Page 13 of Racing Hearts
“Need a refill?” His voice startles me, and I wonder if he overheard us as he pours Alice another iced coffee. He must feel my gaze because his eyes cut to me. “What?” he barks.
“Nothing,” I admit.
His eyebrows rise, and I look away, hating that Alice got into my head.
“I heard you are looking for models,” Alice comments. She has always been good at connecting with people. Conversations are easy for her, and everyone likes her. I’m the total opposite, and as much as I hate to admit it, I’m more like our father.
I certainly have his temper. Do I have his prejudice as well?
“Yeah, it’s for my end of semester project, so I still have time,” he replies. “Is your food okay?”
“It’s amazing. Maybe Alek could help,” Alice says.
“What?” we both snap at the same time, glaring at her as she grins.
“What?” She blinks. “It’s a paid position for models. You said the other day you might take another side gig, and I hate to see you working so much just to pay for my school.”
I feel Evan’s eyes burning into the side of my head, but I ignore it, fisting my hands under the table. “It’s fine. Eat,” I tell her, my voice rough. I hate that he knows that about me. I don’t want to appear weak in front of this man at all.
“There are a lot of students searching for models,” he finally comments. “It’s good pay. I can give you their information.”
“No thanks,” I mutter, glaring at them. “We’re fine.”
“Alek,” Alice begins. “When are you going to start working on your own dreams and stop helping me chase mine?”
“Enough,” I warn. “Eat, I need to get back to work.”
Her expression becomes sad, and she hangs her head, playing with her food. I want to take it back. I know she’s worried, and I love her for it, so I take her hand. “It’s not your job to worry about me, Alley,” I mumble. “It’s my job to look after you, okay? Don’t worry so much.”
“You’re tired all the time, and you used to talk about the garage you wanted. You don’t anymore, and I feel like it’s my fault,” she whispers.
“No, baby sis. I’m just so happy you are doing what you love. That’s enough for me, I promise.”
It is only then I realize Evan is still here, and I shoot him a narrow-eyed look. He simply observes me with something in his eyes I don’t want to analyze. He hurries away, and I watch him go.
When it’s time to pay, Evan is nowhere in sight, so I grab another waiter. “Oh, it’s okay. Your check was taken care of.” He grins.
“What? By whom?” I ask. I have a bad feeling.
“Uh, he told me not to tell you.” He winces when I glare. “Evan.”
That fucking asshole. “Where is he?”
“On break.” The guy points to the back corridor as I stand, pissed as hell. “Go home, Alice,” I snap, heading straight for the corridor that leads to the back despite the guy shouting that I can’t go back there.
There are only a few doors, so I find the workers’ area quickly. I slam the door closed behind me, and Evan jumps, turning with a wide-eyed look.
“Anders?” He frowns as I stomp over.
“I don’t need your fucking pity,” I growl, throwing cash at him.
“It wasn’t pity,” he starts, but I back him up against the wall.
“I don’t need your fucking charity either. I can pay for my own fucking meals, rich boy,” I snarl, slamming my fist into the wall next to his head. He doesn’t even flinch, just stares me down.
“It wasn’t charity,” he retorts. “Jesus, I was just trying to be nice and mend bridges. Why are you such an asshole?”
“I don’t need anyone to understand me. Least of all you.” I push him into the wall, my chest heaving in anger as his scent wraps around me. His eyes drop to my lips, and I hate the way my body reacts.