A prickle of guilt stabs me. My story, that’s what Ishouldbe focused on, not mooning over a guy. I glance at the faint green shimmer on my arm.
“Not exactly.” There, that’s not lying to my best friend.
“Well, you sound chipper. What’s up?”
I stare at the ceiling. “Hypothetically speaking, if someone…slept with a person connected to their investigation, on a scale of one to ten how unethical would that be?”
There’s a beat of silence, then Wren snorts. “Oh my God. Did you sleep with the hot, grumpy tattoo artist?”
“I didn’t say that!”
“Yeah, you kind of did,” she insists.
I groan and pull a pillow over my face. “I’m serious, Wren.”
“So am I. Congrats on breaking your dry spell.”
“That’s not the point. This is complicated. He’s a source. Maybe. Kind of. And the story is kinda messy.”
“Is he sleazy?” she asks. “Manipulative? Your boss? Married?”
I sigh in annoyance. “No.”
“Did you use him for info?”
“No.”
“Did he useyoufor info?”
“No.”
“Then what exactly is the ethical crime, Emery?”
I open my mouth. Close it. “It feels messy.”
“Sex is messy,” she says.
I blow out a breath. “No, it wasamazing.”
“Amazing first sex is newsworthy on its own.” Wren clears her throat. “Do you like him?”
My heart does a weird little swoop. “I…yeah. I do.”
“Then stop overthinking it.” She pauses. “Is he as hot as he sounds?”
“Ohhh, yes.” I let out a happy sigh. “Every inch.”
“You lucky little wench. Next time, I’m coming with you.”
“Not a chance,” I say, though I’m smiling. “I’d be lost without you doing the editing. I’ll handle the field work.”
“I can edit on the road.”
Laughing, I finally agree to let her join me on the next adventure. “Do you have any leads on where we’re investigating when I’m done here?”
Whoa.
A pang of regret thrums through me. I don’twantto be done here. I like Declan more than I should. I’m even enjoying this quirky little town.
