Page 83 of His to Keep
“Steak, pork chops, grilled chicken. That kind of thing.”
“That sounds amazing,” Cara says. I nod in agreement.
“We’re actually doing a soft opening this weekend... if y’all want to come?”
“Um, yes. Please. Can... can I also bring my girlfriend?”
“Of course.” He pulls his phone from his pocket. “Give me your number and I’ll text you the tickets.”
Cara rattles off her number, and Clint turns his attention my way.
“This is so generous of you. I’d love to invite some friends,” I say, hoping I’m not overstepping. “Not many. Just three. But I totally understand if?—”
Clint hesitates and then nods. “Of course. The more the merrier.”
“You’re the best, Clint.” I give him my number, too. “I’m really looking forward to it.”
His answering smile is megawatt, but it does nothing for me. Unlike Ellis... one half-ass smirk from him, and I’m all but ready to drop to my knees, not that he’ll let me.
“So am I, and don’t worry, I’ll keep the creek waters coming.”
Before I can reply, my watch chirps. “We better head back.” I slide my wallet out of my purse to pay my portion of the bill, but Clint slaps his wallet down on the table before I can.
“Lunch is on me, ladies. Y’all saved me from a sad turkey sandwich, so really, it’s the least I can do.”
“Thank you, Clint,” Cara gushes.
“Happy to.” He taps his card to the tabletop POS. “That’s what... friends do, right?”
“Well, then it’s my treat next time,” Cara proclaims as we all stand to leave.
We drive back with the windows down and the radio blasting, with Cara and I singing along at the top of our lungs. Turns out inviting Clint was the absolute right move—we got a free lunch, and I didn’t have to actually confide in Cara bout my stalker. A double win if there ever was one.
Except, when we pull into the parking lot and she cuts the engine, she pins me with a hard look in the rearview mirror.“Just know, you’re not off the hook. I’m going to call you tonight, and I expect you to answer.”
“Off the hook about what?” Clint asks.
“Girl stuff,” I rush as I go to retie my ponytail. Only, my hair tie chooses that exact moment to break. “Shit.”
“Bummer. I wish I had one,” Cara says, running a hand through her short bob.
“I have more in my car.” I just barely stifle a groan as I toss my hair over my shoulders. Fall is here but it’s still hot in the direct sun, and Cara always parks in the west lot, which means I have to hurry if I don’t want to be late. “If you see Dr. Snider, let her know I’ll be right in.”
“Will do.” Cara sets off toward the entrance, but Clint lingers.
“I’ll walk with you.”
“Oh, thanks.” I start toward my car. “You don’t have to?—”
“I want to.” He turns his head my way. “Making friends at a new job can be tough, especially when you’re one of only a handful of men. So, I really appreciate the two of you taking pity on me.”
“No pity needed,” I tell him, meaning it. “I’ve... I’ve never made friends easy, so I get it.”
“Which one’s yours?” Clint asks, scanning the lot as it comes into view.
“It’s—holy shit.” The color drains from my face as I stumble.
“Oh, wow.” Clint lets out a low whistle as he takes in the wreckage before us. “Sucks to be them.”
