Page 35 of Summer Ever After
He checks the paper towel. “Maybe I need stitches.”
“It’s not deep. Head wounds just bleed more.”
His expression turns skeptical. “Are you just saying that so I’ll bleed out and die?”
“It’s not a bad plan, but then I’d have to discard your body somewhere, and that’s more effort than I want to exert on a Wednesday night.”
“Saved by laziness. Lucky me.”
“Let me see if I have something to stop the bleeding.” Irummage through my medicine cupboard. Most of the stuff on the shelves has been there since I was five.
“Do you live here with your parents?”
“No, they moved to Nashville a few years ago.” I set my supplies from the cupboard in front of Walker. “This place is mine now.”
“You live in this big house all alone?”
“Thank you for pointing out just how single and lonely I am,” I joke as I take the paper towel from him and throw it in the garbage.
“Are you lonely?”
The usual teasing undertone is gone from his voice. I dare a glance at his eyes. There’s no amusement or hidden flirtation. For the first time since he arrived in Sunset Harbor, he’s being genuine with me, so I answer honestly.
“Maybe a little.” I shrug as I cut a piece of gauze to fit his wound. “I try to fill my life with people and activities, but there’s always that moment when you come home and everything is silent and empty.” I place the gauze over his wound, avoiding his stare. “Hold this.”
Walker’s fingers tangle with mine, and I do the stupid thing.
I meet his gaze.
Blue eyes and kindness—a crippling combo that makes my heart trip up.
“I know the feeling.”
There’s so much realness oozing from his stare that I can hardly breathe. I think I prefer the shameless flirt to this guy—I, at least, know how to handle him.
I drop my eyes, pulling my hand out from under his. “Youknow the feeling of loneliness and emptiness?”
“Is that so hard to believe?”
“I’ve seen your girlfriend on TV. The camera crews love tocut to her.” I place the medical tape over the gauze, making sure to avoid his touch.
“Ex-girlfriend. She dumped me right after the PGA Championship last month. She said she doesn’t date losers.”
“What does she mean byloser?” My brows bunch together. “Like men who don’t win golf tournaments, or like failures in life?”
His expression goes thoughtful. “Both, I think.”
“Well, she sounds like a real winner herself.” I bite back my smile. I shouldn’t find this funny, but I do.
“She wasn’t.” Now, it’s Walker’s turn to suppress a smirk.
“Then why did you date her for the last two years?”
His lips grow into a boyish grin. “How do you know how long I dated her?”
“Don’t flatter yourself.” I shake my head, packing up the medical supplies. “Capri told me.”
“What else did Capri tell you about me?” He leans forward, easily slipping back into his flirty side.
