Corina stood next to me. “Paxton those are not boys. They are one hundred percent men.”
My father laughed while I rolled my eyes.
Mitchell approached, wiping his hands, and I couldn’t help but notice how Corina seemed to stand a little taller and her eyes got a little brighter. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Corina.” Mitchell reached out for her hand and shook it. I could tell she was a bit disappointed. Maybe she wanted another swoon moment with him kissing the back of her hand.
Tripp was next and practically pushed Mitchell out of the way. He was happy to kiss the back of Corina’s hand. “Corina, it’s been an honor working alongside you. Maybe we’ll meet up again soon.”
With a wide grin, Corina replied, “I’d like that.”
My eyes swung over to Mitchell. He didn’t look pleased as he headed to Trevor’s truck.
I thanked each of the guys with a hug then glanced around for Steed. He wasn’t standing with his brothers. I glanced over my shoulder and saw him talking to Gina Higgins.
“When did Gina get here?” I asked Corina.
She shrugged. “No clue. Seems like she has her eyes on your man.”
I huffed. “He isn’t my man, Corina.” Turning away, I walked my father to his truck.
Cord stood there, smiling. “Paxton, you really should stop by my folks’ place sometime. I know Mom would love to see you.”
The ache in my heart grew. I loved Melanie and missed her more than I could say. “I’d love that,” I replied softly.
He nodded, then stared past me. “He’s not interested in her.”
I glanced over my shoulder. Gina was trying her best to keep Steed’s interest. When our eyes met, I looked back at Cord.
“I wouldn’t care if he was.”
His brows lifted. “Really? Because the way you glared over there a minute ago screamed like you cared.”
Before I had a chance to respond, Trevor honked, causing me to jump and yell. Cord shot him the finger. Tripp and Mitchell laughed as the Ford backed up and headed out of the parking lot.
My father waved goodbye from where he stood beside his truck. “Bye, sweet girl. I need to run.”
“Thank you again for coming to my rescue, Daddy.”
He laughed. “Don’t thank me. Thank the boys.”
I smiled. “Be careful, and give Mom a kiss and hug for me.”
Climbing into his truck, he shut the door and called out, “Will do!”
Cord still stood there, staring like he knew something I didn’t. I opened my mouth to talk but instantly shut it when a rush of energy zipped through my body…starting at my lower back where Steed had placed his hand.
“Paxton, do you have a minute to talk?”
My eyes were fixed on Cord as if my life depended on it. The bastard turned and headed to the passenger side of Steed’s truck.
“Please, Pax?” Steed said.
My eyes closed. The sound of his pleading settled around my aching heart.
When I turned to him, I had to hold my breath. My god, he was so handsome. An older version of the boy I fell so madly in love with.
“Fine, but not here. I don’t want parents gossiping.”
“Okay. Where?”
The words were out of my mouth before I could stop them.
“We can meet at my house later this evening.”
He smiled and my legs wobbled. Pointing at him, I said, “Don’t get any ideas.”
The way his gaze searched my face had me fighting for air. He looked like he wanted to kiss me and honest to God if we hadn’t been where we were, I probably would have let him. Before I kneed him in the balls of course.
“What time? I’ll need to make arrangements for Chloe.”
There went that ache in my chest again.
“Five. Is that early enough so you won’t miss her bedtime or anything?”
His eyes turned sad. “Yeah. Yeah that works great.”
I nodded. “Fine. I’ll text you the address.”
Spinning on my boot heels, I walked toward the booth where Corina was standing. I had to concentrate on breathing, especially since I could feel Steed’s eyes on me. One glance over my shoulder proved I was right. I gave him a weak smile as my heart raced. I didn’t want to forgive him. I wanted to be angry, but my heart was beginning to win the war against my head.
When I got to the booth I felt more eyes on me. This time they were Gina’s…and they were filled with anger.
I stood in front of the mirror and groaned. “Why did I tell him to come here?”
Corina sat on the edge of my bed. “Because deep down you want something to happen.”
My mouth dropped open as I stared at her in the mirror. “I do not.”
She laughed. “Please. You two gaze at each other like you’re starving for one another.” Falling onto the bed, she covered her heart. “Oh, to have a love like that.”