“So the fake dating is over,” Riya says, reading my expression perfectly.
“So over,” I agree, feeling light and terrified and wonderful.
“Good. Because I can’t wait for us to share sex stories. I have some crazy ones.”
“I’m moving out. Today. Immediately.”
“You’re never moving out. Who else would enable your questionable decisions with such enthusiasm?” She pulls me into a hug. “I’m proud of you, you know. For going after what you wanted.”
“Even if what I want is an ex-jock, which I swore I would never want?”
“Especially then. The best things come from the worst plans.”
I hug her back, feeling settled in a way I haven’t in years. “Thanks, Ry.”
“Anytime. Now go shower. You smell like a boy.” She wrinkles her nose.
I head to the bathroom, catching my reflection in the mirror. She’s right—I look thoroughly wrecked. Hickeys blooming across my throat, lips swollen, hair a disaster. But underneath all that, I look... happy.
Actually happy.
My phone buzzes again.
For the record, last night was... Incredible Pip.
Can’t wait to see you.
I press the phone to my chest like a teenager, grinning at my wrecked reflection.
23
ETHAN
I’m standing outside Piper’s apartment building at 11:58, Greg in one hand, trying not to look like a guy who’s been here for ten minutes already.
“Play it cool,” I tell myself. “We’re casual. Breezy. Definitely not overthinking everything.”
The door opens and Piper appears, and my brain short-circuits. She’s in jeans and a burgundy UMS sweatshirt, her hair still damp from the shower, and she’s wearing her backup glasses—thick black frames that make her look like a sexy librarian.
“Hi,” she says, and there’s this moment where we just stare at each other, the weight of last night hanging between us.
“Hi,” I manage. “You look?—”
“Like I own multiple pairs of glasses?”
“I was going to say beautiful, but sure, that too.” I hold out her regular pair. “Greg kept them warm for you.”
She takes them, our fingers brushing, and we both freeze at the contact. Jesus, are we reallythis awkward now?
“So,” she says.
“So,” I agree.
We stand there like idiots until a car alarm sounds in the distance.
“Right!” I clear my throat. “Lunch. Food. Sustenance. Should we...”
“Yes. God, yes. Before this gets weirder.”
