“I didn’t order anything.”
“I know.” A cocky smile tugged at his lips. “Consider it an unsolicited gift or a peace offering. Maybe a bribe. Whatever works for you.”
I crossed my arms, suddenly very aware that I was wearing my shortest pair of Nike pro shorts and an oversized sweatshirt with no bra. My hair was tied up in a messy bun that was more bird’s nest than bun, but it wasn’t like Owen hadn’t seen me at my worst. He practically lived here every summer since I moved in, and honestly, probably before that, too.
“How did you even know I was home?” I rolled my eyes.
“Lucky guess.” He shrugged. “Also, your car’s in the driveway and every light in the house is off except one. Classic home alone on a Friday night vibes.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Stalker vibes, you mean.”
“Concerned friend vibes.”
“We are not friends.”
His expression flickered as the words hit him like they had cut deeper than I intended. But he recovered quickly, that easy smile sliding back into place.
“Then consider this a diplomatic mission.” He held the pizza box out toward me. “I come bearing gifts and good intentions. The least you can do is let me in before the pizza gets cold.”
“I could take the pizza and close the door in your face.”
“You could.” He didn’t lower the box. “But we both know you won’t.”
The confidence in his tone should have annoyed me, but it didn’t. It made something warm curl deep inside me.
The wind picked up, blowing through the front door and raising goosebumps along my legs. Owen’s gaze dropped before snapping back to my face.
“You’re freezing.” He nodded toward my legs.
“I’m fine.”
“You’re shivering.”
“Maybe I’m shivering with anger.”
His laugh was low and genuine. “Harlow. Please. Just… let me in.”
Every rational part of my brain was screaming at me to say no, to close the door and lock it behind me. To protect whatever was left of my dignity, my heart, and my sanity.
But the house was so quiet behind me. So empty, and he was standing there with pizza. I was tired of being alone.
I stiffened my spine and squared my shoulders, suddenly seeing this as an opportunity to negotiate my terms. “Only if you agree to back off.”
He cocked a questioning brow, and his jaw flexed.
“You have to agree to stop trying to be big brother number three,” I said, giving him a knowing look. The one that said we’ve slept together, you can’t be my brother. “I think that ship has sailed.”
His jaw worked like he was chewing on words he didn’t want to swallow.
“You have to step back and let me live my own life,” I continued. “And date or whatever with whoever I want to and trust that I can make my own decisions.”
“Define the whatever…” Something darkened in his eyes.
I gave him a look. “No. Agree, or I’m taking the pizza and shutting the door.” I really didn’t want to do that. I was lonely, and honestly, this big house was a little scary at night.
He hesitated for so long I thought I was actually going to have to follow through, but then he finally spoke. “I will do my best.”
It wasn’t exactly the enthusiastic agreement I’d been hoping for, but it was something.
