My cheeks grew hotter, but I laughed. Kelsey gave me one last smile before walking away. I watched her go before my eyes slipped to Theo.
He still looked incredible, but I was used to watching from afar. If he didn’t want to get close to me, I could respect that.
But I could still look.
And maybe write a different ending for us.
For the first time in way too long, a light bulb went off in my head. I had an idea. For an actual book.
“Yes,” I whispered. “Finally.”
I looked back at the empty document with fresh eyes. Words finally flowed for the first time in far too long. Time meant nothing as I took the focus I got and ran with it.
At least something good had come of today.
4
THEO
Strawberry Springs Neighborhood Watch
Jackie Anne: @Dean BriggsMy air is acting up again. Can you come look at it for me?
Comments:
Dean Briggs:Did it break for real or do you just want to see me?
Grace Day:She definitely wants to see you again.
Dean Briggs:Shouldn’t you be jealous?
Jackie Anne:It’s really broken! I swear! But you should wear the cowboy hat.
Grace Day:HA! Told you. And it’s fine. I’m not jealous. Jackie is harmless, even though she’s had a crush on you since you came into town.
Jackie Anne:That’s right! I’m a harmless little window-shopper. And my apartment is hot. Pleasehelp!
I wasn’t supposedto look twice at Piper, and at first, I managed it.
Then Kelsey went over to her table and I broke for a moment.
And Piper’s nerves were written all over her face.
My teeth immediately gritted. Not looking at her while she ordered helped, and I thought I was in the clear.
Knowing she was nervous, I wanted to help. Now I had to fight every urge to go talk to her.
I’d seen nearly everyone in this town deal with something. And they always figured it out on their own. I never had the urge to help like I did with Piper, but there was something about her that felt so familiar.
That was impossible, and I was pretty sure I was being led by my dick.
Kelsey made it back to the counter and I could see the way she glanced at me before starting on her own work. They were definitely talking about me.
Keep your mouth shut.
“Is she okay?” The words came out before I could stop them.
Kelsey paused and turned to me with a raised eyebrow. “Do you care?”
