Page 156 of His Reckless Freshman

I wish I could say more to help her, but she doesn’t need a lecture from me. Reaching for her hand, I give it a squeeze. “You’ll know when the time is right.”

I smile, and she smiles right back at me.

“Thanks, Jolie. Thanks for this.”

My expression crumples. “I’m sorry it took me so long.”

She shrugs. “I’m kind of glad you’re really good at keeping secrets. At least I know mine is safe with you until I’m ready.”

“Oh, it definitely is.”

We smile at each other again, and I’m about to ask if she wants to go out for dinner or something when there’s a knock at my door.

“JoJo?”

I roll my eyes. Caroline. She’s graduated from mother hen to territorial mother bear, and I’ve been trying to accommodate that as much as I can, but we’re gonna need to have words.

Standing up, I brace myself and walk to the door, swinging it open and smiling brightly at my cousin. “I’m fine. You don’t have to check on me every two seconds.”

She groans. “With your parents breathing down my neck the way they are, I most definitely do!” She bulges her eyes and steps into the room, taking off her beanie and scarf before flashing a smile at Nylah.

“Can’t you just tell them you’ve checked on me when you actually haven’t? Seriously, I’m fine.”

“You’re not waking up with nightmares or anything?” She looks me over and I curl my toes, looking at the floor for a second.

“Only a couple of times, and Ben was right there to take care of me. Plus, he’s made me book an appointment with a counselor, which I’m doing tomorrow, and he’s checking in constantly—he’s worse than you.” But I kind of have to smile at that, because I love it.

She tips her head with a droll look. “You are so loved-up right now.”

“Yes, I am.” My smiles grows to full beam.

Caroline lets out a sigh, and I frown, lightly nudging her arm with my finger. “I thought you were okay with this. Ben’s a great guy.”

“He is.” She nods. “He really is. And I am okay with it. I’m just… adjusting.” Her look goes all gooey as she brushes her hand down my arm. “You’re my little cousin and I love you, and I want you to be happy.”

“I am. I’m very happy.”

She relents with a soft snort and starts fidgeting with her beanie, softly admitting, “But you don’t need me anymore.”

I blink. Seriously? That’s what she’s worried about?

“Oh my gosh.” I laugh, pulling her into a hug and giving her a decent squeeze. “Caroline! I do need you. To be my friend. My cousin. I don’t need you to be my mother hen.”

She sniffs and hugs me back. “I just love you so much, Joey.”

“I love you too, Cinnamon.”

Nylah laughs. “You guys are adorable, and now I’m having major hug FOMO.”

“Get in here, then.” Caroline waves her over, and she jumps into the hug.

And we laugh it out before pulling apart and discussing whether it’s too cold to go for ice cream.

“I’m gunning for a hot chocolate with lots of cream and cinnamon.”

“Sign me up.” Nylah turns to grab her stuff, and I put my jacket and boots back on.

This is good.