Dave? She offered her date a bright smile that was only a little shaky with nerves, and tilted her head toward the patio. Do you have a second?
Frowning at either the nerves in her tone or the fact that shed interrupted his golf story, he gave his work buddies a be-right-back gesture. Taking her hand, he led her into the relative quiet of the atrium. Whats up? You look a little tense.
Maya almost winced. Oops. Tense wasnt the kind of thing that made a guy want to run off for a wild weekend of family stress. She forced herself to smile, bright and cheery like she wasnt ready to scream. Or cry.
Remembering her fathers basic rule of the con, distraction, she ran her hand up and down Daves arm in a gentle caress. He leaned into her body as if ready to let her take those strokes in any number of other directions.
I just found out I have to take a trip, she told him.
Now?
No, for New Years, she explained. Sliding her fingers down his arm, she trailed them over the back of his hand to play with his fingers. His eyes blurred satisfyingly. I was hoping youd want to go with me. You were saying you wanted to spend more time together. I thought this might be a fun way.
The two of us? Go away together? His grin was huge as he pulled her into his arms and gazed down at her face like hed just snagged a fab Christmas present. Im in. Just say when and where.
Id planned to leave the day after Christmas, she explained. She let herself relax into his body as if confirming his assumptions of just what kind of entertainment that trip would include. But fairness demanded she share, Im going back to my hometown. My brother just got engaged and is having a big party for New Years. I havent been back in years, and everyone is going to be really excited to meet my boyfriend.
She lost him a little more with each word she spoke. His arms stiffened and he slowly leaned away from her body. Clearly that translated to horror and damnation in guy-talk. It was like watching the fog roll over the Golden Gate.
This, she realized, was yet more proof as to why shed sucked as a con artist. She could have just led him on. Let him think they were off for some kinky sex fun and then used that lure to keep him at arms length during the trip. But no, she had to be all honest and crap. She felt like smacking herself in the forehead.
Look. Maya. Um He looked around desperately, as if hoping someone would come and rescue him. Then he grimaced and told her. I like you. Id like to go to bed with you. But thats it. Nothing personal, but Im not a meet-the-family kind of guy.
But
Look, Ive got to get back inside. Clearly torn between running away in a commitment-phobic hurry and being a polite date, his gaze bounced between the door with its freedom, and her face. Can you Um I need to go.
She debated trying to save the situation, but realized it was pointless. She couldnt lie. She didnt feel strongly enough about him to take things to the next level. Not even to save her father.
Ill see myself home, Maya said, her words as heavy as her shoulders. Dont worry about it.
Its not you, he claimed.
Before he could pitch the worn-out spiel, she waved him away. If she hadnt been so upset already, the speed at which he gratefully scurried off would have done serious damage to her ego.
This sucked. Swearing she could feel the wind from Daves speedy retreat, she paced the cement walkway of the atrium. With its impeccable timing, her phone chose that second to chime. Like a reluctant witness to a train wreck, she forced herself to look at this round of horrible text news.
I told everyone youre coming. Were all so excited to see you. Ive even got a date for you on your first night home. Well double.
Just shoot me, itd be less painful, she muttered.
But such a waste.
Shocked, Maya jumped and gave a tiny scream. She spun around, one hand trying to keep her heart from pounding out of her chest, and glared.
Simon Harris. The Southern-fried sex muffin.
Whered you come from? she asked, desperately hoping he hadnt overhead Daves rejection.
I saw your friend inside, he told her, tilting his head toward the bar where Dave was back, chatting with his friends. You seemed upset earlier, so I figured Id check on you. Make sure youre okay.
He was so sweet. Maya sniffed, trying to contain the emotional overload of the night.
So how about I cheer you up? he said in that jovial tone guys used to try and get past emotional scenes. What are your holiday plans? A big family get-together, Ill bet?
That was the wrong thing to say, though. His words were the last straw. Tears gushed, frustration tangling with a sudden burst of homesickness.
Looked like the night actually could get worse.