“Absolutely,” I murmur, shifting her weight easily as I carry her toward the nearest surface. “You make the rules. I’m the enforcement plan.”
Lucy narrows her eyes playfully. “And what exactly is my penalty now?”
I smirk, lowering my voice. “You’re about to find out.”
She doesn’t protest—doesn’t tell me to put her down. Instead, the little minx tilts her head, lips curving into a challenge.
I accept.
Chapter 19
Lucy
To say things with Harris are amazing would be an understatement.
Blissful.
Exciting.
Fun.
Much better description.
I tuck the phone between my ear and shoulder as I stir the simmering pasta sauce on the stove. The air is thick with the scent of garlic and tomatoes, warm and homey, but my mind is miles away—specifically, the times I’ve spent in bed with Harris Bennett and when everything felt less complicated.
Annabelle’s voice crackles through the speaker. “You soundsuspiciouslyhappy. Like, glowing-skin, smiling-to-yourself, post-good-sex happy.”
I grab a handful of cherry tomatoes and slice them in half with a little too much force. “No comment.”
“Lucy,” she says, voice sharp with accusation. “That’s basically a comment.”
I sigh, tossing the tomatoes into the pan. They sizzle instantly. So satisfying ...
I nudge the fridge door shut with my hip, then snatch a handful of fresh basil from the counter. “Look, all I’m saying ...” I trail off, stirring the sauce again, letting the words linger.
Annabelle makes a knowing noise. “When are you going to admit out loud that you’re developing feelings for him?”
I freeze, wooden spoon hovering midair. “I have feelings about a lot of things. Sunshine. Good coffee. Pasta.”
“Harris.”
“Yes, him too.”
The second the words leave my mouth, my stomachplummets.
My eyes widen. My hand slaps over my mouth. “Did I admit that out loud?”
“Yes!” Annabelle screams. “Holy shit! You said it out loud!”
I frown. “I am not catching feelings.”
She sighs. “You’re alreadyinthe feelings, Lucy. You’remarinatingin them. You’re like the saucy sauce on your stove right now. Simmering goodness.” She pauses. “I am so fucking jealous of you right now.”
I scoff. “Why?”
“’Cause my love life is so boring.” Loud sigh. “Can I confess something to you, and promise you won’t repeat it?”
I shift the phone to my other ear, lowering the heat on the stove. “Of course. You know you can trust me.”
