“Wonderful. How’s your throne?”
“Couldn’t be better. ” A pause. “You’d be more comfortable over here, Brooke. And warmer. ”
“Warmer? You want me to warm up with you? Do you really think I’m that gullible?”
“I was trying to be practical, but suit yourself. I have to admit, though, I’m flattered you don’t trust yourself around me. ”
I snort and pick up a pebble to throw at him. My arm stops mid-throw.
Because of the natural curve in the rock he’s chosen, Hayden is leaning back, half-reclined. It’s a casual, relaxed pose. Comfortable. And I suddenly don’t know why I’m here in the dirt, when I could be there.
I hop to my feet and stalk over to him. “I will punch you if you touch me,” I say, sitting beside him.
“You have nothing to worry about. I’m no poacher. ”
My heart stops for two full seconds. Hayden is watching my reaction, and I can tell he’s been waiting to say this for hours. Maybe since we left the cave.
“What did you just say?”
“I would never overstep. Especially since he’s my brother. ”
“Hyde told you?”
Hayden shakes his head, his grin huge. “Hyde would never talk. I had a feeling, based on the smile that hasn’t left his face since you two came back this morning. ”
“You and your stupid feelings! It was just a kiss!” It streaks me that I’m even explaining myself. I smack him on the shoulder. “I can kiss whoever I want. ”
Hayden’s hands come up in defense as he laughs. “Of course you can, but that’s beside the point. All I meant to say is that I’m not interested”—he gestures at the space between us—“so we’ll be fine here. ”
In an elaborate display of nonchalance, he crosses his arms behind his head and leans back like he’s basking in the sun. The smug smile on his mouth makes my blood boil, but I’m determined to play this the right way.
I lean back too, pretending I’m as comfortable as can be in my clammy, smoky clothes. As the minutes drag by, I can tell Hayden is disappointed I didn’t react to his comment.
“I told you not to lie to me,” I say, after five full minutes have passed.
He peers at me. “When did I lie?”
“Just now. You said you’re not interested, but that’s not true. I’ve seen you watch me. ”
“Can’t I look at you?”
“Of course you can. It’s just the way you look at me that’s telling. ”
“And how is that?”
“You do this thing with your mouth. ”
“I do a thing?”
“Yes. You pout. ”
Hayden throws his head back and laughs. “I pout at you?”
“Yes. You do. ”
It’s actually not a pout, but that’s the only word I can come up with. Occasionally, like just a short while ago, his lips relax in a very appealing, sultry way that is close to a pout, but not a pout.
“Well,” he says. “Don’t let my pout scare you. I promise you’re safe at my side. You and I would never work. ”