“Hey, watch yourself,” Dad told Ty in a warning tone.
I elbowed my busybody father. “Seriously?” I got to my feet. “He doesn’t need you finding him a woman. Give it a rest, Dad. Let’s go, Ty.” I stomped off. I wasn’t about to sit back and watch Laura and my dad pushPamon Grayson.
Hadn’t my heart been through enough?
The only problem was that the table I was sitting at with Billy and Laura was in plain view of where the face-painting tent was set up. I had no choice but to keep my eyes closed or endure watching the practically perfect woman drool and flirt, trying to get intomyman’s freaking pants.
Sure enough, Pam sat next to Grayson. Touching shoulders even. He didn’t look happy about it, but still. How would I get through the next two hours?
I growled, getting situated at my spot. There wasn’t much to do, since all the supplies were already at every station.
“You okay?”
I turned toward Ty. “Fine.” I plopped onto a metal folding chair. Might as well get to work and make sure this guy knew what he was doing. “Have you done face painting before?”
“Yup. I like to draw and paint. I guess you can say I’m a bit artsy.”
I hiked an eyebrow. “Oh yeah?” I took a good look at him this time: tan skin, jet-black hair, piercing blue eyes. He wasn’t bad looking at all. “So why firefighting?”
He shrugged, checking me out lazily. “I want to give back to the community. Help save lives. Rescue cats from trees.”
I snorted. “Meet women in the process.”
“I’m not opposed, but when the chief has a gorgeous daughter, all the rest fade away.”
I rolled my eyes as the first kid approached. “Well, I’m not interested, new guy.”
“You say that now. I’m sure I can get you to change your mind.” His tone was cocky and challenging. It turned me off majorly.
“Hi, honey, what would you like me to paint on your face?” I asked the little girl.
She fluttered her dark lashes, glancing at her mom and back at me. “A ladybug.”
“Ooh, I love ladybugs.” I reached my hand out to her. She hesitantly took it and let me pull her to the stool in front of me. “Sit right here, okay?”
“Mhm.” She nodded, scooting into position.
“You’re good at this,” Ty said. “Mind if I watch?” He held onto the back of my chair and leaned over my shoulder. “Please.” His warm breath on my ear made me shiver and not in a welcoming way.
“Just don’t get in my way,” I told him, not turning toward him. He was so close, I’d bet our lips would touch. I flicked my eyes to Grayson. He was staring right at me, eyes narrowed. And if I had to guess, ignoring Pam.
Ty chatted with the little girl as I painted. Each time I glanced at Grayson, his eyes were on me. I wished another little kid would get in line so Ty would get out of my personal space. Much like I hoped Pam would leave Grayson alone. Pam had pretty, long blonde hair and a curvy body. She was probably closer to Grayson’s age too. I could see why any man would find her attractive. She was the total package.
Insecurity seeped into my veins like poison. I was on edge. Irritable. And green with envy. Why did I feel like Grayson was betraying me when it was Laura trying to set him up? He didn’t ask to meet Pam. He didn’t look thrilled about it.
Dammit, I hated this feeling of loss inside me.
A finger touched the end of my nose, pulling me out of my trance. “You zoned out,” Ty said.
I turned my head, nearly bumping my nose into his. Our lips were a breath away. “Sorry.” I faced forward, feeling my cheeks heat up, and resumed painting.
Ty laughed but didn’t say anything else.
After I was finished with the ladybug, I relaxed in my seat, crossing my leg over my knee. I was wearing a tropical-print sundress to keep cool.
Billy bounded over with Laura and her friend Pam following him. I hadn’t noticed when Grayson and my dad left the picnic table they were seated at.
“It seems slow today.” Laura frowned, looking around the park. “There’s a pretty long line of kids at the bounce houses. They’ll probably make their way over soon.”