Page 52 of No Headlines Please

"So?"

"So here I am, using the same bank account from grade school."

He shrugged. "Hey, I've got accounts older than that."

I gave him a skeptical look. "Is your mom still on them?"

His lips twitched. "No."

I tried to look smug. "See?"

"All I see is someone who expected her mom to act like family." His voice softened. "There's no shame in that."

My eyes pricked with the sudden threat of tears. "But you think my family's a mess, don't you."

He didn't even hesitate. "Hell, yeah."

I laughed in spite of myself. "So you're not even denying it?"

"No. But if it makes you feel better, I can relate more than you'd think."

I couldn't even imagine. "Don't tell me you're the family trouble-maker, too."

For some reason, this made him laugh. "Delaney, you have no idea."

This was the first time I'd heard him say my name. It felt oddly personal, and a warm shiver crept up my spine. I liked the way he said it, like we'd known each other for a lot longer than a day.

With a teasing smile, I said, "I know I have no idea, because I haven't heard your story yet."

He scoffed. "I doubt that."

I wasn't even sure what he meant. Still, I had to laugh. "Fine. Then prove it. Let's hear this story of yours." As I said it, I lifted my latte for a good, long drink.

Or at least, that was the idea.

Instead, the lid popped off just before the cup reached my lips, sending a cascade of warm vanilla goodness not into my mouth, but down the front of my beige sweater.

I gasped and jerked upright so quickly that a few remaining drops splattered onto my jeans for good measure. For one horrified second, I could only stare at the destruction.

Maddox was already on his feet. "You okay?"

I gave a quick, silent nod before returning my attention to the mess. Damn it. The worst part wasn't even the heat.

It was the fact my sweater was not only wet, but stained, making the entire disaster impossible to ignore.

Perversely, it wasn't lost on me that a small latte would've already been gone – into my stomach, not onto my clothes.

I frowned. Was this some kind of message from the universe?

Even when I ended up with the large, I shouldn't expect to enjoy it?

Maddox's voice interrupted my thoughts. "Are you sure? You're not burned, are you?"

I looked up, meeting his surprisingly concerned gaze. "Nah." I gave a weak laugh. "Good thing I'm a slow drinker." But even as I said it, I realized this didn't quite make sense. Sure, it meant the latte had time to cool. But if I'd guzzled it faster, there would've been nothing to spill.

Yeah, right.

All that meant was that I probably would've spilled my drink earlier while it was still dangerously hot.