Page 10 of Perfect Guy
I used to think I had talent when it came to designing homes, but after my favorite professor hit on me while I was interning at his studio, I was disappointed. Beyond being disappointed, I was disgusted and distraught.
Not only did I admire him as a teacher and professional, but it made me question if my grades, praise, and internship were based on my work or my looks.
He made it clear that if I accepted a permanent job, it’d be thanks to him. He wanted me to be more than an employee. It crushed me.
He was someone I trusted and looked up to. I had him for numerous classes throughout my college career. I guess that’s what he does; gains young women’s trust and then attacks.
The worst part was that after turning him down and giving him a piece of my mind, I overheard him talking to a colleague about me. He thought I’d be foolish enough to come back and beg for the opportunity. They both laughed at the “stupid and naïve country girl who would fall for him” as if being from a small town made me an idiot. Their conversation about me was repulsive, but I knew it’d be his word against mine if I went to the dean.
He really thought he’d be able to convince me, so I made sure not to allow myself to be targeted by him. I kept my distance, always having someone else with me if I needed to talk to him, leaving as soon as the time was up and arriving the minute before my work day started, and making sure I was never left alone with him. Ultimately, it became too much, and I quit the internship. Thankfully, I’d already graduated and had my degree.
“Are you okay?” Canaan bends his head to look into my eyes. His eyebrows are crinkled.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” I wave him off. “Got lost in thought.” I plaster a smile and lean my back to the bar, looking out at the stage. Tucker continues to sing while everyone cheers, dances, and sings alone.
This is home. Despite the gossip and rumors, Mason Creek will always be perfect in my eyes. Sure, some people can’t wait to leave, but I’ve been gone, and I can guarantee nothing comes close to this town.
“We’re heading out.” Levi and Camille come up to me. Oliver is with my mom, and I’m sure Camille is nervous about keeping him there too late.
Levi wraps an arm around my shoulder. “You going to stay?”
“Yeah, I won’t be too late.”
He ruffles my hair like the annoying middle child that he is. “Be safe.” He kisses the top of my head.
“Bye guys,” I wave them off.
Wilder and Hallie leave soon after, leaving me, Canaan, Joy, and Brayden. Joy and Brayden are off talking to some friends on the other side of the bar. Grady and Charlee skipped our night out since they have the girls. Cole and Joey also stayed in.
I’m moving to the beat of the latest song and humming along while I drink my beer.
“Let’s go dance.”
“What?” I turn to look at Canaan with raised eyebrows.
He chuckles and places his bottle on the bar. “Come on.” He grabs my hand.
“Uhh…no.” I shake my head, my heart racing.
“It’s a dance, Mads. It’s not like it’s a slow song.” He laughs and drags me to the dance floor. I keep my beer in hand as a safety net, something to hold on to and put my attention on.
Canaan dances along to an old Alabama song while he sings. I smile and sing along about playing in Texas. With enough distance between us, I begin dancing. It looks like friends dancing, so there’s no harm in moving to the beat. He grabs my free hand and spins me around but once again keeps his distance.
Our eyes connect, and I swear I’m tempted to kiss him. Hopefully, he can’t read my mind. I blink away to break the spell. Tucker transitions from Alabama and begins singing “She Won’t Be Lonely Long” by Clay Walker.
Canaan grabs my hand again, spinning me a couple of times until I’m laughing. This time he closes the distance a bit, placing his hand on my hip.
My breath hitches at the bold contact, and my eyes blink up to his. I’m not sure what’s going on.
He sings the words in the chorus about the woman not being lonely long, just like the title. When he continues to the part about not letting go of a woman like that, my heart skips. Butterflies take flight, and I know I need to stop this before I tread into dangerous territory.
I take a deep breath and step back, letting his hand fall from my hip. I press my lips together and turn to the bar, leaving my bottle there and paying for my tab. Canaan is right behind me as I leave Pony Up.
“Madelyn,” he calls out. “What…” He runs a hand through his hair.
“I gotta go.” I frown.
“Sorry.” He eats up the ground between us until he’s in front of me. “I…I don’t know what to say except sorry. I got caught up in the music. I don’t know.” He’s making no sense, and it just reminds me that Canaan isn’t the kind of guy to settle down with one woman.
“It’s okay. I’m tired. It’s been a long day, and I need rest. I’ll see you on Monday.” I remind him that we’ll be working together.
“Are you okay to drive? I can take you home.” Despite his dating history, Canaan is a great guy, and he cares about those around him. He wouldn’t spend his free time volunteering for our fire station if he wasn’t a good man.
“I’m okay. I only had two beers. If you need me to walk a straight line, I will,” I joke to break the tension.
He chuckles and shakes his head. “I believe you.”
We look at each other for an awkward beat before I get in my truck and drive away. Canaan stays in the parking lot until I turn and can’t see him anymore. A part of me gets jealous he’ll walk back into Pony Up and find another woman to dance with. I have no right to feel jealous.