I manage to pull off a small smile, trying my best to play it cool, but my pulse? Yeah, that’s still racing like it’s trying to escape my body. “Lucy was just…prying a little.”
Callan’s eyes meet mine, and there’s a hint of concern in them.
“How are you doing?” he asks.
I shrug. “I’m good. Just helping Lucy with dessert.”
He nods, but I can tell he’s not entirely convinced. He glances at Lucy, who’s busying herself with the measuring cups, and then back at me. “Can we talk for a sec?”
My heart skips a beat, but I nod, following him to the door. Just before I step onto the porch, I catch a glimpse of Juliette, her brow furrowed as she gives me a puzzled look, clearly sensing something is off. I force another smile, hoping she doesn’t ask too many questions.
The cool evening air is a welcome relief, and I take a deep breath.
“So, what’s up?” I ask, leaning against the railing.
He runs a hand through his hair, looking out at the yard for a moment before turning to face me. “I just wanted to check in, make sure you’re all right after last night. I know it was a lot.”
I nod, a little too quickly. “Yeah, it was.” I pause, trying to find the right words. “I’m okay, though. Really.”
“Are you sure? Because if you need anything, I’m here. You know that, right?”
I can’t help but smile at that. It’s a genuine one this time, because I do know. And it means more than I can say. “I know. Thank you.”
He nods, satisfied for now. “All right. Just…don’t forget it.”
“I won’t. Pinky promise.”
His presence is more comforting than nerve-wracking now, but I’m still wrestling with the thought of Lucy possibly knowing something’s up. It’s not that I don’t trust her, it’s just…this thing with Dillon is still so fresh. I’m not ready to talk about it yet, not even with someone as sweet and understanding as Lucy.
“We should probably head back inside,” I say, nodding toward the door. “Before they start wondering what we’re up to out here.”
He chuckles, giving me that mischievous look I’ve come to expect from him. “Aye, you’re probably right. Don’t want to give them any ideas.”
I roll my eyes. “Please. As if.”
We head back inside, and I slide back into my spot next to Lucy, who’s now stirring something in a large bowl. She looks over at me with a knowing smile but doesn’t say anything.
Juliette glances up from where she’s sitting with Knox in the living room, a little crease forming between her brows. I catch her eye and offer the smallest smile and a subtle shake of my head that says,I’m okay. Nothing’s wrong.She holds my gaze for a beat longer, then nods.
Callan slides into the bar stool across from me, that playful glint still dancing in his eyes.
“So,” he says, grabbing a spoon from the counter, “what culinary masterpiece will this be?”
“Chocolate cake,” I say. “And knowing Lucy, it’ll be the best thing you’ve ever tasted.”
“Bold claim. Might need a sample first. For, you know, quality control.”
I raise a brow. “You just want the batter.”
“I’m offended by the accusation,” he says, already reaching. “But also…yes. Obviously.”
Lucy slaps his hand away with a wooden spoon. “Back off. You can have a piece after it bakes.”
“You wound me, Lou. Denying a man in his time of need.”
“You had your time of need outside,” she says with a wink, then glances at me. “He good?”
I nod, biting back a smile. “He’s fine. Just a little dramatic.”
