Page 25 of Text Me Baby One More Time

The words die on my lips.

That’smostcouples, but not Allie and AJ.

They’re not most couples. They’ve been waiting for this for years now.

“Please tell me Allie isn’t going to spring some crazy, impossible date on me.”

“Fine. Allie most definitely is not going to spring some crazy, impossible date on you.”

“That isnotreassuring, Shepard.”

He lifts a shoulder. “You told me to say it.”

“I will toss this very hot coffee right in your face. Don’t push me.”

“You’d never hurt this handsome face of mine.”

I lift a brow.

“Fine, maybe you would,” he mutters. “Anyway, they’re wanting an October wedding—their promise ring exchange anniversary, to be exact.”

“October? But it’s already September. That’s…”

“Next month,” he confirms.

“How do you already know all this?” I question.

“AJ has had this planned for months, Den. I knew it was happening.”

“You couldn’t have warned me about this last night?”

“And ruin the surprise? The romance in it?” He shakes his head. “Never.”

I cock my head and meet him with curious eyes. “You believe in romance now?”

His jaw tightens for only a moment, but I see it before he pastes on a fake smile and says, “Me? Romance? Never. I told you, I’ll never settle down.”

It feels like a lifetime ago when Shep told me differently, and the elation I felt when he said so runs through my veins—only to be replaced by the ice put there by his betrayal.

My favorite mug nearly slips through my fingers as my brain strolls down memory lane.

I tighten my grip as it begins to slip and give myself a shake, pulling my mind back to reality.

I jolt away when I realize Shep’s standing right next to me. I’m even more surprised to see he’s pouring himself a cup of coffee.

“Oh, sure, help yourself.”

“I will, since you’re a terrible host and all.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t practice my manners on myuninvitedguest. My bad.”

“Damn right it is.” He winks over the rim of the cup before taking a sip and resting his back against the counter, standing way too close to me for comfort.

Heat is radiating off him, and it feels so good licking at my skin. If I were brave, I’d step closer until I was pressed against him, until I could feel his skin on mine.

But I’m not brave, and I’m not stupid enough to let myself get sucked into Shep’s web again.

Instead, being the smart girl I am, I set my mug on the counter and move away, distracting myself with getting the mix prepared for the pancakes I’m about to devour with Monty.

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