Page 33 of Center Sneak

She rolls her eyes as she reaches for the volume dial on the radio and turns it up, then flips on her blinker to turn onto the highway.

We listen to the music in silence for the next two hours, as Lettie slowly thaws, at least that’s what I’m hoping.

We are a few miles from our destination as she flies by our next turn.

“You were supposed to take a right at that last light.”

“Oh! Is that why you’re here, to guide me every step of the way and tell me any time I’m wrong?” she grumbles.

Guess I was wrong about the thawing thing. Ah, well.

“Uh, no. I’m just here for the amazing company,” I say with a cheerful smile instead.

“Pfftt,” she mumbles.

“Sebastian asked if I wanted to tag along, and I obviously said yes.”

“To babysit.” Her voice is sharp.

My eyes bore into hers. “Sweetheart, I’m no babysitter.”

“My brother clearly doesn’t trust me, and sent you here to watch over me.”

Is that what she thinks? Is that what this is all about?

Even though I don’t mind her fury right now, it’s time to clear this up.

I point a finger in the air. “First of all, he trusts you completely. He brags about you nonstop, and if anyone has spent even two seconds working with the foundation, they all know who the brains and heart of the operation is. That’s all you.” I pause and add a second finger. “Two, he was feeling guilty about leaving you. I think he feels like he’s not pulling his weight—”

“That’s ridiculous—he does so much!” she protests.

“I just call it the way I see it.” I stare into her eyes and then add a third finger. “And three, I volunteered. Not to babysit or whatever crap you called it. I was excited to see the property after Sebastian went on about it forever, but I should have asked first, and for that, I apologize.”

Plus, I was excited to spend time with you.

But I don’t tell her that.

I don’t think she’d be receptive to that comment right now.

It’s been weeks since I’ve last seen her with the football season in full swing, minus the time I waved to her in the stands, and I’ve missed her a little. I can’t think of a better way to spend a day during my bye week.

I hold her gaze for a beat more, so she knows how serious I am, until her gaze floats to the floor.

“Oh,” she says to her shoes.

“I hope you forgive me for tagging along?” I didn’t mean to ruin her trip.

“Yeah,” she says with a cute little sigh. “I’m sorry for bringing you into my wrath.”

“Anytime,” I say with a wink, as her face heats.

She clears her throat and states, “Just wait until you see the property. It truly is spectacular.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

Chapter Twenty

Scarlett