Every Little Thing (Hart's Boardwalk 2)

“About a minute ago, when Vaughn started using that”—she gestured to the rifle range—“to cop a feel.”

Guilt weighed on me. “I need to go after him.”

“Are you dating him?”

“No. We’re just friends. I told you that. I just . . .”

“We all know how he feels about you,” she said. “I know I’m pushing you toward Vaughn but I feel bad for Rex now. He looked upset.”

“Jess. Don’t. I’m already guilt-ridden here. I have to go. Tell Joey I’m sorry.”

“Doesn’t anyone want to claim the prize?” Ben asked.

“I’ll deal with it,” Jess said. “Go.”

Without another word I hurried away, running through the park and out of the main gates. That’s when I ran into a problem because Rex could have gone in either direction. I decided to head out the way we’d come in from Main Street. To my relief, just as I turned onto Main Street, I saw him in the crowds up ahead. Thankfully he was taller than the average guy, and he was wearing a red T-shirt with an album cover on the back of it.

“Rex! Wait up!”

But he either didn’t hear me or he was ignoring me. I shoved through the crowds, apologizing to those I pushed accidentally or bumped into. Finally I caught up with him.

“Rex.” I pulled on his arm, drawing him to a stop. “Where are you going?”

He stared at me, incredulous hurt in his dark brown eyes. “Really?”

“That?” I gestured behind me, indicating the moment at the park. “That was nothing. We were just needling each other. That’s what we do.”

“If you believe that, you’re in denial.”

“Rex.”

“No.” He cut me off. “I . . . I’ve asked myself what I’m doing these past few weeks. Convinced myself that you were what I wanted and that you were worth the wait. And I’m not saying you’re not, but I think we both know that I would be waiting forever for you.”

“I wouldn’t do that to you. If I knew what I wanted, I would tell you.”

“You do know what you want. You’re just smart enough to realize he’s an asshole, and that you should stay away from him.”

“Rex.”

“I hope either there is more to the guy than that smug arrogance I just saw, or if there isn’t, I hope you come to your senses. What I do know is that there was more than one moment back there where everyone but you two melted away. It was like we didn’t exist. And I’m standing there like an idiot trying to convince myself that I can win you from him. I can’t win you from him . . .” He flung his hand out in the direction we’d come from. “I mean, fuck, he’s like a movie star or something. And he’s successful and rich, and so confident I want to knock his front teeth out.”

That was kind of funny, and I struggled not to laugh.

Rex saw and gave an unwilling sigh of amusement.

“I’m sorry.” I didn’t know what else to say.

“Don’t be. You’ve been honest with me from the beginning. I just wasn’t listening.”

We were quiet a moment.

Finally he sighed. “I’m going to go.”

“No. Stay.” I reached for his hand. “Enjoy the rest of the festival with me.”

“Nah. I can’t. Staying would just make me feel worse. I can’t let another woman fuck with my head, unintentionally or not.”

Understanding it and hating that I’d hurt him, I let go of his han