Page 13 of So This Isn't Love
"Not threatened at all," Evan murmurs. "Nope. Totally cool and collected."
"Shouldn't you be resting?" I try to inject some older-brother authority into my voice. "Doctor's orders and all that?"
"Can't leave yet. I’m still waiting to see what other surprises tonight has in store." He grins up at me. "Like watching my fearless brother try to figure out why a small-town teacher just dropped three grand on his sorry ass for a whole weekend."
"I know exactly why." But even as I say it, I'm not so sure. Because the Darcy I remember would never have donesomething this bold. The Darcy I remember wouldn't even meet my eyes, let alone challenge me in front of the whole town.
"Keep telling yourself that." Evan's voice has that annoying knowing quality that little brothers shouldn't be allowed to use. "But from where I'm sitting? This weekend is going to be very interesting."
I open my mouth to argue, but movement by the door catches my attention. Darcy's gathering her things, preparing to leave with her friends. She still hasn't looked my way again, but somehow I feel dismissed all the same.
And I really don't like how much that bothers me.
I wait until Darcy and her friends disappear through the library doors before standing. "Time to get you home before those pain meds wear off."
The next bachelor is being introduced as I help my brother navigate through the crowd. Every few steps, someone stops us, offering sympathy for Evan's leg, throwing knowing looks my way, or making not-so-subtle comments about Darcy's winning bid.
"You know what I think?" Evan says as we finally reach the entrance.
"I'm sure you're about to tell me."
"I think she likes you." He grins at my sharp look. "And I think you like her back."
I roll my eyes. "That's the pain meds talking."
"Is it? Keep telling yourself that." His grin is insufferable. "I saw your face when she won. You're into her."
"I'm not into anyone." I hold the door for him to hobble through ahead of me. "In fact, I've got a million-dollar bet with my poker buddies riding on exactly that."
"A what now?"
I try to wave him off, but he’s not moving now. I push out a sigh. "Last Billionaire Standing. My idea, actually. We all put amillion in, last single man who successfully avoids falling in love takes the pot."
"Let me get this straight." Evan stops at the top of the steps. "You invented a bet about never falling in love? That's both sad and hilarious."
"It's a sure win for me." But watching Darcy's taillights disappear into the darkness, I'm not sure who I'm trying to convince. "And it’s completely irrelevant, since this is just two days of charity work. Nothing more."
"Right. Because you always stare at 'nothing more' like she's your next adrenaline fix."
I don't have a response for that. Because for the first time since inventing that ridiculous wager, I'm wondering if a million dollars is enough to bet against whatever feeling Dictionary Darcy is stirring inside me now.
Shit.
This weekend can’t be over fast enough.
CHAPTER 6
DARCY
The ancient mortar of Main Street Books has witnessed nearly two centuries of Mattichogue gossip, but I'd bet it's never seen anything like this. Me, Darcy Gable, the town's AP English teacher, dedicated librarian's daughter, and the girl who once hid in the library during three consecutive homecoming dances, waiting outside to begin my weekend of revenge on Finn Bardot.
I check my watch: 8:59 a.m. One minute until my redemption officially begins.
As if summoned by the thought, an obnoxious red Ferrari roars down our sleepy main street, shattering the peaceful Saturday morning like a yacht crashing into a duck pond. Actual tourists stop to take photos as it rolls smoothly to the curb and stops on a short squeal of its racing tires.
Because of course Finn Bardot couldn't just drive a normal car like a normal human being. Not when there's a chance to announce his billionaire status to the entire town.
When he unfolds his tall frame from the driver's seat, I'm hit with the unwelcome realization that ten years has done Finn Bardot nothing but favors. In school he was good looking, athletic, always ready with a million-dollar smile. Now thatsmile has accumulated several extra zeroes, and the fit teenager has become a muscled, gorgeous man.
