Page 4 of Cabin Mate

To my relief, it works, and his eyes flick up to meet mine. A brief moment of shock passes over his dark eyes before he schools his features into the familiar half-smile I’ve always loved. But, perhaps, I get the half-smile … while what’s-her-name gets the full one?

He stands and strides toward me, his long legs eating up the space between us quickly. He’s wearing a tailored suit that shows off his lean physique. Todd’s expression is completely calm, like he doesn’t have a care in the world.

For seven years, I’ve never once worried about Todd cheating. I mean … he’s a decent-looking guy and all, but he sits at a desk all day. So he’s always been pretty skinny. He’s not the usual type women throw themselves at.

He doesn’t even have any chest hair.

Also, he’s moody. My father is so stoic, I found Todd’s moodiness endearing. I loved that he’d cry while studying a beautiful art piece, and express what he was feeling. Most men only seem to have one emotion, but Todd has enough emotions for fifty of them.

Suddenly he just looks like an overgrown man-child to me. That rush of attraction was ruined the moment I found that note on his car.

“Molls!” he says as he reaches me.

The nickname grates on my nerves even more than usual. Molly is already a shortened version of my full name. Why shorten it even more?

“Heath and I are hosting a little poetry and music night. Do you want to join us? We just threw it together at the last minute, or I would’ve called you.” His voice sounds deep and confident, like always. But the hesitant look in his dark eyes tells me he realizes he’s messed up big time.

Glancing around the extravagantly decorated patio, it’s obvious this was no last-minute thing. Heath sees me and gives me a two-finger salute. He has light brown hair, muddy brown eyes, and is shorter than the other men here. He’s always dressed well, but he doesn’t stand out from a crowd … he’s just there.

I nod my head in his direction, unable to bring myself to smile or wave. Heath owns a local art gallery, and he’s just as pretentious as Todd. Todd visited the gallery one day and the two hit it off instantly.

I thought Heath was Todd’s only friend here in Kansas. But apparently I was wrong.

“Can we talk?” I ask, having to raise my voice slightly to be heard over the chatter and laughter. “Now.”

The party-goers pause briefly to stare at me before going back to ignoring my presence.

Todd ignores my demand and looks me up and down with a flirtatious look. “You look gorgeous. Where are you headed?” He has the audacity to wink at me and then leans in like he’s going to kiss me.

I dodge his kiss and put my palm right in front of his face. “Just stop.”

“Aw, come on. It’s just a small get-together. Don’t get jealous.”

Closing my eyes, I count to three before responding. “What about our date?”

He scratches the top of his head, looking confused for a moment. Finally, realization hits him, and he blows out a deep breath. “Crap. Was that tonight?” Todd runs a hand through his perfectly combed hair. “Maybe Heath can handle the party.”

“Don’t bother, Todd.” I sigh. “I can’t do this anymore.”

He brings a hand up and rests it on my shoulder. “You’re overreacting. Let’s just reschedule for tomorrow night?”

I scoff. “Let’s reschedule for … never. Just call up Trish if you get lonely and need a date.”

I turn to leave, and he grabs my elbow. “Trish?” His jaw clenches as he says her name.

“Yeah, the woman who had so much fun with you last night. She left the sweetest little note on your car.”

He laughs. “I don’t know anyone named Trish. Maybe it was from Trudy?” His eyes go wide, realizing his mistake. “I mean—I don’t know a Trudy either!”

Grabbing my elbow back from his hand, I set my shoulders once again and walk out of his yard with all the dignity I have left.

Unsurprisingly, Todd doesn’t bother coming after me.

Chapter 2

Brooks

Molly shows up at my door, looking murderous. It’s a cold December evening, and she’s wearing a cream-colored wool trench coat with intricate gold buttons.