Page 40 of The Sweet Talker
“What?” he asks quickly.
“You were checking the weather. What’s today’s forecast?”
“Oh.” He shoots a glance at the window. “Nice and sunny.”
I cross my arms and gaze at him. Why is he acting so cagey? “It’s gorgeous out. Cold, but the sun is shining.”
He pushes to his feet. “A nice day to do deliveries.”
I shake my head. “You don’t have to. Our driver is back today. Thank goodness.”
His eyes light, clearly happy about that. Was yesterday a hardship? Did he not want to do deliveries? That can’t be right. He pushed to help and he was so excited about finding the farmacy. But maybe he’s tired of playing house. Maybe he’s pushing away a bit because our time is almost finished here.
“Did you have plans?” I ask.
He nods quickly, steps toward me and drops a kiss onto my forehead. “Yeah, I…well, Declan. We should probably hang out today.”
“You absolutely should.” Maybe he really was checking the weather and I feel bad that I’ve been monopolizing all his time when he came here to enjoy the holidays with his friend. “Are you thinking of hitting the slopes? It’s a beautiful day for it.”
“Yeah, that’s a good idea.”
My gaze goes to my tablet again, and as much as I want to open it, check it, I also don’t want to. I don’t want to think he’s being deceitful. What could he possibly be trying to hide from me? Heck, if he was hooking up with another girl, he sure as hell wouldn’t be doing it on my tablet. I have to be making more out of this than it really is, and I can’t forget that he’s leaving here shortly. I should just enjoy this time while I can and not read anymore into his strange behavior.
“I should get going.”
I gesture with a nod. “I need to get to work too. Coffee is on.”
“How late do you think you’ll have to work tonight?”
“I think most people have already picked up their candy for the holidays. I don’t think it’s going to be a late night at all.” I turn, head to the kitchen and he follows me. Mabel finishes eating and he drops to his knees to pet her. “I’d better go,” I say finding it hard to tear my gaze away from Brody as he pets Mabel, and wishing his hands were on me instead. It’s crazy to think I’m jealous of my dog.
“Okay, see you later,” he says and I note the way he’s not looking up at me. I honestly have no idea why he’s acting so strange.
I leave him with Mabel and head down to the shop, and as soon as I flip the sign and unlock the door, in walks Patrick with a fres
h new haircut.
“Hey Patrick,” I say. “I love the new haircut.”
A sheepish look comes over his face. “My barber was out sick and I was desperate so I went to Chatters.”
“I know lots of men that go to the hairdressers for a cut. Nothing wrong with that.” I grab my apron and tie it around my waist, and glance past Patrick’s shoulder to see Brody’s car drive down the street. He sure is in a hurry to get to the slopes or wherever it is he’s going.
Patrick walks up to the display window and picks out a few chocolates for his lunch break. “Is Brody enjoying Holiday Peak?” he asks.
“He sure is. We’ve been having a lot of fun.” Honestly, last night at the Farmacy was so much fun. I do love his childlike enthusiasm and zest for life.
He nods. “You two make a nice couple.”
“Thank you.”
He looks away, a frown on his face, and I suspect he has something on his mind. Kayley comes in, and we both greet her. She goes to the back room to grab her apron and take the chocolate from the fridge.
“How are your holiday’s going, Patrick?” I ask.
He shoves his hands into his pockets. “Good. Good.” He nods, slowly walks around the store, takes a breath and in his most casual voice says, “Nikki cut my hair.”
“She did a great job,” I say.