Page 14 of Always Mine

“Bryan, your dad, and I are headed to the farmer’s market.”

“And you’re mine for the day,” Lily taunts, sliding her arm through mine where it rests on the table. “Aren’t you excited?”

What in the hell does this demon princess have planned? “Why does that make me nervous?”

I narrow my eyes at her beaming face, then she pulls back and rubs her hands together. “We’ll have fun. Trust me.”

Famous last words.

“Oh, well. We’re doomed now.”

“You have no faith in me.” Lily gets up from the table, waving for me to hurry. “Come on, let’s go.”

“Go easy on him, Lily. Remember his injury.”

I give my dad a grateful smile. “You heard him. I need to spend my day on the couch, eating popcorn.”

“I told her to take it easy, not to let you be a couch potato. Go outside and get some fresh air. It’ll do you good.” Then he’s gone, taking my smile with him.

Damn, they’re all trying to kill me.

Stuffing the last forkful of food in my mouth, I look at Lily. She’s bouncing slightly, face twisted in excitement. I get up, clean my plate, and put it on the drying rack, moving as slowly as possible. It doesn’t deter her in the slightest. She sees right through my bullshit.

“Well, chop, chop. Let’s go. We have things to do,” she exclaims, then bounds out the back door, leaving me with no choice but to follow.

SIX

Wyatt

“Did you grab the squash, too?” Ember questions, sliding a crate of jam into my passenger seat.

“I did. Was that peach and—”

“Apple,” she finishes, shutting the door and rounding the truck. “Yeah. Mama also needed a few jars of pickles, so I threw them in there, too.”

Our parents were down at the farmer’s market and needed some things restocked, so I volunteered to run to their house and grab them. Well, more like I fled the scene of a crime when I spotted Paxton’s family. I used to be able to fake a smile, but after that night at Red’s, I haven’t been able to face them. I’m too humiliated.

I shut the bed of my truck, leaning against the bumper. “Thanks. You wanna ride with me? I won’t be long. I have to meet Cooper in a bit.”

She sighs, giving her head a little shake. “Can’t, I have to be at work soon.”

“Actual work or are you avoiding helping out at the farmer’s market?” I tease, earning a smack from her. “Ouch.”

“Serves you right… And I really have to work at Red’s.”

“You nailed me in the ribs.” I wince, rubbing the sore spot. “I’m gonna have a bruise soon.”

“Wuss. How Cooper puts up with you, I’ll never know.”

“Because he’s better than you. A real friend.”

“One, I’m your sister, I don’t have to be friendly.” Folding her arms over her chest, she eyes me like she doesn’t believe me. “And two, is he really just your friend?”

Ihatethis conversation. I’ve gone over this before with her, and everyone else, and my answer is always the same. “He’s Cooper...”

“But what does that mean?”

Hell, I don’t even really know. Why does it need a label? He’s justCooper.

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