Page 6 of Rumor Has It

I chew on the inside of my lip, trying to buy some time until I make up my mind what I should say. I know what I want to say, I only wished he’d tell me first. “Roof tops? Wow, that’s a hard no besides, why make us a bigger target than we are already?”

“I need to run home.” His mouth pulls to the side. “Meet you in our usual spot?”

“In an hour?” I toe the floor, avoiding his gaze. It’s always easier to not look at him when he leaves, that way, I have an excuse for why he didn’t kiss me the way I want him to.

He places his hand on the small of my back, kissing my temple. I lean in, soaking up his warmth, needing his touch like no other. The minute he leaves my side, I shudder, chilled to the bone.

I watch as he climbs into his car, backing out of the bay and onto the street. He waves, eliciting a warm smile from me as he pulls away. I reach for the door so I can close it when a hand touches mine.

I jump, coming into contact with a hard body and a deep murmur. “I gotcha!”

“Let go of me!” I squirm, breaking free from the grasp. Spinning, I come face to face with Boone’s friend, maybe enemy, or is it … frenemy.

He smirks. “I think I like having my hands full of you, Mackenzie.”

“Ughh, stop it Reed.” I huff, moving further away from him. “What can I do for you?”

“Slow down there, Mustang Sally!” He brow quirks. “Although, I do like the sound of you doing me.”

I gag, covering my mouth. “Please, I’m gonna vomit.”

“I was wondering if you could check out my ride.” He winks, and I literally feel bile starting to rise.

“Sure, we can do that for ya. Pull your car in bay six.”

He runs his eyes down my body. “Why are you wasting your time and that body on Hatcher?”

“As opposed to using it on whom?” I glare at him.

He crowds me against the tool box. “I could do so much more for you than Boone ever would.”

“Good to know. Wanna get your car?” I point out the door.

He studies my face, making me even more uncomfortable. “In time, Mackenzie. Once you figure out who he is and the things he says, you’ll get tired of being used, and you will come to me.”

“What are you doing?” Ridge startles me, yet again. This time, I really don’t mind it. Reed Thorton gives me the willy’s. He could be Boone’s brother if it wasn’t for his eyes and the way he makes me feel.

“Geez! Are you trying to kill me?” I clutch my chest, slipping past Reed. I’ve never been so thankful for his timing. It’s usually bad.

“I’ll start announcing myself. I’m not sure your heart can take much more.” He narrows his eyes at Reed, giving him the business.

“You can say that again.” I shake off the ick and move to his other side. “He’s moving to six. Thorton, Ridge will be happy to help you. Gotta go!”

“Hold up!” Ridge takes huge strides, catching up with me. “What’s up?”

“What? He’s harmless, gross, but not a problem.”

“I’m talking about Boone.” He throws his arm around my shoulder. “Everyone but you two can see the way y’all look at each other.”

“He doesn’t look at me any way.” I half shrug. “Besides we’re friends.”

He pats my back. “Whatever helps you sleep at night, but one of these days, you’re both going to regret losing this time.”

“Who are you?” I pull my brows low. “Seriously? You’re nineteen, but you talk like you’re forty.”

He puts his hands in the air. “I’m only saying, using the friend zone thing and being a teenager is only gonna last so long. One day, y’all are gonna have to face it.”

“Tell me what’cha think why don’t you.” I smash my mouth into a thin line.