Page 20 of Sugarloaf Ridge Lies

His eyes widen. “Let’s go outside for a sec.” He extends his hand and wiggles his fingers. “Please? There are some things I’d rather say in private.”

What on Earth is the deal with him and Paula? Is there more to the story?

Curiosity getting the better of me, my fingers slip into his. He guides me past the crowded beer garden and out to the gravel carpark.

The chill of the night air wraps its claws around me, driving a shiver up my spine. Car windows frosted, music flows out into the night. Jerry leads me towards the road where we stand beneath a large willow tree.

He turns and pauses. “Can I be honest with you?”

“Of course.”

“There is no me and Paula. I had a big night, and between you and me and a fence post, it wouldn’t surprise me if she put somethin’ in my drink. I woke up dry heaving on her bathroom floor. No idea how I got there. Not my finest moment.”

Did she play him? Spike his drink?

“Are you serious?”

He nods and paces back and forth, seriousness cloaking his features. “I have my moments on the drink, but that night I was outta sorts.”

“So, nothing happened between you?” I need to know. It’ll say a lot about him if Paula is someone he finds attractive.

He stalls. “Nope. She was sure to remind me of that when I hauled arse out of there. She’s sent me some choice text messages since.”

“Choice?”

“Nothing I’d repeat in front of a lady.”

Somehow, I believe him.

He huffs out a breath. “I’m no angel, Liv. I don’t pretend to be. I’ve been with women. I won’t deny it, but it’s been a mutual understanding. No strings.”

How can I judge him when I’m guilty of the same?

But maybe it’s time for strings. Do I want strings?

“It’s been like that for the longest time, but that’s changed for me.” Jerry rubs the back of his neck.

“Since when?”

His eyes drill into mine as he eats up the distance between us. “Since I met you,” he says. “I’m not good at talkin’, but with you, I find myself wanting to.”

From our car ride the other day, Jerry knows I have issues.Does he truly want to know more about me? What haunts me and casts a dark shadow over my future?

I swallow hard as he slips his warm hand into mine.

“Just dance with me, Olive.”

I chuckle as I place my purse on the ground. I should’ve never told him my full name. “You know it’s Liv.”

He pulls me close and presses his lips to my ear. “Yeah, I know.”

I link my hands behind his neck. His hold is cautious as his hands grip either side of my waist. Slowly, we move to the beat, gravel crunching beneath our feet.

“You never told me how you learnt to dance.”

He licks at his lower lip and stares at my mouth for a beat. “My Aunt Aggie was a dance and music teacher. She taught me.”

“That’s sweet.”

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