Page 56 of Clumsy in Love

Her eyes widened. “What?”

“I mean, we’ve become friends, right? I’ve got an extra bedroom.”

“Yeah, I guess we have. You were a real pain in the butt for a while, but I’ve gotten kind of used to you.”Holly, shut up. And seriously, stop drinking! “Sorry, must be the wine talking.”

He laughed, but his train of thought seemed to follow hers. “I meant to apologize for kissing you last night. That guy really got under my skin. I hope it doesn’t create more drama for you. At work or otherwise.”

“It’s okay.” She sighed. “Just one more person who has me on their shit list.”

“I thought everyone in town was thick as thieves. Is this about your dad?”

She shot him a sideway glance and paused before nodding. “His victims were mostly from out of town, but yes, there were a few from here. Everyone got their money back, but it wasnotgood for GVF morale. It basically split the town in half. Those who see me as guilty by association, and those who have the sense to realize I had nothing to do with anything.”

“You say you don’t care what anyone thinks, but this bothers you.” The way he said it, so matter-of-factly, hit irritatingly close to home. Where did he get off thinking he knew her so well? Also,howdid he know her so well?

“Not gonna lie. It stings a bit sometimes.”

“That’s understandable. Growing up here and being such a part of the community and all. What does your dad say?”

Holly shrugged. “Haven’t asked.”

“He’s been in for two years. You haven’t been to see him?”

Normally, the question would irritate her, but there was no condemnation in his tone. He was simply asking.

“Not yet.” She gulped the last of her wine and set the glass on the coffee table, buying time. “I’m still getting over the sense of betrayal. Plus, I don’t know what I’d say.”

“Everyone makes mistakes. Lambert—my old partner—used to say, ‘Don’t judge people for the choices they make until you know the options they had to choose from.’”

“Yeah. I guess.”

“So, who was going to walk you down the aisle?”

“Coach Reed. Maddie and Juliet’s dad. He coached the six of us most of our lives—on and off the court—and is basically my second dad.”

“So, you and your friends have been a team for over twenty years?”

“Yep. After high school, we kind of split for a while to do our own things. I took a gap year and then went to the University of New Hampshire in Durham. Maddie ran off to Hollywood. Alex and Tess went away to school too. But no matter where we were, we’ve always stayed close.”

“They’re your family.”

“Now more than ever.”

They locked eyes. Was she tipsy, or was he giving her the look? Oh yeah, that was the look all right. Like two magnets, they threw themselves at each other, tongues first. He wrapped her in his arms and kissed her like the roof was about to fall in. She wasequally desperate. Her arms snaked around his neck and held him close. Just as things were getting good, they heard a rustling noise outside and froze.

Cole jumped off the couch and grabbed his gun, putting himself between Holly and the door.

“Wait,” Holly said, standing. “It’s probably just some critter.” She walked to the window, Cole close on her heels. Pushing aside the dusty gingham curtains, they came face to face with a huge black bear. It stood on its hind legs as if preparing to knock. Surprised, and separated only by a thin layer of glass, they screamed and retreated, the curtain falling back into place.

“Can he get through the door?” Cole asked.

“If he wants to, yes.” Holly looked around. “We’ve been so careful with the food. I wonder what brought him here?”

“Probably smells the smorgasbord of jelly donut and salsa you’ve spilled on your shirt today.”

“Ha. Ha.”

“Should we give him our last bit of food?”

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