Page 3 of Tormented Billionaire Romance Series

I squeezed her arm lovingly. “Good. I just want to help and I'm glad I've already started!”

We walked through the automatic doors and I inhaled the fresh air of my hometown. A breeze greeted me as we made our way up the sidewalk to the parking garage. Jen led the way, seemingly happy that I was back. She even had a pep in her step. I glanced down at her legs.

“I've almost forgotten how short you are,” I teased. “Are you sure you've grown at all in the past five years?”

“You're such a joker.”

“I mean it! You look like you've even gotten shorter than before!”

She punched my arm again. “Don't start all that. You're in for it if you do!”

“Oh, no, I'm shaking!”

We fell into chuckles as we approached her red Honda. The car beeped as she unlocked the doors and popped the trunk, allowing me to toss my rolling bag and backpack inside. When she secured the trunk, we hopped into her car.

“Wow, you really never quit with the vanilla theme, eh?” I joked as I played with the air freshener dangling from the rear view mirror. It was in the shape of a heart. “Even your shampoo is the same.”

“It works for me. I figured I'd use it for everything.”

“And Ryan hasn't complained?”

She shook her head proudly. “In fact, he gets me the same bottle of perfume every year for the holidays.”

“Lucky you.”

“Luckyhimto have found me, right? I'm the easiest person to shop for.”

I laughed. “You're not wrong.”

“So, do you want to stop for food on the way? There's half-priced burgers at Sonic until 4.”

“I could totally go for a burger.”

“Not on any fancy European diets?”

I chuckled as she maneuvered the car out of the parking space and made her way around the garage. She drove us to the exit, paid her ticket, and then took a right toward town. I listened to the hum of the vehicle as it picked up speed.

I smiled at the passing scenery. “Some things never change.”

“More has changed than you think. The town has been buzzing with conversation.”

“Oh, what about?”

“That high school sweetheart of yours.”

I frowned as I leaned against the palm of my head, focusing my eyes on the passing trees and shrubbery rather than looking at Jen. “I don't feel like talking about that.”

“I know, but it's the hot topic right now.”

“Then, I'll pass.”

“Aren't you the one who broke it off?”

I rolled my eyes. “No, it was my traveling that did that.”

“So, in the end, it was you.”

“Technically, it was her.”

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