Page 30 of Force of Nature

He seems quite invested in whatever they’re talking about but his gaze shifts to us when he senses our presence. His eyes bounce from Thad to me and then back to Thad.

“I’m going to drive Laken home,” Thad tells my brother. “Apparently she can’t handle whiskey.”

“I could have told you that.” Chris chuckles before his expression falls serious. “You good?” he asks Thad in a way that makes me extremely curious and yet I’m not at all able to process why.

“Yeah, I’m good.” He gives my brother a quick nod before we’re walking again, this time in the direction of the truck.

“Are you sure you should be driving? Maybe we should just sleep in the truck,” I slur out once Thad has me planted in the passenger seat and is settled into the driver’s seat next to me.

“Why would we do that?” He gives me a weird look before firing the engine to life.

“Um, because we’ve been drinking,” I say way louder than I intend to.

“No,you’vebeen drinking.”

“Oh that’s right. Mr. Goodie two shoes doesn’t like to drink,” I mock.

“I never said I didn’t like to drink,” he states flatly, popping the truck into gear before doing a U-turn in the middle of the street.

“You’ll need to explain that, because I’m pretty sure you told me you don’t like drinking when I asked if you wanted to have a drink with me.”

“I simply declined your invitation for a drink. You assumed from there.”

“So then what’s your deal? You like to drink but you don’t drink?” The statement makes very little sense in my inebriated state.

“Pretty much.” He shakes his head and sighs. “Now, can we talk about something else?” There’s a hint of irritation in his voice and for some reason it really does it for me.

“You’re hot when you’re mad,” I slur.

“I’m not mad,” he counters, the side of his mouth quirking up.

“Well, you’re still hot.”

“Says the girl who can’t speak without slurring.” His smile widens. “Not sure you’re the best judge right now.”

“Screw you, I can speak just fine.” I do my damndest to keep my voice even but it ends up coming out worse.

“Uh huh.” He chuckles, clearly amused by my ridiculousness.

“Do you want me?” The question leaves my mouth abruptly and without any real thought.

“What?” Thad’s gaze whips to mine before quickly darting back to the road.

“You heard me. Do. You. Want. Me?” I state each word slowly.

“Laken.”

“Don’t try to dodge the question. I was right earlier, wasn’t I? You want me and that’s why you keep me at arm’s length.”

“I don’t really think now’s the time to discuss this,” he objects.

“Now’s the perfect time. Tell me the truth.”

“It won’t change anything.”

“What won’t?”

“How I feel. It won’t change anything between us so why should it matter?”

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