“And everything else where the opposite sex is involved.” I keep my features flat.
She laughs. “Jace might be cause for a few failed flings, but there’s another man who deserves more blame.”
I press a finger to her lips. “Don’t you dare.”
“Mur yeuo fnew tits rurth.”
“What was that?” I remove the flimsy gag.
“That Bowen boy still has you wrapped—”
This time I clap my entire palm over her mouth. Prickles erupt along the nape of my neck. Thinking about him always gets my body buzzing. “No. Absolutely not.”
Harlyn rolls her eyes but stays silent. I pull my hand away. She smiles so wide that it reaches her eyes.
“We’ll see how long you last being back in Silo Springs. Does that one guy I’m apparently not allowed to name still live with your parents?”
I force out a harsh exhale. “Real clever, Hae. But no, thankfully. He moved into his own house.”
“So, the threat of running into him is low?”
I bite my lip. Warmth spreads through my belly at the idea alone. “Can’t promise that. He still works for my dad sometimes.”
She walks to the fridge and grabs a bottle of water. “You know an awful lot about this phantom.”
“Jace is his best friend. Even if I wanted out of the loop, I’d get reeled back in.” I join her in the kitchen and pour a glass of iced tea.
Harlyn studies me while taking a sip. “Is that going to be okay with you?”
“It won’t make a difference if I see him or not. I understand where we rest and our final score. Plus, he’s become really good at keeping his distance from me whenever I visit. I’m sure it won’t be a problem.”
Not that it really matters. I have plans of my own. And they sure as shit don’t involve Grady Bowen. I wince while the harsh lie rattles around in my mind.
Try as I might, my future will always have a designated space for that jerk.
I peek over at my roommate. The grin on Harlyn’s face says it all. She’s not believing the lines I’m spewing. Heck, I can’t blame her. She bumps her hip into mine. “Well, I’ll only be a quick text away if you need assistance.”
“And several towns over,” I mutter.
She waves me off. “A minor technicality. I’ll always be around for moral support.”
“That’s one of the reasons I love you.” I smile at her.
Harlyn holds up a finger. “Don’t forget my cooking and cleaning skills.”
“Foster is reaping so many benefits. He must be wild in the sack to keep you hooked.”
A blush paints her cheeks. “As if you don’t already know. And I’m not moving in with him.”
“Yet,” I tack on for her.
She chews on her thumb nail. “It’s only been a few months.”
“Of paradise.”
“Never thought you’d be the one pushing for this.” She shoots me a narrow side-eye.
“When it’s right, why wait?”
