Page 19 of Cactus Heart
“Maybe,” Levi sighed. “I don’t really know what the fuck I’m doing, honestly. I just needed to get away.”
Hmm.What was Levi running from?
“It’s a good place for that. If you need any recommendations, just let me know. I know things may have changed since you lived here.” I slowed the truck as we passed Evie’s famous pie shop. “That place has the best pecan pie in Texas.”
Levi shook his head. “Not sure I’m buying that.”
“It’s true.”
“In Whynot, of all fucking places?”
I grinned. “Yep. Evie has been in magazines and stuff. There arearticles about it.”
We were proud of her, that was for sure. I spent way too much of my paycheck on Evie’s goods. The pecan pie was pretty damn good, but the tres leches cake with a dulce de leche glaze was the best.
“So, what you’re saying is that I should get some pie later.”
“Yeah, and know that it’s all you’re going to want while you’re here.”
Avery’s gallery was on the right. I pulled up to the curb as the front door swung open.
Avery stepped out into a ray of sunlight, and my pulse shot straight up.
There she is.
I’d never get tired of seeing her. I swallowed hard as she gave us a devilish glare, her hands planting on her hips as I turned off the truck.
“I don’t think she wants to see me,” Levi said quickly. “Let’s just go see Austin.”
“She doesn’t bite.” Kind of wanted her to bite me, though.
Levi grunted, but we both opened the doors and got out. Avery crossed her arms as people left her studio, heading down the sidewalk toward their cars or another shop.
Her hair was drawn back into a loose bun today, wisps framing her face. Her bangs were messy and she’d caught a little bit of a tan over the last few weeks, and it made every freckle stand out. She was wearing olive green overalls with a tank top, paint streaks staining the fabric.
“What do you want?” Avery asked flatly.
“We’re going to see your brother,” I said as I met her on the sidewalk. Levi had yet to say a word. “Don’t suppose you know where he is?”
“Mateo, you know more than I do. The two of you are joined at the hip.” She turned her bright gaze onto Levi, and I almost felt sorry for him.
“What?” Levi grunted.
“What do you meanwhat?”
Jesus Christ. The tension radiating off these two was enough to make me sweat.
“You’re looking at me like you expect me to say something,” he quipped.
“I was looking at you expecting you to say something rude, and you did.”
“Avery,” I hissed, surprised by her attitude.
Her spine stiffened, her cheeks reddening. She blew out a breath and then looked away.
“Avery,” I said a little more seriously.
Levi cleared his throat and started to slide past us to escape, but she caught his forearm. He turned in surprise, his expression softening as he looked at her.
