Jack gestures with a nod, and we follow it to see a woman and a small girl window shopping. “My wife’s family has a place here. We’re here for the weekend.”
Callan nods and Jack turns my way. “Jack, this is Gemma, an old friend from high school,” he says, and my stomach squeezes tight, even though I have no reason to be upset. Really, we had sex, but all I am to him is an old friend from high school.
“Nice to meet you, Jack. How do you two know each other?”
“We work together,” they both say in unison and I laugh.
“It’s nice to see you…out,” he says in a gentle way, a caring way, and I like that Callan has so many great people in his life.
“It’s not—”
“Oh, I have to go, the wife is waving me over.” He waves to his family. “You guys have a great weekend.”
He leaves and Callan mumbles curses under his breath.
“Everything okay?”
“I just don’t want him to get the wrong idea, you know. We’re colleagues, and the guys at the station, well, they’re all after me to get out, date more.”
“I understand,” I say, and continue to the store. “Maybe it’s not a bad idea to let them think you are. They clearly worry about you. Maybe with us pretending, it could help you as much as it’s helping me.”
He nods. “You know what. You’re right. You’re kind of smart, Gemma.”
“One of us has to be.”
“Hey, I take offense to that.”
I slide my arm around his back and put my palm on his chest. “Kidding, you’re one of the smartest guys I know. Bravest too.” As soon as those words leave my mouth, his demeanor changes, a darkness about him as a frown hijacks his face. Oh, God, what have I done? “Hey, look at this,” I say, and pick up a pretty seashell necklace. “I bet Kaitlyn would love this.”
He’s quiet for a second, and a small smile reaches the corners of his mouth. “You think?”
“Totally, and just so you know, the piano lessons are free.”
“No, they’re not.”
“After what you’re doing for me.”
He slides his arms around me, and it settles on the small of my back. His mouth is near my ear when he says, “I like doing for you.”
I grin. “Doesn’t matter.”
“It matters, and—” I open my mouth to argue, even though I don’t think it will do any good and he presses his finger to my lips. “If you want to give her free lessons, we’ll figure something out. This isn’t it.”
“Okay, fine,” I say and wonder what he has in mind. “Oh, and look at these earrings.”
He frowns. “She’s always wanted to get her ears pierced, but I can’t seem to take her. I think if she felt any sort of pain, I’d lose my mind.”
“It’s not so bad and if you want, I’ll take her.” I search his face as he goes quiet for a moment.
“You don’t have to do that.”
I squeeze his arm. “And you didn’t have to come here with me this weekend .”
“I’m glad I did, though.” He snorts. “Maybe I am a little bit into pissing contests. I liked letting Brad know you were taken, and the only one you had to answer to was yourself.”
“Did you see his face when Amanda said something about your big hose.”
“Priceless,” he says with a laugh. “I’m not an asshole, Gemma.”
“I know that.”
“Brad, though. He’s an asshole. He basically told me you two were going to spend the weekend working things out.”
“It’s a lie.”
“I know, but it speaks of his character, and that he’s pretty possessive of you.” His frown sends worry zinging through me.
I glance down. “I don’t think he’d hurt me, though. Not physically.”
“Okay, and I have to say, I probably shouldn’t have taken pleasure in Amanda one upping him.” He casts me a fast glance. “I’m going to Hell, aren’t I?”
“Yeah, but don’t worry,” I say. “I’ll be riding shotgun.”
He laughs out loud, and it wraps around me in a comforting way. “I love that you’re a ride or die kind of girlfriend,” he says.
My heart jumps. Girlfriend. I like the sound of that…a little too much. I quickly remind myself we’re each doing a favor for the other. But Callan, I don’t know, it’s easy to forget it’s pretend at times like this.
“Okay, let’s get these for Kaitlyn,” he says, “And then I need to get a bathing suit and I am not stuffing myself into a ridiculous pair of speedos. I want board shorts.”
“Well, of course. You need the extra room for that big hose.”
He shakes his head and gives my ass a slap to get me moving. The sun is low on the horizon after we pay and step back outside. We walk a little farther until we come to a pretzel shop.
“Let’s get one,” he says.
I rub my stomach. “I’m still full from the barbecue earlier.”
We head inside and he looks at the menus. “Will Brad be gone when we get back?”
“He’ll likely be at his parents’ place. I hope you’re into board games. I’m sure we’ll get roped into that.”
He orders two pretzels, and hands me one when we step outside. I take a bite and moan. “This is good.”
“See, I knew you’d want one.” We make our way into the bathing suit shop and after we get him a pair of board shorts, we head back to his car. A yawn pulls at me, and I rest my head against the seat.
“I’m looking forward to getting to bed early,” I say.
“Why, you think you’re going to get some sleep?” he asks, a devilish grin on his face. My heart leaps a bit. I haven’t said anything, but there’s no denying I’ve been wondering what tonight might bring. I sort of had myself convinced last night was a one-time thing.
“What are you saying, Callan?”
“If I’m here
