“Addy,” she responds with equal enthusiasm, already moving to help collect the scattered groceries. “I see you’ve met Nate already. Though he usually waits until at least the second date before sweeping someone off their feet.”
I shoot her a warning look, but Caspian laughs, the sound bright and infectious in the winter air. “Technical correction, I ran into him. Literally.”
“These things happen,” I manage, trying to ignore the knowing smirk Addy’s sending my way as we finish gathering the last of the spilled items. The last thing I need is for Addy to catch ideas about me and the new guy.
“Let me help you with those,” I offer, taking some of the bags from Caspian’s overloaded arms before he can protest. His hands brush against mine in the exchange, and I notice they’re bare. “Where are your gloves? It’s freezing out here.”
“Oh, right! I’ve come to realize that I probably need to go clothes shopping. Phoenix didn’t exactly prepare me for Vermont winters.”
“Phoenix?” Addy perks up, following us to Caspian’s door. “That’s quite a change.”
As Caspian fumbles with his keys, the cold has brought a flush to his cheeks, making his dark eyes appear even more vibrant. It’s…distracting.
Once we’ve deposited the groceries safely inside, Caspian turns to us with a grateful smile. “Thank you so much.”
“Need any help putting these away?” Addy asks, already eyeing the bags with interest.
“Oh no, you’ve both been so kind already,” Caspian says, shaking his head. “I’ve taken up enough of your time.”
“It’s no trouble—” Addy starts, but he waves us off with another warm smile.
“Really, I’ve got it from here. Thank you both so much.”
“If you change your mind, we’re only next door,” Addy says.
I take Addy’s hand and pull her out of Caspian’s place. The last thing a person needs while unpacking is nosy neighbors hovering in their space. Addy follows reluctantly, but as soon as we’re outside, she makes a beeline for my front door, clearly having no intention of letting me return to my shoveling.
“Actually, I should finish shoveling,” I start, but Addy’s already pushing the door open.
“The snow can wait, grumpy bear,” Addy says, giving me a gentle push.
Inside my house, Addy immediately heads for the coffee maker, moving around my kitchen with the familiarity of someone who’s spent countless hours here. I lean against the counter, watching her.
“So,” she starts, that dangerous gleam back in her eye. “He’s cute.”
“Adeline…”
“What? I’m just making an observation.” She measures out coffee with practiced movements. “A very accurate observation, might I add. And he seems sweet.”
I cross my arms, trying to maintain my stern expression. “Don’t you have anything else to do? Like bothering your fiancée?”
“She’s in Glen Hill until tomorrow.” Addy waves off my attempt at deflection. “Stop trying to change the subject. I saw how you were looking at him.”
“I wasn’t looking at him in any particular way.”
“Nathan Stone, I have known you for far too long to fall for that innocent act.” She turns to face me, hands on her hips. “You were definitely interested. And before you try to deny it again, may I remind you that I was once engaged to you? I know your ‘I find someone attractive’ face.”
I run a hand through my hair, frustration building. “Even if I was interested—which I’m not saying I am—I don’t do relationships, Addy. You know that.”
“Oh yes, because your current system of anonymous hookups in Burlington is working out so well for you.” She pours two cups of coffee, sliding one across the counter to me. “When was the last time you actually let someone get close?”
“We’re not having this conversation.” Especially because she knows the answer to that question.
“We are absolutely having this conversation.” She sips her coffee, studying me over the rim of her mug. “You can’t keep using what happened with us as an excuse to keep everyone at arm’s length forever.”
“I’m not—” I start, but she cuts me off with a look.
“You are. And I get it, I do. But, Nate, what happened between us wasn’t anyone’s fault. Sometimes life throws you curveballs, and yeah, it hurts, but you can’t let that stop you from trying again.”
