Hang Tough(25)

“That anger wasn’t directed at you, Jade.”

“I know.”

Tobin bumped her with his shoulder. “Come on, darlin’. Your turn to let fly. What happened today?”

“I already told you. Nothing.”

“Bullshit.”

“No, I’m serious. Nothing happened today and that’s why I ended up in a mood.”

“Ah. I see.” He paused. “You’re missing the pace of your life in the big city?”

Jade turned her head toward Tobin, but he wasn’t looking at her. He stared straight ahead, granting her a perfect view of his chiseled face in profile. Moonlight looked amazing on him. So maybe the fact she didn’t have to gaze into those assessing eyes encouraged her to speak honestly. “I don’t know if that’s it. Yes, I’m used to going a hundred miles an hour, seven days a week, but not because I love it. I do it out of necessity.”

“Can you explain?”

She felt him looking at her quizzically, but she didn’t meet his gaze. “I work three part-time jobs to maintain my . . . what did you call it my first day here? My fancy, big-city lifestyle?”

He groaned. “I’m an asshole sometimes.”

“I don’t have a lifestyle because I don’t have much of a life. I’m too busy working to take advantage of all the city has to offer. My friends have moved on—either out of the area or they’ve scored jobs that have given them a lot more disposable income than I have. The few friends I’ve kept in contact with . . . their invites to hang out have tapered off because I always say no. I can’t even remember the last time I went on a date.” She let the afghan slip down her shoulders. This personal confession caused her to overheat from her forehead to her chest. “It’s not a ‘poor me’ tale to gain your sympathy. I truly don’t know what to do with myself when I’m not on the clock fourteen to sixteen hours a day.”

“Jesus, Jade. Now I feel like a fuckin’ slacker.”

“That wasn’t my intent, Tobin.”

“So what have you done the last couple days?”

Jade rattled off as much as she could remember. She’d probably forgotten a few things.

He whistled. “Did you do any of that at Miz G’s request?”

“No. She takes off early in the morning and doesn’t come back until right before you stroll in after work.”

Tobin opened his mouth. Then closed it. When he started to speak, she braced herself, assuming she wouldn’t like his observation. “You’ve been here what . . . five days?”

“Something like that. Why?”

“Have you left Miz G’s place at all?”

“No.”

“You need to get out,” Tobin said gently. “Maybe you’re just suffering from cabin fever. I know there are a million options of things to do in the big city, and the offerings in Wyoming probably look lame in comparison—”

“Don’t say that,” she said, meeting his gaze. “How would I know what my options are here if I haven’t checked them out? Being in Wyoming isn’t the issue, Tobin. I’m the issue. I’d feel this way if I was in New York and had four days to fill. The last time I had free time? Was when I had the flu and couldn’t get out of bed for a week.”

Are you still calling it the flu? You know what it really was. You know that’s part of the reason you’re here.

“Darlin’, no offense, but you know bein’ sick doesn’t count as free time.”

“Which, again, proves that I am lame, not the location.” As soon as she admitted that to this hot hunk of man, mortification sunk in. If yanking the afghan over her head and sprinting toward the house wouldn’t have made her look even more pathetic, she’d be halfway down the driveway by now. Instead, she stepped back. “Sorry. It’s late, I’m babbling. I’ll see you later.” She turned and started to walk away.

But Tobin was bigger and quicker. He grabbed a hold of the afghan and spun her around. “Whoa. Why are you running off?”

“I’m tired.”

His eyes roamed over her, from her eyes to her mouth to the pulse jumping in her throat and then back up. His lips quirked. “You can’t lie for shit; you know that, right?”

Jade didn’t bother to deny it. “I hate that it’s so obvious.”

“I like it.”

“Why?”

He leaned closer. “Because I’m a terrible liar too.”

She laughed softly.

“And I’m great for comic relief.”

Her smile stayed in place as she watched emotions play across his handsome face.