Page 18 of Love to Hate You

“I believe now. The way he looks at me is like right out of one of your romance novels. Swoonworthy. You’re right and I’m wrong . .. This should make you happy. You thrive on being right!”

The only thing that brought Summer more joy than watching the 1999 twist onPygmalion,She’s All That,with a bowl of pickle-flavored popcorn was being right. So why wasn’t she happy?

Autumn looked up at Summer. “Love is the real deal. And Randy is the real deal.”

Still not convinced, Summer crossed her arms. “What do you even know about him?”

“Everything I need to know.” Autumn’s brow folded in on itself and she sat up. “What is your problem?”

“His family is entitled, arrogant, selfish—”

“You forgotgorgeous.”

No, she’d left that part out on purpose.

“And how do you even know that?” said Autumn. “You met them five minutes ago.”

“They own BookLand.”

Autumn’s mouth slowly unfolded into a guppie pose as Summer watched her process the situation. She knew the moment her twin connected the dots. “That Wes isyourWes?”

“He’s not my anything except my cross to bear. He’s out to ruin my shop and you’re inviting him to our family vacation.”

“I had no idea.”

That was an even bigger problem. “How could you not feel my fury building the moment he got out of the car? You always feel my fury.” It was their twin powers at work. But apparently they’d found their kryptonite—love.

“I’ve just been so caught up with everything, I wasn’t paying attention.” Autumn took Summer’s hand and she felt some of her anger dissipate. “I’m sorry, Summs.”

She pulled Summer into a big hug and Summer felt their heartbeats align like they always did. Recognized the comforting scent of grapefruit mist and hairspray. Her body sank into the embrace as Autumn rocked her back and forth.

“He seems so nice,” Autumn whispered.

“That’s all a front, don’t be fooled. He’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”

“Have you considered that maybe, you know, you’re doing one of those fast-to-judgment things and being paranoid?”

And there went the warm fuzzies.

Summer jerked back. “Me? You’re sayingI’mthe problem?”

“So he sells romance novels? So what. You’re the one always going on and on about how romance makes up over half of the books sold in the US. What kind of a bookstore owner would he be to eliminate romance from his offerings?”

When it was put like that, Summer almost sounded like a Karen of a neighbor. Then she remembered the parking issue, having her baby almost towed, and shook her head. “Nope, he’s a sneaky, slimy bookstore owner. The store isn’t even open yet but he’s moved the romance section to the front of his store in the window facing my shop.” As if he were flipping her the bird 24-7. “So when my customers pass his window, that’s what they see. He’s going to undercut me at every turn. And since when do you take a guy’s side over me?”

“Never,” Autumn said fiercely. “I’m really sorry that I called you paranoid and that the last month has been so hard and I was overseas.” Autumn took Summer’s hand back and pulled her down next to her on the bed. “Really sorry.”

Summer let out a big sigh and rested her head on her twin’s shoulder. “That’s okay, I get it, you were working too. I’m proud of you for getting this promotion.”

“Whatever kind of jerkism Wes subscribes to, he isn’t Randy. They weren’t even raised in the same country. In fact, they’re just now starting to build a relationship. I promise you they’re nothing alike.”

Summer flopped onto her back and admitted to herself that she was a little bit envious over Autumn’s announcement. But that was so petty. She wanted love for her sister, so she needed to be supportive. “And I am so sorry about how I reacted. I was just thrown by Wes showing up.” That had to be it. Right? “It sounds like you had the perfect meet-cute and I love that you’ve found love. You’re right, it is definitelyGuide-worthy.”

Autumn rolled her head to the side to look Summer in the eyes. “I am so glad you feel that way, because I wanted to let you know...”

A prickle of suspicion poked Summer in the stomach. “What?”

“I’m rooming with Randy.”

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