Page 26 of One Wrong Step
“Is everyone else limited to one?” I ask, waving my hand. The same one that happens to be holding a pink feather boa. I toss it on the bed behind me and turn back to face him.
A muscle in his jaw works. Is he chewing on my question? Or considering ways to leave me behind? “I only need one,” he finally says.
“Shocker.”
He ignores my comment. “Dad only needs one.”
“Again, shocker,” I mumble, mostly to myself.
“I’m not sure about your mom. And I’m not telling her how much stuff she can bring.”
“Right. You just like bossing me around.” I regret the words as soon as they’re out of my mouth.
He sucks in a breath and then shakes his head. “Exactly.”
“Jonah…” It isn’t a whine. I’m just exasperated with him and this conversation. And the mixed signals I’m getting. Which is probably just my brain torturing me.
“Maisy has two, I think.”
“Are you kidding me? Her clothes are tiny.”
“She’s a kid who loves mud puddles. Do you plan on getting dirty, Vivian?”
What in the hell? Is my brain torturing me? Why does everything sound like an innuendo? I bite my lip to hold in my words. Nothing I’m thinking is appropriate.
Is Jonah doing this intentionally? No. He can’t be. He’s much too innocent. I mean, he’s been through college, so I’m assuming he’s had sex at some point in his life, but he gives off these church-boy vibes. He definitely hasn’t dated much.
Right?
I push those thoughts right out of my head, refusing to think about Jonah and his dating history or the last time he had sex. I certainly don’t want him poking around in my life.
His brows rise. “Well?”
I search the thread of conversation we were having before he distracted me. Right. Am I going to get dirty?
Fuck. Don’t think about ways to get dirty with Jonah.
“I don’t plan on it.” My words come out in a squeak, and I clear my throat. “Can we agree I’m a diva and be done with it?”
“You are a diva.”
I give him my best sassy look. “Splendid. Problem solved.”
“It’s a family trip. You don’t need to dress all fancy.”
That comment doesn’t warrant a response. I’m about to turn back to my packing when he sucks in a breath. “This is about Pridefest, isn’t it?”
My heart kicks up a few beats like it’s dancing the tango. Did he figure it out? The talent show isn’t really a secret. The possible job interview is. I try to keep my expression neutral. “Maybe.”
He runs his fingers through his hair. “Fine. You can bring two.” He holds up both hands. “One big. One small.”
My boots almost take up an entire case all on their own, but Frankie might have some I can borrow. “Deal.”
His smile is barely there, but his dimple still pops out as he shakes his head.
Let it go, Vivian. But there’s something in his eyes and that smile that won’t let me. “What?”
Jonah’s almost to the door when he answers. “You don’t always have to be the center of attention.”
