The Thing About Trouble (Crystal Lake 1)

Blue tried not to laugh. “The cat had fleas and pus oozing out of its eyes, and it hissed every time I came near it.”

“That’s because cats are really good at figuring out shit. They know who’s a friend and who’s an enemy.” Cash pointed his fork and chuckled. “You were the enemy.”

“Whatever.” She smiled. “Giselle is lovely, and she meant a lot to David, so she means a lot to me.”

“Are you happy?”

The question came at her with no warning, and she stumbled over an answer.

“Am I…happy? What kind of question is that?”

“A pretty direct one.” Cash sat back in his chair and pushed his plate away. He tossed his napkin and waited.

“I’m…” Blue searched for the right thing to say. There was no point in lying to Cash. He’d figure that out before the words were out of her mouth. “I’m content.”

“That’s it? You’re content?”

Her skin was itchy, like it was pulled thin, and she frowned. “Not everyone gets the white picket fence with a husband, two point five kids, the dog and cat.” She shook her head. “A lot of people don’t even get close to content. I’m there. If I don’t get to the next level, I’m okay with that considering what’s in my rearview mirror.”

“Seems to me you should be able to jump up a few levels if you try.” His voice softened. “I never met David, and I know he had some years on you just like I know you loved him. But he’s gone, Blue. And if he’s the guy I think he was, he wouldn’t want you wallowing or stuck in a place that only brings you contentment. He’d want you to meet someone. He’d want you to level up to happy.”

That ache inside her, the one that was attached to her heart and soul, woke up, and she winced as it took hold and squeezed hard. “You don’t understand, Cash. In this town, I’m known as the notorious widow Barnes, and not in a glamorous or exotic way. The men are either intimidated by me or they’re only looking for the one thing I have no intention of giving. I’m not into one-night stands.”

Her eyes widened and her voice trailed off as she spied a couple near the bar. They were deep in conversation, and when the man smiled down at something the woman said, Blue’s heart tripped over itself, and she clutched at her napkin so tightly, her knuckles whitened. He lowered his head and whispered something, and the woman, a beautiful brunette with big blue eyes and a wide smile, laughed loud enough that several patrons glanced their way. The hostess tapped him on the arm and they disappeared around the corner.

Only then was Blue able to breathe. She was shocked to note her hands were shaking.

“You’re telling me in the year since David passed, you haven’t met anyone that yanks your chain?”

She averted her eyes. “That’s right. I haven’t met anyone who interests me.”

Liar.

“You’r

e full of shit.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” she began hotly, only to be interrupted by her infuriating brother.

“Who was that?” Cash asked.

“Who?”

“The guy you were eye-fucking.”

Shocked, she whipped her head back and glared at her brother. “You did not just say that to me.”

Cash was relentless. “Who is he?”

She cleared her throat and reached for her wineglass, but it was empty. Seriously? “He’s a local. Did some work for me. That’s it. Nothing more.”

“Does this local have a name?”

A pause. “Cam Booker.”

“Huh.” Cash filled her wineglass and winked. “I love it when I’m right.”

“What are you right about?” Annoyed, she glared at her brother.