Page 38 of Tangled Hearts

Movement catches my attention as Roman makes his way around the table to us. “Thank you again for helping. It’s always a little hectic during times like this. And thanks for volunteering your services.”

“I’m happy to help. It’s really awesome what you guys do here.”

Roman smiles, the most real smile I’ve ever seen on his face. “Thank you for that. It’s really important to all of us. It’s definitely become a family pet project. I’m still trying to talk Beck’s mom into retiring early and coming on with me full-time. So far, no dice. Maybe I’ll be able to get you converted.”

I laugh. “I’m happy to volunteer. I have money saved up, so I don’t need to look for a job just yet. I’m good with helping out. At least through the fundraiser.”

Eli nudges me. “Well, come on then. Make yourself useful, and let’s go sort through this stuff.”

When I look at him, he seems grumpy. Is he… he’s notmadthat I’m talking to his dad, is he? What the hell would that even mean? I give him a little salute. “Yes, sir. Let’s go.”

Chapter 14

Eli

Nic follows me into the conference room without another word. I don’t know why him talking to my dad like that has me feeling all… icky inside. It’s not like I don’t want my family to like him. Of course I do, but ugh. Does he have to spend so much time wooing my damn dad?

Wait a damn second. Am I… jealous? Not of Nic… but of Roman? That’s a strange thought. But itfeelslike I might be. I wasn’t upset about Dad showing Nic attention. I was upset about Nic showingDadattention. Oh, that’s gross. I need to get over that immediately.

I cross my arms over my chest, glaring at all the donated items. Dad’s right. It’s a mess in here.

“What’s wrong, little doll?”

I spin around, turning my glare on Nic. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

He laughs. “I would, actually. That’s why I asked.”

Well, I can’t really tell him now, can I? Because that would just make me sound like a spoiled brat. In what world is it okay for me to hog himand keep him all to myself? Not this one. That’s ridiculous, anyway. I sigh. “Nothing’s wrong. I just didn’t realize how much of a mess it would actually be.”

Nic studies me for a few seconds, then nods. “It is, but I’m sure we can knock it out pretty quick.”

I sigh. “Yeah, okay. You’re right.” I step up to the table. “So, how do you want to do this? You tell me what’s there, and I’ll check them off the list, or?”

Nic hums, coming closer. Like always, he smells fucking divine. It’s making my head spinny. “Sure. We can do that. We can leave the vouchers on the table and then organize the baskets after?”

“Okay.” I clear my throat and look at Nic. He’s already staring at me, his expression a little curious, his lips tilted in a slight smirk. My stomach does a violent flip, and I clear my throat again, forcing my eyes to the notebook in my hand. “Just read shit out and I’ll mark it off,” I say, way more heat in my voice than I mean for there to be.

Nic lets out a low laugh, then grabs a voucher off the table. “A… Holy shit, this is a weekend stay at a cabin in the mountains.”

I grin when I find the donor. Wren and Warren’s grandparents, Henry and Ruby. “Julian’s in-laws donated that one. It’s a vacation house they bought a couple of years back.”

“Damn.” Nic whistles. “That’s wild. Cool that they donated it, though.”

I check off the rental from my list and sigh. “Yeah, I mean, this place means a lot to all of us, so we all try to keep it going as much as we can. It helps that Dad came into it with money, but…” I shrug. “These types of things help a shitload.”

Nic picks up another voucher from the desk. “Ah. Here’s your spa day.” I check it off, laughing a bit to myself. “So, I’d love to know more,” Nic says after a second.

“More what?”

“About your life. What led you here?Whythis place is so important to you.” I glance at Nic again, but he’s not looking at me; instead, he’s studying the stuff on the table. He picks a voucher up. “A month of yoga. That doesn’t sound fun.”

My lips curve into a smile. “It was some lip gloss.” I check off the item. “Can you believe that?”

“Lip gloss?” Nic questions, eyes roaming the table. “Six private guitar lessons.”

I look down at the notebook and check off the guitar lessons. “Yeah, I had just turned fourteen. Molly too. We share a birthday.” I peek at Nic to find him still avoiding my gaze. I hate that I’m thankful for that. “She’s one of my best friends. Anyway, she got some makeup. I wanted to try lip gloss. Bio didn’t like that. Next item?”

“Three-hour tattoo session.”