if you need anything—just holler.”
“Thanks, Hank. I’ll drop off the list on the way out.” Luka’s large palm moves to the back of my neck, and he gently ushers me forward. The tension slips from my body as he takes the lead, my brain already surrendering the wheel.
It feels nice, but despite my brain’s eagerness to go offline, at least my gut sends out a warning flare, reminding me that this is exactly the kind of mixed signals I’ve been trying to avoid.
My steps falter to a halt, and I shrug Luka’s possessive hand off my neck. His face flashes a look of confusion, and if I didn’t know better, I might even think it was genuine.
I don’t know what kind of game he’s playing, but I can’t let myself fall for it anymore. I’m done following him around like a sad puppy, begging for whatever attention he’ll give me.
My brain’s clearly fried from all the detective work I’ve been doing, trying to decode Luka’s motives, because in the span of a few seconds, I’ve gone from go-with-the-flow and swan-dived straight into the overthinking territory.
Trying to look unbothered, I pick up a can and pretend to read the label.
“I’m no mural expert, but why do you need wood stain for the side of a brick building?”
It takes a couple of seconds for me to process Luka’s question before I realize he’s right. I carefully set the paint stain down and try to play it off casually. “You’re right, you’re not a paint expert,” I say in agreement, then move to the next aisle. I don’t have to look back at Luka to know exactly what face he’s making.
God, I feel like such an idiot. I just need to get through this shopping trip, then I’ll hole up in my room and avoid him for therest of the summer. At least I’ve got the mural to keep me busy, and it’s not like he hasn’t been avoiding me anyway.
“Did you want me to add that to the list?” Luka gestures to the multipack of paintbrushes in my hand, and I give him a noncommittal shrug.
“Is that a yes or a no?” He presses, stepping in front of me to block my path before I can walk away.
