Page 76 of Phoenix

“Scout’s honor.”

“It’s Case.”

She jumps up from the bed and shrieks, hopping up and down and clapping.

“Oh my God, I knew it!”

“There’s a ringing in my ear, Amelia. I thought only dogs could hear pitches that high.”

“Stop whining and spill!” She pulls me to sit on the bed next to her.

“There isn’t much to spill. We just get along. That’s all. You know this. He’s fun,” I say.

“Does fun mean you’re...?” She widens her eyes and lets the rest of the question remain unasked.

“I’m not answering that,” I say, as I stand.

“That means YES! Oh my God! You had sex with Case!” she says, way too loudly.

“Shhhhhh. Seriously. Don’t say anything to Gray, okay? I didn’t even want to tell you because this is just fun between us. Nothing serious. I don’t want anyone making a big deal out of it.” I turn toward the mirror to apply my signature red lipstick.

“I won’t say anything. I’m just glad you’re having fun, but, Nora, be careful, okay? Case is a good guy and I love you both. I don’t want anyone to get hurt.”

“I leave next week. It’s not a big deal.”

“If you say so.”

Case

“You look beautiful,” I tell her again, as we enter the restaurant in the heart of the Historic District.

“Thank you again,” she says, before giving me the smile that knocks the wind out of me every time.

I wanted to take her out tonight, mostly because I want to show her off, but I want to show her that even though she wants this purely physical, I want to be her friend too.

Every waking moment of my time off of work has been spent with her in some capacity, and I’m not complaining a single bit.

“I hope you’re hungry. This place has the best steak in the state,” I tell her, pulling out her chair.

“That’s a tall order, I’m sure,” she adds, sinking to sit.

“One they meet in spades.” I sit in the chair across from her and take a breath.

“Are you okay?” she asks, tucking a piece of her blonde hair behind her ear. She left it down today and styled it into loose curls I want to slide my fingers through.

“Never better.”

“What made you want to go out tonight?” she asks, as she looks over the menu.

“You’re only here for another week. I’m being greedy about my time with you. I wanted more, so I asked.” It’s as honest as I can get.

She smiles and I can’t tell if it’s a smile that means she agrees, or a smile because she doesn’t know what to say.

“Officer Carmichael,” I hear a voice purr from our left.

I turn to find a tall brunette in black pants and a white top. A server—our server—apparently. She’s not just any brunette: she’s a friend. A former friend with extra benefits. Fucking great.

“Kennedy. It’s been awhile.” Thank God.

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