Page 42 of Say Yes to the Nemesis

She’s not wrong, but she is flirting her ass off.

Ryan thanks her for being here and then diverts his attention back to the line of people getting Styrofoam containers full of hot food. JacqLyn is not deterred. She keeps brushing his arm, making silly jokes. Saying things like “I bet you’re good with your hands.”

I roll my eyes so hard it might qualify as a workout.

Ryan eyes me and leans over with a sneaky smile. “Careful. You’re spooning with rage. You don’t wanna break anyone’s to-go box.”

“Your ego is beyond.” I grit my teeth. “Just focus on your mashed potatoes.”

He leans closer, whispering in my ear. “You know, it occurs to me that you might think I’m doing this for the show. But I’m not.”

I touch the back of his arm and peer up into his eyes. “You don’t have to convince me. I get it. This place matters to you. It’s just… not what I expected. That’s all.”

His expression is carefully neutral. “Yeah, well. People don’t expect much from me. They just want me to put on the act.”

That makes me snort. “I’ve seen the act. The protein powder. The stupid smirk. The girl-of-the-week energy. It’s exhausting.”

He shoots me a look. “Hey, at least it’s working for me.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I ask.

“I’m not sitting alone every weekend night. I’m definitely not a virgin. Unlike some people I know.”

I drop my spoon with a clatter and practically swallow my tongue. “What did you just say?”

He elbows me in the ribs. “Jesus, Rustin. I was just joking.”

I’m too busy blushing and staring at the green beans to answer.

“Wait,” he says. “You’re not actually a virgin, are you?”

My entire body locks up. I can feel the flush rising up my neck. I want to disappear into the piles of mashed potatoes more than I can say.

“S-shut up,” I stammer.

“Oh my God. You are. Jesus.”

I sneak a look at him. His eyes are as wide as if I’ve just grown a third head.

“Shut up,” I whisper. “Seriously. Don’t talk to me. There are people all around.”

He raises his hands innocently but starts grinning like a hillbilly maniac.

“I didn’t mean anything by it. I just didn’t see that coming, either. I guess there are surprises for both of us.”

A volunteer cuts in with a tray of green beans to freshen my tray. I set mine back and roll, heading to the food pantry area before I can do something embarrassing like, for instance, cry. Or punch him. Or maybe both.

As I stalk out of the kitchen, I try not to think about how much I hate him. Or how much it hurt that he was amused.

He’s not the villain I’ve made him out to be. Not entirely. If he’s not the villain… then what am I? Just a girl who’s been wrong this whole time?

twelve

RYAN

“So we havethe next few days off?” I ask Rich, who’s currently jotting notes into his phone.

He doesn’t look up. Just nods. “Yup. Two days off for everybody to mellow out. I suggest you go somewhere you won’t be bothered by anyone. At least, that’s what I’m gonna do. I book a hotel room, get some room service, and put the do-not-disturb sign on the door. It’s heaven.”