Page 23 of Set It Right
Cormac drew in a breath, his hand falling from my back.
Victoria straightened when she saw us, her eyes flicking to his face before sliding to me. Any trace of warmth vanished, replaced with something sharp and assessing. Melanie’s expression followed suit, her smile going tight at the corners as she took me in, from my dusty boots to sun-warmed cheeks.
What was that about? I’d met Melanie once, and she’d seemed cool. I was rethinking that now. Maybe there was some line between the guides and the inside staff I wasn’t aware of. I’d have to ask Henrik about that.
Cormac cleared his throat. “Hello, Melanie. Victoria.”
Victoria hopped off the stool. “Hey.” Her voice went honey-sweet as she stepped around the desk, moving into his space. She brushed her hand over his chest, settling on his arm. “Can I talk to you for a second?”
“Right now?”
Her lips pursed. “Yes, please.”
“Sure. I don’t have much time, but I can spare a minute.” He took a retreating step and rubbed his nape as he turned to me. “I’ll see you later, all right?”
“Of course.” I smiled, not sure what was going on. “Thanks for all your help today. I really appreciate it.”
Melanie’s eyes flicked to my smile, and her hard gaze sharpened. Her gaze slid back to Victoria, and a silent exchange passed between them. I couldn’t read it, but it didn’t seem particularly kind.
Without looking at me again, Victoria hooked a finger into the belt loop at Cormac’s hip and nodded toward the hallway leading to the management offices. “It won’t take long.”
“All right.” He tapped on the desk, pinning Melanie with a look. “Visits with friends need to happen during breaks. Even if guests aren’t around, there’s always something to do.”
She nodded. “Sorry. I—”
He waved her off. “No need to be sorry. Just keep that in mind.”
Cormac’s eyes darted to me, like he wanted to say something to me too. Then he shook his head, following Victoria without another word.
I watched them go, the familiar line of his shoulders disappearing down the hall with a woman who looked perfect at his side, while I stood there smelling like hay and horses, feeling like I’d wandered somewhere I didn’t belong.
Melanie cleared her throat.
“Can I help you with something?” she asked, her tone clipped enough to sting.
I blinked, thrown. The shift was so abrupt, it took me a second to catch up. There must have been an invisible line on the floor I’d missed and crossed without realizing.
“No,” I said slowly, searching her face for a clue I wasn’t finding. “I’m all set.”
I turned and headed for Javier’s office, my boots echoing too loudly against the wood floor, my thoughts tangling over themselves. No matter which way I looked at it, I couldn’t figure out what any of that interaction had been about.
Deciding it didn’t concern me, I shoved it out of my mind.
Chapter Ten
Zara
Myfirstafternoonoff,I ventured back to Main Street to do more exploring. After a short stroll and stopping in a few cute little shops, I ended up in Sugar Rush again. For a Sunday afternoon, the place was buzzing, with only a few empty tables.
Phoebe lit up when I made it to the counter to order. “Hey, you. It’s good to see your face again.”
“You too.” I leaned over the counter to brush a kiss on her cheek. “God, you smell good. Do you roll around in sugar in the back?”
She laughed. “That’s all natural. It comes from my pores.”
“Why do I believe that?” I pushed my hair off my shoulders as I glanced at the bakery case. “What should I order? I’m starving. My stomach is eating itself.”
“Trust me to pick a few things?”
