Page 63 of Guarded Love

I shake my head, unable to suppress a small smile. "Your call. But breakfast ends at nine, and today's itinerary starts right after."

"What's on the schedule again?" His voice is muffled by the pillow he's now hugging.

"We’re doing some volunteer stuff in the morning. Free time in the afternoon, I think." I know exactly what we’re doing, but for some reason adding ‘I think’ to the end of my sentence makes it sound better, at least to me.

"Wake me at eight." Tyler pulls the sheet over his head.

I'm about to respond when my phone vibrates in my hand. I pick it up and see a text notification from Knox.

Knox: How's paradise?

I stare at the notification for a moment, unsure how to respond. How's paradise? If only he knew what I was dealing with.

Me: It's fine. Just got back from a run. How's Vermont?

I set my phone down and glance at Tyler, who's already snoring again. I should just leave him be for now. There's still plenty of time before breakfast, and I'd rather not sit alone in the room with my thoughts.

My phone buzzes again.

Knox: Cold as balls, but Selene's family is cool. Her dad keeps trying to teach me ice fishing.

I smile at the image of Knox standing on a frozen lake, looking completely out of his element.

Me: Sounds rough. At least you're not stuck running in the heat.

Knox: Yeah that’s the last thing I would be doing if I were there. How's Wills doing?

My heart rate spikes. Of course he'd ask about that. I hesitate, fingers hovering over the keyboard. What am I supposed to say? That I can't stop staring at her? That she looked incredible in that white dress last night? That I'm slowly losing my mind?

Me: Fine. We got dinner with everyone last night. Today is the first real day and?—

I delete the message and try again, carefully choosing my words.

Me: She seems good. Haven't talked to her much.

I set my phone down on the bed and run a hand through my hair. It's not a complete lie. We haven't talked much, but not for lack of me thinking about it. About her.

The phone buzzes again.

Knox: Cool. Just keep an eye out.

Me: Will do. No worries.

I'm about to set my phone down again when another text comes through.

Knox: Tell her to text mom. She's freaking out because Wills only sent one message since landing.

I laugh under my breath.

Me: I'll pass that along if I see her at breakfast.

Knox: Thanks man. Gotta go. Talk later.

I toss my phone back onto the bed and exhale slowly. The thought of having to approach Willow with a message from Knox makes my stomach twist. She'll think I'm watching her to report back to her brother.

Which is exactly what I’m doing. Fucking great.

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