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“The Heartstopper is a great place.”
The guy nods, flashing a white-toothed grin. “Yeah, it sure seems like it now.”
June shifts her weight from one foot to the other. “Seriously, the food is great. And Marci, she’s—”
“I’m going to level with you, June,” the guy says, moving closer, “I’m not as interested in the diner as I am in you.”
June’s jaw drops. “Well,” she says, “you’re honest, I’ll give you that. Unfortunately, I’m at work right now.”
“Fine. Give me your number,” he says, like he expects her to whip out her phone at his command. “I’ll call you. We can set it up.”
I join her, sizing the guy up. He’s a little shorter than me. I can take him, easy.
“Cash,” June says, her cheeks growing red, “there you are.”
“Who’s this?”
“Seth,” the guy says, extending a hand. “Seth Deveraux.”
This is the asshole who’s interested in buying my father’s bar.
“Cash Taylor,” I say.
“I know who you are.” Seth mimes a guitar. “You’re that hot shot celebrity, right? The star. Can’t walk two steps in this town without hearing your name. You’re a regular town treasure.”
“You need something, Deveraux?” I ask.
“Sure do,” he says, running a thumb over his jaw. “Was asking June here for her number. Unless that’s a problem with you, big man.”
I sense June beside me, tense, concerned, and Alex watching with great interest.
“I’m good,” June says suddenly. “Sorry, but I’m at work. And I’m, uh, not particularly interested in dating.”
“That’s a shame,” Seth says. “If you change your—”
“She said no, fuck face.”
“Whoa.” Seth laughs. “Whoa, looks like I touched a nerve.”
“Swear jar,” Alex calls.
I take a breath, inhaling through my nose hard. I don’t like this guy. I don’t like him near June, near my daughter, near my father. I don’t care that his family’s money is good for the town. He looks and acts like trash, and I’m willing and able to take him out.
Seth tilts his head to one side like he’s considering a fight, and even though I’m duty-bound to be a responsible father, a part of me wishes he would, so I could turn his face into ground beef.
“See you around,” he says to June. And then he grins at me. “You too, Taylor.” He strums that air guitar again as he leaves.
June turns toward me.
“I’ll see you two at home tonight for dinner,” I say quickly. “Be safe.” And then I kiss Alex on the head. I don’t look back at June.
I pull out my phone as I walk and shoot off a quick text.
Sorry for acting like a dickhead back there.
The message is delivered, but she doesn’t immediately respond so I tuck the phone away. I don’t want June to feel like I’m encroaching on her privacy, but the thought of Seth anywhere near her makes my blood boil. She is mine.
The thought catches me off guard. June isn’t mine and she never has been. She can’t be because I have nothing to give her.
