Page 35 of Cru's Crush

“Daphne said she’d be starting work tomorrow, but I was wondering if you could spare her one more day.”

“Mum!”

Cru put his hand on my arm, and warmth spread throughout my body. “It’s okay. I’m sure your parents want to spend time with you.”

How could I tell him I’d rather be with him, err, be at work without hurting my mother’s and father’s feelings?

“I was hoping you could stay with us, and tomorrow we could have breakfast together,” my mum added.

“Of course I can do that,” I said when Cru removed his hand.

Not only had I bought clothes and boots today, I’d also picked up a few extra personal items like shampoo and a toothbrush, so it wasn’t like I’d have to get my bag from Los Cab.

“I can drive you over,”Cru said as we were leaving the table.

“No need. I’ve got my car, and I’m going that way anyway,” said Roan, who I hadn’t seen approach.

“It is out of your way,” I offered when Cru appeared to be waiting for an answer.

“Right. Makes more sense for you to ride with your parents.”

I didn’t miss hissuggestion. “I’ll have to get a few of my things out of your SUV.”

We all walked out together, and Roan told my mum and dad we’d be right behind them.

“Hang on,” I said. “I have some things I want to put in your trunk.”

Dad popped it, and Cru and I started moving the bags over.

“Oh, wait, not all of that is mine,” I said when I saw Roan pick up the rest.

He set them down and put his hands in his pockets.

“I think that’s all,” I said to Cru. “Thanks for taking me shopping today.”

He leaned in close to me. “It was my pleasure.”

If I hadn’t resolved to stop flirting with him, I might’ve wriggled my eyebrows or attempted a witty comeback. Instead, I nodded once, closed the trunk, and got in the backseat when Cru opened the door for me.

“I guess I’ll see you sometime tomorrow, then?” I asked.

“Take all the time you need. The job will be there when you’re ready to take it.”

My heart hurt when he walked away without saying anything else.

9

CRU

Ikept my mouth shut for most of dinner, mainly because I feared if I didn’t, I’d say something I’d regret when jealousy spread through me like a poison. Roan Norman was a douchebag, but Daphne was smart enough to figure that out herself.

As I had before, I took the front entrance into the estate. The main house was dark, which wasn’t unusual. My ma got up at four every day to get to the diner, so she went to bed early.

The lights were on in the cottage, though, and since I could see Trevino sitting on the porch, I stopped.

“Where’s Daphne?” he asked when I walked up the steps.

“With her parents.”