June, Reimagined (45)

“How are you here?” June begged.

“Three flights, two busses, and one very incoherent cab driver.” Matt was functioning on thirty minutes of sleep, he explained to June, plus five gin and tonics and a meal that was supposed to be chicken but he was pretty sure was breaded rubber, then eight hours of watching Sweet Home Alabama on repeat on the world’s smallest screen, all while sitting in the world’s smallest chair.

“I can’t believe you found me.”

Matt cupped June’s face gently. “I’ll always find you, June.”

Whatever anger had passed between them dissipated and disappeared. June felt only relief. Until now, she hadn’t fully comprehended just how much she had missed Matt. She held him as if grasping at treasure. As if, with one breath, he might evaporate, and she would feel lonely again.

Max barked insistently at the two of them, running back and forth in the driveway.

“Calm down, Max,” June complained. “He’s not going to hurt you.”

“You know this rabid animal?”

Lennox emerged from next door, leash in hand. “Shut the hell up and get your bleeding arse over here, Max!” The dog obeyed.

June stepped back from Matt as Lennox connected Max’s leash.

“Your wild animal might need some more training,” Matt offered. “Can’t be good for guests.”

“He normally doesn’t act like this,” Lennox said, his jaw tight. “Only when he’s suspicious of someone. But thanks for the suggestion.” There was no appreciation in Lennox’s voice. June was still so dumbstruck by the turn of events, her mouth hung open, but no words came out. “No sinkhole,” Lennox said to June, without humor.

The interaction seemed to thoroughly confuse Matt, who was running on empty. “What the fuck am I missing?” he asked.

Max barked again. “Shut up, Max!” Lennox and June said in unison.

Matt squeezed his eyes and then looked at Lennox. “I’m sorry. Who are you?”

As June was about to explain, the inn door opened and Eva emerged, haloed by light from inside.

“What in God’s name is going on out here?” she asked.

“Let’s go, Max.” Lennox pulled the dog toward the house. “We’re done here.” He didn’t spare a glance for June as he retreated.

“Is that how all new guests are greeted?” Matt asked June. “Or am I the only one lucky enough to get the infamous Scottish Attack Dog welcome?”

“Max is harmless,” June said.

“And his owner?”

June should have run after Lennox, done the polite thing and immediately introduced him to Matt. But she didn’t, because it didn’t matter, when it came down to it. We’re done here. Lennox’s words. As if June needed more proof. She didn’t think she could feel worse, so instead of clearing the air, she let the bitter taste that Lennox planted in her mouth fester.

“Excuse me?” Eva asked. “What did I just miss?”

Matt held out his hand to Eva, which she took hesitantly. “I’m Matt.”

“Eva. Another American?” She glanced sideways at June, who was still occupied with Lennox’s retreat.

Matt nodded with a smile. “I’ll try to keep my innate obnoxious behavior to a minimum.”

“Grand. I assume he belongs to you.”

But June was deep in thought. Remember this, she told herself. Lennox had walked away like June was of no concern to him. God, she wanted to throttle him, but what did it matter? She certainly didn’t owe him any explanations now.

“Yes,” Matt answered. “I’m hers.”

“And will he be staying in your room, June?” At her name, June came back to the present moment. Eva wanted answers June couldn’t give.

“It’s not like we haven’t slept together before,” Matt said with a laugh. “Please tell me you’re not going to force me on the couch.”

“I would never do that.” June took Matt’s hand. It felt so different from Lennox’s. Matt was familiar. June knew the length of his fingers, the softness of his palm, the coolness of his skin, whereas every time Lennox touched her, it was a surprise, a jolt. Her whole body had to recalibrate. She hated that she instantly compared the two men. Was this how her mind would work from now on, every male touch weighed against Lennox’s in some masochistic form of torture?

June stuffed her cravings behind a rigid, protective wall. She wouldn’t go back there. It was done. If she had to fight the urge every damn day, she would.

“Where were you coming from, anyway?” Matt asked.

June fumbled, not wanting to explain. Something told her Matt would not find any of it amusing—Lennox, in particular.

“She was actually helping me.” Eva stepped in. “I was busy, so I asked June if she’d grab something for me at Lennox’s house. I left my . . . book there. And I’m at such a good part. Massive plot twist. I just need to know what’s going to happen. But now that you’re here . . .” Eva gestured toward Lennox’s house. “I’ll just grab it myself. It was nice to meet you, Matt. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you around.”

Eva headed toward Lennox’s. June pulled Matt inside the inn and up the staircase.

“Who is that Lennox guy, anyway?” Matt asked.