“Already told you. Today’s not the party. It’s the partyprep.”
“Same difference. You can still pull a U-turn and take me home. Cian can watch me. You could even put Brady on the fire escape again.”
“Bad news for you—they’re doing party prep too.”
“Then I’ll stay aloneat the studio. Promise I won’t sneak out.”
“You promised that last time too.”
“I told you. I didn’t sneak out. I went for a walk around the block. It’s not my fault you came back early.”
I snort, my eyes on the road. “So what you’re saying is, you would’ve gotten away with it if I hadn’t caught you.”
“That’s exactly what I’m saying.”
“Not helping your case.”
She huffs and crosses her arms, slumping against the seat like a sulking teenager. It’s almost cute, if I’m being honest. Not that I’d ever tell her that.
“I just don’t understand whyIhave to come,” she mutters. “It’s not like I know the Callahans.”
“You’ll get to know them.”
“First you keep me locked up in the studio like some kind of prisoner, and now you’re dragging me to a party. Make up your mind, Killer.”
I’m tempted to grin, barely resisting. “You complained when you were cooped up. Now you want to go back to being cooped up? Sounds like you’re the one who needs to make up your mind, my obnoxious little stray.”
“That’s because I thought you’d take me on exciting mob adventures. You know, shootouts. Car chases. Secret meetings in dark alleys. Not parties and social events. If I’d known socializing was involved, I would’ve never complained about staying home.”
A laugh rumbles out of me before I can stop it. The grin was one thing, but I can only act stoic for so long where Jhene is concerned.
Over the past few days, we still haven’t addressed the lines we’ve crossed.
But we’ve also reached a new place in our relationship. Some sort of middle ground where we’re more playful andlighthearted with each other. Almost like a form of flirtation.
We’re both well aware of what happened. We’re just not… ready to address it head on.
So we settle for the banter. The quips and back-and-forths.
Fine by me. Anything that helps keep me from giving in to those soft lips all over again.
“I’m not a fan of parties either,” I admit, flexing my fingers on the steering wheel. “But sometimes they’re necessary. Ronan and Simone’ll be back from their honeymoon. Chantal’s throwing them a welcome home thing. It would look bad if I didn’t show.”
“Cool. But that brings us back to my original point.Ihave to be there because...?”
“’Cuz I’ve got nowhere to stash you. Also my original point.” I glance over at her as we turn onto the last street leading to Callahan House. “Don’t fret, my little stray. It won’t be so bad. There’ll be free food.”
She considers the offering for a moment, then releases a dramatic sigh so fake it borders on theatrical.
“Fine. But there better be a nook where I can hide.”
“Callahan House has plenty of those... or large potted plants. You’re small enough.”
She scowls at me as we pull up outside the large red brick home. We head inside to find Lochlan and Chantal waiting for us in the foyer.
The funny thing is, they’re total opposites. Lochlan’s got his hands in his pockets, posture relaxed as if he could take or leave the party prep. Then there’s Chantal who’s vibrating with excitement and releases a happy squeal when she sees us.
“There you are!” she exclaims. “We were waiting on you before getting started. Everybody else is already here.”
