My Cruel Lover (Wicked Poison 3)

I don’t answer her as I watch Jacinta sit down with them, her hands in her lap as they start talking. Anderson’s father places his hand on her shoulder, and she taps it before she pulls her hands away.

What the fuck is going on?

“Who were those flowers from?” I ask Shandy.

“Anderson.”

“Is she—” The words stop when I see her scan the restaurant. Her eyes skim past me, then come straight back when it registers it’s me.

“Well, seems she sees us now. Wave hello.”

I do no such thing, but Shandy does. Jacinta waves back then glances at me before she turns back around, giving them her full attention.

“You got it so bad,” Shandy comments.

“I have nothing.”

She rolls her eyes, throwing her head back. “How often do you lie to yourself?”

“As often as I want,” I say back to her.

“Well, I’m excited to see how you lie yourself out of this one.” She picks up her glass, smiling over the rim.

“Hey, sorry I didn’t come over sooner,” Jacinta says, leaning down to kiss Shandy’s cheek. Jacinta offers me a small smile and remains standing.

“It’s no problem. Where’s Oliver?” Shandy asks.

“Kids’ club here at the restaurant. I have a few things to finish, then I’ll be picking him up.”

“What is it you need with Anderson’s father?” I ask.

Jacinta’s hazel eyes shoot to me and narrow. “He is Oliver’s grandfather, and he’s been helpful with things.”

“Okay. Well, maybe after you’re finished, you could come over for a drink?” Shandy asks as the waiter brings over our food.

Jacinta steps back as our plates are placed in front of us. “No. I have to get going.” She looks back over her shoulder, then turns back to give us a smile. “Enjoy your weekend, though.”

As soon as she walks off, I turn back to my food. Shandy has her elbows on the table, her hands under her chin as she watches me.

“Why are you staring at her like that?” she asks, and the grin she is sporting is not missed by me.

“Like what?” I pick up a piece of steak and chew like I don’t care what her answer is going to be.

“Like she’s that steak you’re eating.”

“Eat your food and shut up, Shandy.”

She pulls her elbows down and starts on her chicken. “I’m just saying, I know you. And you got it bad for the little green-eyed bandit over there.”

“Her eyes are hazel, not green.”

“See … the fact you know that makes me believe even more you’ve got it bad.”

I shake my head at her words then finish my meal. Shandy tells me about her date, amongst other things.

“You leaving?” Shandy asks as Jacinta walks past us again.

She stops briefly. “Yeah, good seeing you both. I’ll see you on Monday.”

“Hmm, what did you do to her?” Shandy asks.

“It’s time we get going. Get your shit.”

“But I want dessert,” she whines.

“I’ll give them my card. Order your dessert, but I gotta go.”

“Whatever.” She waves me off as I hurry out of the restaurant. As I exit, I see Jacinta straight away, leaning down and doing up the buttons to her son’s jacket.

I hang back, and when she stands, I slide my hands into my pockets as she turns to face me. “Beckham,” she says.

“Hey, Beckham.” Oliver waves at me and Jacinta gives him a confused look.

“You know Beckham?”

“That’s Winter’s favorite uncle, Mom. Beckham is the coolest.” I smirk at his words. Kid’s got taste.

“Yes, the coolest,” she says sarcastically, then opens her car door so he can get in. “Was there something you needed?” I look down to the closed window and back to her.

“Come back to mine.”

She clutches her purse in her hand tightly. “No.”

“Why?”

“Because I have my son.”

I lean down and knock on the window, and Oliver winds it down.

“Hey, I have a heated pool and an Xbox. You want to come and hang out at my place with Mom?”

His eyes go wide at my words, and he nods his head eagerly.

“That was pure evil,” Jacinta hisses under her breath.

My lips go up in a smirk. “Follow me,” I say as I head to my car.

As I pull out, I check the rear-view mirror, and low and behold, she follows.

Chapter 21

Jacinta

I should have expected something like this. I mean, really, I should have. But as I clutch my purse to my chest, I just can’t. He strides around so casually, grabbing a few towels, then coming back out. Oliver is ecstatic and already down to his shorts, then he jumps into the heated pool. But the smile on his face is well worth the pain I am feeling at being forced to be here.

“Get undressed,” Beckham instructs as he reaches for his own shirt and pulls it over his head, so now he’s standing in front of me in just a pair of shorts.

He looks way too good.