“Absolutely.”
The space between us pulses with heat. There’s nothingchillorarctichappening here. Istep closer and her breath hitches. My fingers graze her chin as I tilt her head and inspect the bandage, enjoying the way I can feel her breath against my throat. Ituck her hair behind her ear, and she shivers under my touch.
Oh, sweetheart, I can see right through this charade.She’s stubborn enough to never admit the truth, but it’s written all over her—she’s not nearly as unaffected as she wants me to think.
Clearing my throat, I step back, and Fable spins away before I can say a word. Ismother a grin, following her to the kitchen, where we discover Layla and Knocks lying on the floor together.
“Have you decided about the coaching position?” I ask, needing to shift the conversation away from last night. If I keep thinking about it, all my blood will be pooling in inappropriate places.
She casts me a long, weighted look. “It’s gonna cost you afree space.”
Hope ignites in my chest. “Can I get us matching shirts?”
“Hell no.”
“Come on,” I beg, shamelessly using my best puppy eyes. “They’re the Unicorns. Weneeda shirt with a unicorn on it.”
Her shoulders drop, and she glares up at the ceiling, begging the universe for something. “Fiiiiiine,” she groans, not sounding happy about it at all.
“You won’t regret it. I’m going to make sure yours says ‘district champ.’”
“I already regret it.”
“Too bad. It was afree space—dealer’s choice! Only stipulation was that it follows the plot, and given the gossip around our town, I’d say it does.” I don’t give her a chance to argue. “Now, come on. Ineed supplies. It’s steps-replacement day,” I announce, tugging her after me toward the door.
She drags her feet. “I have to work.”
“Me too.” I tip my head toward the stairs. “I’ll knock it out while you’re gone today. Then you don’t have to worry about it.”
There’s a huff of annoyance as she pulls her still-wet hair into a bun and secures it with a green scrunchie. She loops a bag over her shoulder and across her body. “No touching my stuff though.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I nod, walking backward toward the door. “Should I look for a bookshelf too? Finally gets these books out of boxes?”
She seems taken aback by my question. Her feet stall on the hardwood floors. “They’re Gramps’s.”
“Yeah, I know. Are they going to live in these boxes forever? We could get them out. Let them see the world!”
Her fingertips graze the nearest box. She stays quiet for so long I don’t think she’s going to answer. Then she whispers, “Maybe one day.”
And that’s good enough for me. Iknow exactly what to get for her birthday.
Chapter 18
Fable
Fable:Things you left at the A-frame this week:
Fable:
Theo:In case we get to spend the night again!
Fable:
Theo:Would you rather me have not brushed my teeth the other night?
Fable:I’d rather you took it HOME with you.
Fable:You’re not moving in here. We’re in a FAKE relationship.
