Page 8 of A Tangled Web

“Let’s drop it for now, okay? Okay,” he repeated firmly before she could respond, clapping his hands together to change the subject. “Now that we’ve got that out of the way, we can really celebrate. I hope the new you still likes sangria. I’ve made a few gallons for our battle of the sexes.”

Dani pressed a hand to her forehead. “That’s tonight?”

How had she forgotten? They’d both accidentally invited people over on the same night, but decided not to change their plans. Much. Her friend Kaya and his buddy Jace weren’t exactly on speaking terms, but Dani would keep her girls’ night poolside, and Liam would have his poker party in the den. The kitchen would be neutral ground, with both sides agreeing to play nice.

“Should we cancel?” She could always convince Kaya and Bailey to meet somewhere else if he was feeling awkward about their kiss.

“Hell no, we’re not canceling.” Liam turned away from her and reached under the cabinet for a sheet pan. “I promised to make my famous ribs, and you promised to be my assistant. The ladies love my sangria and no one steps between Jace and his card game. That man takes his gambling seriously. I think he was a grifter before he learned to sauté.”

They fell into their normal rhythm, ignoring what happened this morning, as well as what her news meant for their living situation.

Was it wrong that she was okay with that?

Maybe they both needed to pretend for one last evening that nothing had changed between them. Tomorrow there would be no more hiding, but for tonight, they could be best friends again, celebrating what they’d managed to accomplish together. A new life. A second chance.

As long as she didn’t cross any more lines, everything would be fine. She might be losing him as a roommate, but she couldn’t imagine losing his friendship. Not for something as fleeting as sex, no matter how explosive she now knew it could be between them.

Some things were too important to risk.

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