Page 64 of No One Wants That (Blitzen Bay)

KIT

“So what’s happened since the sexy water kiss? Fill us in.”

When I look in the rearview mirror, Millie and Raine are staring at me from the back seat. They’ve been whispering about something since we left Nash’s. Raine finally spoke up.

“Are you talking to me?” I say, looking back at the road as we drive into the Big Bear city limits. “What kiss?”

“I told you she wouldn’t want to talk about it,” Millie says. “Leave her alone.”

“Um, no,” Raine says. “It’s out there now. The kiss between you and Butch in the lake.”

I look over at Elle. “Did you tell them?”

“Of course not, honey. You told me to vault it.”

“She didn’t tell us anything,” Raine says. “Millie and I saw you making out. Totally hot, by the way. And you two flirted on the boat the entire way back to the inn. Then we got to Nash’s and you avoided Butch like he had some kind of deadly disease. What’d he do? I’m sure it’s his fault.”

“He didn’t do anything,” I say, shaking my head. “Anything. I thought he’d show up at my room after they got done cleaning the boat, but he didn’t. One second he’s into me, the next second he’s blowing me off. He’s so hot and cold. I can’t deal with it.”

“Don’t read too much into it,” Raine says. “I think he’s trying to take it slow.”

“Have you ever seen him take it slow with anyone?” I glance at her again.

“Well, I mean—”

Millie holds up her hand. “No, Kit. Butch never takes anything slow. He’s quick to the belt in all things. But, like we told you this afternoon, we’ve never seen him genuinely interested in someone, so this is new for us, too. I agree with Raine. He’s into you. He just wants to get it right.”

“I started working with him right after his second divorce,” Raine says. “He tried to hide it, but he was really damaged after that. That’s five years ago and he’s better, of course, but he’s still careful to never catch feelings. He doesn’t want to get hurt again. Right, Mills?”

“Definitely,” Millie says. “Since I’ve known him, every woman he’s been with has been a quick hit. But now, he’s seeing his buddies settling down and I think he’s changing his mind. We just found out a few days ago that he wants to have kids. I never would have guessed that. I think he’s looking for a real relationship.”

“He’s got a funny way of showing it,” I say. “Unless, as I said, he’s not interested in me being that person.”

“He’s probably giving you time to process your breakup,” Raine says. “For your sake and his. He’s all hard on the outside, but he has a sensitive little soul underneath it all.”

“I told him this afternoon that I don’t need time.” I pause for a second. “In my mind, I’ve been out of my relationship with Mateo for months, even if we just broke up officially.”

“Talk to Butch about it,” Millie says. “Get him alone and have the conversation. He’s definitely interested. Stop speculating and ask him directly. He’s not a game player. He’ll tell you what’s on his mind.”

“Maybe one of you will talk to him for me?” I say, looking back at them. “Raine, you seem particularly close to him. Did you two have a thing?”

“We are close, but no, we’ve never dated. He’s way too alpha for me and I’m too much of an introvert for him. He needs someone who wants to go full speed all of the time. I agree with Millie. You need to talk to him.”

“I don’t know,” I say. “I’m not sure what I want. I was thinking about him as a quick vacation rebound, but now I’m kind of into him. It’s so frustrating. I really don’t want to think about it anymore. Can we forget about everything and have a good time tonight?”

“Agreed,” Raine says. “Let’s just chill and not think about—or talk about—men.”

“That’s The Angry Ant to your right with the orange awnings,” Elle says. “There’s a parking spot right in front.”

As we pile out of the Jeep, a guy makes a beeline over to Elle. “Hey, Noelle. What are you doing here? And who are your friends?”

“Hey Jim,” Elle says. “Everyone this is Jim. He owns the general store in Blitzen. Jim, this is Kit, Raine, and Millie.”

“Nice to meet you,” Jim says, trying to be subtle as he surveys our group. “Where’s Nash? I rarely see you two apart.”

“He’s back in Blitzen. It’s ladies’ night.”

“Cool!” Jim says way too enthusiastically. His wandering eyes finally stop on me. “My buddies and I have a table inside if you want to join us.”

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