But why was the question. She wasn’t obtuse—she knew he’d been deliberately trying to put her at arm’s length these past few days. But if that was the case, insisting on her handing over that last painting would have well and truly accomplished his goal.

Hell, it’d have set it in cement.

Because there was no way she’d have given it up. That painting was hers, and Grady was going to have to drag it out of her cold, dead hands if he wanted it. But he hadn’t taken that step. So maybe that meant something? Hence the mixed signals…

Did he want her or not want her? Did he want to push her away or draw her closer? And what in the hell did she want?

The streets of Credence were deserted, the thud of the pickup door closing echoing around the quiet streets. “We have to go around front,” he said as he placed his hat on his head and pulled down the brim. “There’s no back entrance.”

Suzanne nodded, pulling on her green knit hat as she mentally prepared for more fake relationship acting. To her surprise, Grady waited for her to join him around his side of the vehicle. She was even more surprised when he fell into step beside her as they headed for the front.

More mixed signals or just Grady also getting into his fake relationship space?

The sounds of their boots were dull on the pavement as they walked down the lane between the boardinghouse and the next block of shops. Suzanne’s arm occasionally brushed the brick wall beside her as she hunched into her puffy red coat, trying to give him some space on the narrow sidewalk. Neither of them was walking very fast, and Grady’s gait seemed to get stiffer and stiffer the closer they drew to the main street.

It was ironic, and probably some kind of divine punishment for her lies, that Suzanne was getting the Christmas she’d always wanted and now didn’t want at all. Not with Grady so freaking tense.

God… Was it really that hard to spend time in her company?

“Do you think it might be possible to pretend that you actually like me for the next few hours?” she asked huskily, her footsteps slowing even further. “I know public displays of affection are out, but we’re supposed to be a couple. Seriously, is it that hard, Grady?”

It wasn’t like he’d had any problems with private displays of affection.