Not to mention, the whole circus at the festival left a sour taste in my mouth. I didn’t think Will had that petty streak in him. At least Adam doesn’t cloak his competitiveness in fake politeness.
“They’ll leave soon. And, to be honest, I could use a break from them. And from Carter.” I sigh. “Maybe I’ll talk to Loganand Derrick. See what my options are for a short trip. I’ve heard Iceland is nice.”
“Is that so?” His tone borders on disbelief.
I exhale sharply through my nose. “Don’t act so surprised. I was never one for Carter’s overbearing brand of care. I just accepted it because…you know why. How we grew up.”
The wind whooshes beneath the edge of the roof, carrying up the damp scent of earth from the edge of the lake. To my annoyance, I’ve grown quite fond of this feeling of tranquility. This calm that’s seeped into me, unnoticed, and settled under my skin over the past couple of months.
“My parents have been asking about you,” Adam says.
I look back at him, and the way he’s watching me capsizes something in my chest. “You can tell them I’m alive. And relatively well.”
Adam hesitates, like he’s weighing up whether to keep going. “They’re not happy about what’s been in the news. They worry about you. I was thinking—”
“That’s a first.” I play it unaffected, but my words lack any real edge. He smiles again, sending me into near panic mode.
“A change of scenery might do you good. At least pull you out of wrestling bears empty-handed.”
“You’re not actually suggesting I visit your parents.”
“No, of course not,” he says quickly. “What I’m saying isweshould visit my parents.”
On the list of unlikely things Adam could have said, this suggestion is a solid top three. I stare blankly at him.
“Don’t act so surprised. Nobody would know where you are, and you’re losing your mind stuck here.”
How does this man still read me so easily? I kept my distance for so long, but a few weeks forced together, and he’s able to figure out exactly what I need.
Adam crosses his arms over his wide chest, and my train of thought is derailed with ridiculous ease.
“Do you have a problem with my parents?”
“What? No, they’re the sweetest.”
“Then it’s the idea of going somewhere with me? Afraid you won’t be able to keep your hands to yourself?”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” I snap at him, way too quickly. Because, yes, obviously, that might be an issue. “I just haven’t spoken to your mom since…”
His mom always wanted to chat when Adam called her while we were together.
He nods in understanding. “Don’t worry about it. She won’t push for details.”
In theory, it makes sense. Carter will force the security team down my throat, and I’d be safe in Adam’s small hometown. Plus, it would give my brother and Eliza back some privacy. I’ve noticed his grumpiness spike with all the people roaming through his house, disrupting his domestic bliss.
Adam’s still waiting patiently for my answer, slumped in his chair, a gleam of challenge lighting his emerald eyes.
“That’s very kind of you,” I say in the most diplomatic tone I can muster, though agreeing feels like playing with fire. “It might be nice to take a breather.”
His grin is so bright, my heart stutters. “Awesome, I’ll tell them I’m bringing a friend. Can’t wait to see their faces when they realize it’s you.”
My thoughts snag on the word. “Is that what we are, Adam? Friends?”
The question catches him off guard. His gaze sharpens, so intense it makes me wonder what the hell possessed me to ask him that.
“Would that be the worst thing?”
The label sits uncomfortably on my chest. How am I supposed to look at him as just a friend when I can’t forget what it felt like to love him?
