Page 49 of Make Her Mine

“Will they or won’t they claw each other’s eyes out,” Graham corrects.

“Nah, it’s more will they or won’t they tear each other’s clothes off,” Ginny says.

“Shouldn’t that be a little disturbing to you?” Elliot, one of Kaelyn’s brothers, asks.

Ginny hums thoughtfully. “You’d think so. But I’m used to it. This is how they’ve always acted.”

I look at her with surprise. “You’ve always thought that Harlow and I have chemistry?”

She shrugs. “I don’t think I would have labeled it that, but now that I think about it, yes. I mean, you’ve always been the same. And now that people have pointed it out, that does seem to be what it is. I wonder if some of the irritation she feels about you is irritation that she can’t act on the chemistry because she doesn’t like you.”

I frown. “You do think she dislikes me? For real?”

“I think you can have chemistry with someone who you dislike because of their actions. I mean it’s not like you kill puppies or steal from children’s cancer charities or something. You just see the world a little differently. You have a lot of people in common, and what you think is best for them is different.”

“And you don’t think we can get past that.”

Ginny laughs. “Of course you can.”

“Yeah?” I note the way that makes my heart rate speed up. But I shouldn’t.

“Yeah. You both need to mind your own business. Our lives—” She motions between her and Graham. “Aren’t really either of your concern.”

I prop my forearm on the table and lean in to pin my sister with a look. “You are our concern. We both love you. We want you to be happy. Safe. Loved. Just because she does that differently than I do doesn’t mean I disagree with her doing it at all.”

Ginny shakes her head. “Yes. And that’s all lovely. It’s a fantastic thing for the two of you to have in common. But the fact that you’re both constantly trying to tell us how to make those things happen, is the problem. You don’t see eye to eye on that. So what? Neither of you should be so concerned with our lives anyway. You both need to work on your own.”

I frown. “Harlow and I have great lives. We’re both very well adjusted and happy.”

“Then why do you both fight with such an awesome person who could be a really good friend? And maybe even more?”

I look around the table for some support. Turns out everyone has been listening. And no one is jumping to my defense.

I glance over in the direction where my girlfriend—fake girlfriend, dammit—is waiting for her drink to be mixed. I know she didn’t get a simple beer or glass of wine. It’s not something fruity and blended. It’s probably a Jack and Coke, light on the Coke.

Dammit. I even know how to mix the perfect cocktail for her.

And, sure enough, Zach Nelson is right next to her.

“Excuse me. I’m needed at the bar.”

Everyone at the table smirks.

Hey, Harlow and I might not see eye to eye on everything, but being mean to Zach Nelson is something we do agree on.

As I’m standing, our waitress arrives with four platters of appetizers. One in particular catches my attention. Grinning, I load a little plate with bacon and brie brussels sprouts.

A chance to wound Zach and ruffle Harlow at the same time? How can I pass up that temptation?

CHAPTER 11

HARLOW

“Damn, you look gorgeous,” Zach says, as he comes up next to me at the bar.

The bartender just pushed my Jack and Coke across the bar to me. I take it, lift my glass for a sip, then turn and look at my ex.

“Thanks.”

---