Page 219 of Out of Left Field

“Did what on purpose?” Willa asked.

Before I could make up a ridiculous excuse that no one would believe, Annalise smiled. “He’s been trying to get me to taste the hush puppies. He keeps pushing them my way even though he knows I don’t like them.”

I wanted to hug her for saving me. “But you’ve never tried these hush puppies. I promise they’re better than any you’ve ever had before.”

“They are really good,” Ned agreed. “I always add them to my order.”

“It must be nice living on an island like this,” Willa mused.

She never mused with me. Jealousy crept through my veins, green and ugly.

“Most of the time, yes. But in the busier months it can be hard to get your favorite food unless you like eating at strange times.”

“I actually expected this place to be packed. What’s up with that?” She asked him. Not me. Him.

“Well we’re towards the end of our winter season.”

“But what about spring breakers?”

Ned leaned closer. There was barely any space between them. “We don’t get as many as you’d think. They like nightclubs.”

“No night clubs on the island?” Willa pulled her lower lip between her teeth.

The sight sent a signal straight to my cock. A mix of need and pure jealousy. What would it feel like if she looked at me like that?

I shook myself.

“No nightclubs. We’ve got a very quiet night life.” Ned grinned at Willa.

My Willa.

“Regretting your choices, aren’t you?” Annalise murmured so only I could hear it.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

That earned me a scowl. Then Annalise stood up. “Show me.”

“Huh?”

Willa and Ned both looked up.

“Show me that spot Chris likes. I promised Olivia I’d pick up something.” She waved her hands towards the door.

I had no idea what she was talking about but arguing with her seemed pointless, so I got up and strode through the door, grateful to be away from Willa before my brain exploded. “What are you talking about?”

Annalise grabbed my arm and yanked me around the side of the building. “Why did you set Willa up with Ned?”

Why did she care? Fuck, while we were out here Ned could be making a move or asking her on a date. I was so fucking stupid.

“Everett Anson.” Annalise stood in front of me with her hands on her hips. “You are in love with Willa. Stop pretending you aren’t.”

I froze. “What did you say?”

She rolled her eyes so hard I was surprised she didn’t sprain them. “You. Are. In. Love. With. Willa.”

“No I’m not.” The lie slipped out from habit.

“Seth told me you’ve always been in love with her. And then when I finally saw you two together I realized he wasn’t exaggerating. In all the months since, you’ve only fallen harder. You two are head over heels for each other. The one thing I can't figure out though is why you haven’t done anything about it.”