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It would be a good excuse if we didn’t live in a day and age where there’s something called Google Maps, but since we do, I’m sure Bev knows I’m lying.
“I see.” Her lips slip into a tight smile. “I’ve been waiting patiently for Tyler to be ready to date after his wife’s passing. I was worried that you jumped in there before me.”
Is beautiful Bev jealous ofme? I get a lot of satisfaction from the possibility.
The possessive side of me wants to tell her that Tyler and I are in a relationship, but I can’t. I can’t risk it just becauseI’mjealous of her and her assets that always seem to be on display.
“No, there’s nothing going on between Tyler and me. We’re just friends.”
“Good.” Her stiff face relaxes. “Well, thank you for supporting the boys.”
I nod politely as she walks off.
I was convincing, right?
There’s no need to worry about my job security.
CHAPTER32
MEG
“Dad, can we stop and get ice cream?” Krew asks on our way home from the game.
Tyler glances at him in the rearview mirror. “Are you the champion?”
“Yes.”
“Did you get the game ball?”
“Yes.” He holds it up.
“Then I think you deserve ice cream.”
“Yay!”
Tyler looks at me. “You like ice cream, don’t you?”
“Ben and Jerry are basically my best friends.”
“Good.” His fingers shift, brushing against mine—barely—spreading heat through my body.
This is torture.
I want to hold Tyler’s hand more than anything, but Krew would see it if we did.
We pull into a mom-and-pop restaurant and park. I try to hang back, letting them walk ahead in case we see someone we know from our school. I’m probably crazy for agreeing to go out in public with Tyler. I deserve to bring up the rear.
He pauses and looks back at me. “What are you doing?”
“Nothing.”
He shakes his head then grabs my hand—my hand!—and pulls me toward him. He doesn’t let go immediately, and I’m distracted by how well our hands fit together. It’s dumb. Everyone’s handsfittogether, but for some reason, Tyler’s hand feels like it was made for mine.
Four seconds.
He holds my hand for maybefourseconds. It doesn’t seem like a lot, but you “one Mississippi” that, and you’ll be surprised.
“What do you want to order?”
