Tangle (Dogwood Lane 2)

She makes a fist and brings it to her mouth. She fakes a cough before sticking out her bottom lip.

“What are you doing?” I mouth.

She fakes another cough. This time, she follows it with a laugh. She says something to Trevor again before climbing back in her car.

“What are you doing?” I ask, even though she can’t hear me. My brows pull together as I watch my friend back out of the parking lot and venture off down the street.

My heart skips a beat at the exact moment the chimes ding on the front door. I don’t have to look to know Trevor walked in. His gaze smacks the side of my face, covering me in a warmth that I didn’t know I was missing. But at least now I know that this will lead absolutely nowhere. Girls like me—naive, willing for the wrong reasons—are a dime a dozen to Trevor Kelly. He made himself very clear earlier today. I’d be his type if I were okay with a one-night or multiple-night stand only. And that’s not me. Not anymore.

He stops at my table.

“Claire said to tell you she was sick and that she’ll call you tomorrow,” he says. He shrugs with a nonchalance that makes me laugh. “She’s also full of shit, but she didn’t ask me to tell you that.”

“I didn’t need you to tell me that to know it.”

“I figured as much.” He takes in the little dining area. “This is even smaller than it looks.”

“Most people sit outside. That,” I say, pointing out the window behind me, “used to be a basketball court.”

“I can see that.”

“It’s a really cool space. That big rock thing in the corner is a giant fireplace,” I say. “They’ll light fires on the weekends and bring out kerosene heaters. It’s fun.”

He grips the back of the chair across from me and scans the room again. The silence between us isn’t awkward, but it’s swirling with something I can’t pinpoint. It’s a vibe of uncertainty. I hate it.

I glance around him and notice Alexis refilling a drink, but her attention is on Trevor.

“That must get really old,” I say.

“What?”

“Going in places and having women stare at you.”

His shoulders relax as I feel him slide back into the easiness between us. “Who is staring now?”

I sweep the room quickly. “Oh, everyone.”

“For what it’s worth, I didn’t notice. But thanks for telling me.” He straightens his shirt with a grin. “Good to know I’ve still got it.”

“Oh, please,” I say with a sigh.

He laughs. “So can I sit with you?” He leans in. “I have a thing about eating alone.”

“I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t have to sit alone for long,” I whisper.

He rolls his eyes but pulls out the chair. His body unfolds as he sits. And despite my ribbing of him, I completely understand why the lady in the corner is practically drooling.

There’s an aura surrounding Trevor that’s undeniable. It’s also magnetic, pulling your attention toward him even if you don’t want it to. It’s a quiet confidence, an easygoing vibe like he could blend into the crowd if he weren’t so damn attractive—a quality he doesn’t carry around like a badge.

“What’s this?” He turns my book to face him.

“I got that to help me figure out how to construct a résumé.”

“There’s an art to a well-crafted résumé,” he says.

“Have I mentioned I’m unartistic?” I scrunch my face. “It’s the most uncomfortable thing I’ve ever done.”

He bites his lip. “I’m not going to say a word.”

“I meant trying to sell myself.”

“I’m still not touching that.”

His laugh is free and light. The sound shoots right to my core. My entire body clenches, the unspoken innuendo impossible to ignore.

Alexis moseys up to the table. She gives me a quick once-over and then sets her sights on Trevor.

“What can I get for you two?” she asks. While the question may have sounded like it was aimed for both of us, it was clearly directed at him. “Would you like an appetizer?”

I sink back in my seat and wait for the flirting to begin. Much to my surprise, Trevor looks at me. “What do you want? Cheese sticks? Loaded fries?”

“I usually just get a pepperoni pizza,” I say. “And an ice water.”

He makes a face. “Really? After the doughnut, I thought you’d feel much stronger about this topic.”

I glare, making him chuckle again.

He sets the menu down. “Give us a large pepperoni pizza and two ice waters. And toss some loaded fries on there, too, if you can.”

“Sure.” Alexis gives him her best smile. “Anything else?”

“No. Thank you.” And as if Alexis isn’t still standing there, he turns back to me. “So want my help?”

“With . . .”

He tries to hide a grin. “Your choice. But may I recommend making you uncomfortable? I know a lot of positions I can get you in that—”