“He has a viewpoint on everything.” Michelle sighs. “Urban development, kitchen appliances, and relationship drama. If he could talk, he’d have a podcast.”
Reggie struts along the windowsill, pausing to crow once more—this time at Mads, who waves at him cheerfully.
“Hi, Reggie! You look very handsome today!”
He puffs up his chest, apparently satisfied with the compliment, and hops down out of sight.
“He responds well to flattery,” Grayson’s voice says from the kitchen doorway. “Unlike some people I could name.”
I hadn’t realized he was home. He’s leaning against the doorframe, coffee mug in hand, watching the proceedings with barely concealed amusement.
“This is a private meeting,” I tell him. “No men allowed.”
“It’s my house.”
“Then go to the garage or something.”
“The garage is where I hide from book club drama. You’ve invaded my space.” He takes a sip of coffee. “Besides, I’m essential to the plan.”
“What plan?”
The room goes quiet. The specific brand that means everyone knows something I don’t.
Michelle sets down her wine glass. “Jessica.”
“What plan, Michelle?”
“We love you.”
“That’s not an answer.”
The doorbell rings.
My stomach drops.
“Michelle. What plan?”
“Just remember that everything we do, we do because we care.” She’s already moving toward the door. “And because you two are driving the entire town insane with your stubbornness.”
“Who’s at the door?”
But I already know before Michelle opens it and I hear his voice, confused and concerned:
“Grayson texted me. He said there was an emergency?”
Scott steps into the living room and stops dead.
We stare at each other.
He’s wearing jeans again. A soft gray henley that does unfair things to his shoulders. His hair is slightly disheveled, like he rushed over here. His gaze finds mine and holds, and for a second, neither of us breathes.
“What’s going on?” he asks slowly, looking from me to the assembled book club to Grayson, who has materialized beside Michelle with a set of car keys.
“You two are going on a date,” Amber announces.
“What?” we say in unison.
“A date.” Mads is beaming. “We planned it for you. Because you’re both disasters who can’t figure this out on your own.”
