“What in the world are you doing?” he asked, grimacing. “Are you pouring your M&Ms into your popcorn?” Disgust filled his voice.
My eyes narrowed at him. “Don’t use that tone. Have you ever even tried it?”
“Why would I?” he scoffed.
“Because it’s the perfect balance of salty and sweet. Don’t judge unless you’ve tried it.”
Walker reclined against one of the pillows. “I don’t need to try anchovy pizza to know that it’s disgusting. I think I’ll pass on the chocolate and popcorn.”
I shrugged a shoulder. “You don’t know what you’re missing.” A combination of crickets chirping and people chatting filled my ears. Walker and I said nothing. A nervous energy began to course through me, and I became aware of every miniscule movement my body wanted to make. Setting my popcorn down, I got to my feet. “I’m going to run to the restroom. Do you need anything?”
Walker’s gaze trailed over my face. “Nope.”
“’Kay. Don’t eat any of my delicious M&M popcorn.”
Walker gave an exaggerated shudder. I turned on my heel and strode to the house. In my distraction, I almost ran smack into another woman. “Ohmigosh. I’m so sorry,” I said, reaching out to steady her and her popcorn.
She gave me a soft smile. “It’s okay. I wasn’t paying attention.”
“No, it was all me. I’m distracted. I’m Taylor by the way.”
“Nice to meet you, I’m Ashlee.” Ashlee was pretty in an understated way. She wore no makeup, and her hair was pulled back in a tight braid.
“Oh, Bryce’s sister, right?” She nodded. “I’ve only met him twice, and I’m afraid the second time I’d had a few too many cocktails, so it’s a little hazy.”
Ashlee giggled softly. “It happens.” Her eyes traveled to the blanket I had been sitting on and then back to me. “Are you and Walker dating?” she asked, her voice hesitant.
I let out an uncomfortable chuckle. “Oh, no. I’m just the neighbor. I moved into the guest cabin a couple months ago, and the Cole family has kind of taken me under their wing. Like a sister they knew nothing about until recently.” It was a lie. A bald-faced lie, and I knew it. But I didn’t know what else to say to this semi-stranger.
Ashlee’s face brightened, and then it all became clear. She had a crush on Walker. My stomach churned because she would be perfect for him. A pretty girl who clearly had deep roots in Sutter Lake. And from the look in her eyes, she’d do anything to make Walker happy. I hated her a little bit then. But I swallowed my pride and forced a kind smile.
“They really are a wonderful family,” she said wistfully.
“They are. If you’ll excuse me, I need to run to the ladies’ before they start the show.”
“Of course. It was nice to meet you.”
“You, too,” I called over my shoulder as I hustled inside. I rushed to the bathroom, closing the door behind me and flipping the lock. I ran the water as cold as it would go and splashed it on my face. Patting my skin dry, my reflection stared back at me like an angry taunt.
I needed to get it together. So I was attracted to Walker. That didn’t mean I had to act on it. All I had to do was avoid copious amounts of tequila and stay strong in the we-are-no-good-for-each-other mentality. Get over it and enjoy the movie, Taylor. I willed those words to be true and opened the door.
Blades of grass tickled my sandal-clad feet as I walked. More people had arrived since my bathroom meltdown. I spotted Bryce talking with Jensen and Noah. Noah was pressed against his mom’s side, but I heard his little-boy laugh from across the yard. I grinned. It was going well.
Steeling my nerves, I steered myself towards a Walker-filled blanket. As I approached, my jaw dropped. “You little jerk, you’re eating my M&M popcorn!”
Walker raised a single shoulder in a shrug. “You were right, it is good.”
I snatched my popcorn out of his hands. “Get your own.”
“But maybe yours tastes better,” he said with a devilish smile.
Trouble. Nothing but trouble.
“Can I get your attention?” Walker’s father, Andrew’s voice rang out over the crowd. “Thank you for all coming tonight. We love sharing this tradition with you. We’re about to get started, so grab your snacks, snag a blanket, and enjoy The Sandlot.”
I pulled my sweatshirt over my head, the twilight air already a bit chilly, and leaned back on the pillow.
Walker tugged on a strand of my hair. “Glad you came.”
I sucked in a breath. “Me, too.”
I turned my gaze to the screen as the opening credits started to roll. As one minute melted into the next, my eyes grew heavy. The heat from Walker’s body only added to fatigue’s call. It wasn’t long before sleep claimed me.
I awoke to gentle ministrations on my scalp and my cheek pressed against a hard surface. “Time to wake up.”
That had my eyes popping open with a start. I bolted upright. “Wha—?” It was a partially formed word, but my brain wasn’t quite awake yet. Looking around, I saw that almost the entire movie crowd had cleared out. I had slept through the whole show…on Walker’s chest. I was pretty sure there was a spot of drool on his shirt.
“I’m so sorry—” I started.
Walker shook his head. “What did I tell you about apologizing?”
I grimaced. “You shouldn’t have let me sleep on you. You should have shoved me off or something.”
He chuckled, and the low, throaty sound hit me right in the belly. “It’s fine, Taylor. Really. I never mind a pretty woman cuddled up next to me.” Unless that woman is me, and she tries to kiss you, I wanted to say. “Still not sleeping well?” he asked.
“Not really.” To be honest, I couldn’t believe I had fallen asleep so easily next to Walker. Taking inventory of my body, I realized that I felt incredibly rested. God, it was wonderful. I didn’t even feel this rested after an entire night’s worth of pseudo-sleep.
I cleared my throat. “I should get going. Do you know where Jensen is?”
“She’s in the guest house, putting Noah down. I told her I’d take you home.”
Great. Let’s just extend the mortification. “Thanks,” I mumbled.