It was only when she and Kenneth had started dating that Clint had stopped making the trip to Washington state. Hadn’t really replied to any of her emails either, just a short reply. Not unfriendly, but definitely not what they’d once had. It had saddened her, made her wonder if he just felt like the third wheel and didn’t want to hang out?
But that was months ago now. Why was he acting like such a dick now?
She gave Clint a slight shrug and said, “What dinner? I have no idea what you’re even talking about. Now if you’ll excuse me, I was just on my way out.”
“But you haven’t yet eaten.”
Now how did he know that? Oh. She drew in a slow breath. He’d been watching her. Watching her watch them. She should’ve known better. Clint had always been perceptive as all hell.
He laughed, and the sound came out low and a bit sexy, sending little shivers down her spine. “You can’t expect me to believe that you showing up during Ken and Ashley’s dinner is purely coincidence.”
He cut right to the quick, didn’t he? Deciding on a different technique, and wanting to erase any of his suspicions, she relaxed and let her mouth curl into a smile.
“Actually, yes.”
“All right. Well, since you were on your way out, let me walk you.”
Had he always been this bossy? Her smile disappeared and she glanced back in the private room. Maybe if she—
“Allison.” This time her name was a silky warning on his lips.
As she watched, Kenneth left the bathroom and returned to the private room, never seeing her or Clint at the other end of the hallway.
Well, shit. Annoyance flickered through her and she scowled. Thanks, Clint, for screwing up my plans. Who knew when she’d get a chance to meet with Kenneth alone now?
Frustrated with Clint blocking her efforts and not wanting to make a scene, she gave a sharp nod and allowed Clint to lead her out the entrance of the restaurant.
Once in the parking lot she tugged her arm away.
“There, you walked me outside. I hope it was good for you.” She rummaged in her purse for her keys. “As much as I’d like to catch up with you and chat, I should be on my way now.”
Two hands came to rest on either side of her and she drew in a startled breath. Clint stepped forward, boxing her in between his body and her Toyota.
“Let me just make one thing clear, Allie.” His words brushed hot across her face, and a tremble ran through her. God, was it his cologne or aftershave that smelled so good? Whatever it was, was rich and masculine, teasing her senses and slowing her thoughts.
Clint, this is Clint. Not some hot guy you’re hitting on at a bar. How weird she was having this reaction to him. Maybe because it had been a year and she hadn’t realized how much she missed him. Though right now she was kind of just wishing he’d go away again.
“Make what clear?” she finally asked, shaking her head so she could think straight again.
“It took Ken a long time to get over you, but he’s clearly moved on.” His gaze locked with hers, no amusement, just sober determination.
“What?” Her mouth gaped. “Are you serious? Kenneth never—”
“Look. Just take my advice. Stay away from him now. Whatever you’re thinking, just stop it. He’s getting married to someone else.”
She quirked an eyebrow before folding her arms across her chest.
“What is wrong with you? I thought we were all friends. Why are you acting like I’m some crazy party crasher?”
“Times have changed, Allison. We’ve all changed. And if you were still such a good friend he would’ve invited you to the wedding and tonight’s dinner.”
Times have changed. Why did hearing him utter those words make her heart twist a little? When had everything gotten so complicated?
Unfortunately now wasn’t the time to bring that up. Now was the time to try and save Kenneth’s ass from a crappy future. Deciding to drop any pretense of not knowing about the dinner, she said, “And I’m sure he would’ve invited me tonight, if Ashley hadn’t told him not to.”
Skepticism flashed in Clint’s eyes. “Why on earth would she do that?”
“Because she knows I don’t like her.”
“And why don’t you like her?”
Maybe it would be better to tell him, possibly gain an ally. At this point what could it hurt trying to explain her rationale?
“Why? Because she’s a trashy gold digger, Clint. I have a feeling she’s faking a pregnancy to get him to marry her.”
Clint stared at her for a moment, his expression unreadable. Hope sparked inside her and she held her breath.
“Really?” he finally said deadpan. “That’s the best you got?”