Page 74 of You Fall First

Me

Secret’s safe with me.

Unknown

So you’ll come? I told the women you might have plans. Jo seemed to think you did not.

Me

She’s right. I’m either all work or all Dutton these days.

Unknown

We can help with that. My future in-laws are pretty much all play. All the time. Fun bunch. That talks a lot. Seriously. Be a voice of sanity in the chaos with me.

Me

I can’t promise that. But I’d like to try. Not sure if Dutton’s got anything to wear but a costume from Toy Story.

Unknown

He’ll fit right in. You, on the other hand …

Me

I’ll ditch the scrubs.

Unknown

Nice. See you tomorrow. 6:00. Landry and Jo will be happy to hear you’re coming.

Me

They don’t get told no very often, do they?

Unknown

The Michaels women? Nah. They usually get what they want, which worked out in my favor with Landry. As for Jo, she never knows what she wants. Changes on a dime. Whoever she ends up with will have his hands full.

Me

I’ll bet.

I hit send and squeeze my eyes shut in a failed attempt to block the last part of Brock’s text. I hardly needed his reminder that Jo’s a wildcard. Everything’s temporary when it comes to her. Jobs and relationships.

Even if I wanted to, I shouldn’t be wishing for something more or hoping to be the something she wants. I can’t be the man for her. And that isn’t just because of Dutton and Paige.

It’s also for me.

Still. I hate the idea of Jo ending up with anyone else. And I hate that I hate the idea even more.

I should be putting more distance between us right now. Instead, I’ve welcomed her into my home. And if Dutton continually begs her to stay, Jo could end up sleeping over until Paige gets here.

Brushing her teeth in my sink. Sleeping on a mattress I bought. Wandering around with her messy bed head and her big drowsy eyes.

The woman is creeping into all the spaces I’ve intentionally kept to myself.

Including my heart.