Tempting Love (Cowboys & Angels 3)

“Are you kidding me?” I yelled.

“Corina.”

Mitchell’s voice made all the hairs on my body stand up. Of course, my heart also fluttered and my stupid stomach dropped. I had to take in a deep breath and replace my silly emotions with anger. I glared at him. “What do you want, Mitchell?”

“I went to your house, but you weren’t home. I started driving around town looking for you. Not sure how I missed your car sitting here, I drove by five times.”

Crossing my arms over my chest, I let out a gruff laugh. “Some cop you are.” He frowned, and I regretted my harsh words. “I’m sorry, Mitch. I didn’t mean to say that.”

But you did! You’re angry with him. He played with your emotions again! You. Are. Angry!

“Actually, I did mean that. I meant it very much, and I don’t care if it hurt your feelings. You deserve it.”

He flashed me that damn panty-melting smile and winked.

Lord. Help me be strong.

“Please, can we talk?” he asked. “I need to explain what happened at Cord’s Place. I didn’t do a good job of explaining things and…”

I glanced into the café; Lane was almost finished paying.

“Not now. I’m busy.”

“When?” Mitchell asked.

“I don’t really know, Mitch. Honestly, I’m not sure when I want to talk to you again…if I ever do want to talk to you.”

Peeking back into the restaurant, I couldn’t help but notice that Lane was talking with our waitress.

“You’re with Lane?” Mitchell asked.

I wasn’t sure why I lied, but it came out of my mouth before I could stop it.

“Yes.”

Mitchell looked at Lane and then focused on me. Even though it was dark, I could see the sadness in his eyes, illuminated from the café window.

“Right. Goodnight, Corina. I hope you enjoy your evening.”

Wait. That’s it? He’s going to give up just like that?

He walked to the door on the other side of the Lilly’s café window, which led to the apartments above the diner. Panic mixed with my anger. I don’t know why I spoke, but I did. “You live here? At the restaurant?”

Mitchell turned the key and opened the door. “I live on the third floor and part of the fourth. It’s a nice place. The owner had it remodeled and kept all the historical features.”

I smiled as he stepped inside the door. “I bet it’s nice.”

He shrugged. “It’s home…for now.”

My head tilted. I wanted to ask what he meant. Was he planning on moving? Leaving Oak Springs? More panic built in my chest. We stared at each other. A small part of me wished he would ask me up, but I knew he wouldn’t, since I’d so stupidly said I was with Lane.

Mitchell smiled and was about to say something when Lane walked out.

“Let’s get you home, shall we?” Lane asked. “I bought a couple slices of pie. Figured we could eat them on the front porch of your place.”

Forcing a smile, I replied, “Actually Lane, I think—”

When I turned back, Mitchell’s front door was closed. He was gone.

Swallowing hard, I pushed my disappointment in Mitchell deep down and let the anger resurface. “I’m going to call it a night and head home to bed. Can we eat the pie tomorrow, maybe?”

“Tomorrow?” he said with a huge smile. “A second date. I like it.”

I laughed and hit him in the stomach. “Seriously though, my tire is flat.” I looked at my car. “And my spare tire is flat too.”

Lane stared at it for a few seconds. “Looks like we’re walking.”

As we made the walk back to my house, I took a chance at looking behind me and up to the third floor of Lilly’s café.

My breath caught when I saw his lights turn on and a figure walk to the sliding glass door. He stared down at us and then turned away. The sinking feeling in my stomach grew.

I focused on the sidewalk before peeking up at Lane. He was going on and on about how scared to death he was of the first graders. I couldn’t help but laugh and tried to let myself enjoy the moment.

My phone went off and when I read it I could practically feel the steam coming from my ears.

Mitchell: Lane Lewis is a dick. You deserve better.

I tuned out Lane as I typed my response.

Me: You’re one to talk. I’m surprised you didn’t have some girl on your arm tonight. Oh, wait, you probably already screwed her in the back of your truck. Am I right?

I was livid; only Mitchell got me so upset I swore.

Mitchell: If you hadn’t gone home with that asshole, I could have asked you up to my place and explained myself. I wasn’t leaving you back in Cord’s office. I wanted you to come home with me.

I practically laughed out loud. Peeking up, Lane was still talking. Something about the class pet.