Something Old - Dianne L. Christner [57]
Lil solved the problem by plopping uninvited on Jake’s left knee. “Thanks, chump.”
He grinned, supporting her with a hand at her waist, and David slid back into his seat by the window. He glanced out under the dark green, Amish-style window shade. “It’s snowing. A storm’s been brewing all day. But I’m in no hurry to go. I can always stay over at Ivan’s. ‘Fraid you girls are going to have to get used to looking at my ugly face. I’m at Ivan’s a lot.”
Sensing the silent tension coming from Lil and Jake’s chair, Katy dipped her smaller bowl into the larger, then offered, “More popcorn, anyone?”
Lil jumped up, “I’ll put on more water.”
Jake tipped back his chair and stretched his arms lazily. “Let it storm. I’m too tired to move. You gals are slave drivers. I’m ready to hibernate for at least a month. The living room floor will do fine. I’ll just roll up in that rug over there and be snug as a bear.”
Noticing with worry that the snow really was blanketing the ground, Katy said, “Oh no, you don’t. We won’t be getting any of that started here.”
“Well, you’re letting him hang out,” Jake lowered his arms, and his chair snapped back to the floor. “And I’m family.”
“Your truck too wimpy to plow through a few snowdrifts?” David baited.
“Yeah, pretty wimpy. Maybe in the morning when you go out to do your daily car washing, you can start my puny engine for me. You know, warm it up.”
He sneered at Jake. “Puny like its owner?”
“I worked circles around you today, and—”
Katy stood. “Stop it. Both of you.”
Megan snatched the empty popcorn bowl from the table and placed her hand on Jake’s shoulder. “I’m sure you guys both know that we won’t be having either of you stay over. But we can’t thank you enough for all your help today.” She speared Katy with a warning look.
“Megan’s right. We do appreciate your hard work today, but you guys need to quit the bickering. As far as I’m concerned, it’s juvenile.”
Lil flicked a dish towel at Jake’s chest. “Hey, juvie, I’ll wash. You dry.”
Katy rolled her gaze heavenward. So much for herding the guys out. She could tell Lil was giving Jake an excuse to be the last male to leave. Doing her part to get them both out the door, Katy started toward the bedroom for David’s coat. With frustration, she heard him clomping down the hall behind her. He followed her all the way into the walk-in closet.
“I’m not leaving before he does.”
She flicked on the light and wheeled to face him.
“I don’t trust him.” David abruptly pulled her close.
She wiggled free and placed a hand on his chest to separate them. “Stop it.”
The golden star in his eyes flickered. “Why?”
She shrugged completely out of his embrace and looked at the floor, rubbing her palms over her arms. “Because we’re not—”
“I’m sorry,” he interrupted. “It’s just that jerk out there acting like he owns you.”
“Forget about him.”
David’s shoulders relaxed, and he nodded.
She saw that as a good sign but wanted to make sure he wasn’t getting the wrong idea. “I don’t want you to get your hopes up.” She hurried on before he could interrupt again. “I’m not looking for a relationship with either of you. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have moved in here.”
David rubbed his chin, studying her.
“Katy?” Lil strode into the bedroom and stuck her head in the closet. “Oh whoa.” She quickly exited.
Katy whipped David’s coat off its hanger and flung it at him, scurrying after Lil. “Just getting David’s coat.”
In the few moments she’d spent in the closet, the house had grown darker. She snapped on a light in the living room. “Thanks again for helping,” she told him.
David shuffled to the entry. “See you girls at church tomorrow?”
Katy opened the door and peered out. “As long as we’re not snowed in.”
“And if we can find an alarm clock,” Megan added.
Jake pulled on his coat. “Use your phone.” He glanced down the hall where Katy and David had just emerged, then looked at Katy. “We have an extra coatrack I think my mom will donate. I’ll bring it over.”
She blushed at his insinuating observation.
“Thanks again,