Page 30 of Breathless

But how do I start that kind of conversation?Sorry, Joey, I’ve been lying to you.For how long?Years.

Yeah, that’ll go overwell.

Even if she understands why I’ve done what I’ve done, I know this will hurther.

My cell buzzes in my back pocket, and I roll myeyes.

I’m sure the last thing I should be doing is getting serious with Jo when I have Sam’s bullshit to deal with, but every day we get closer to my brother’s wedding reminds me that I don’t have much time left with Bitsy. She could up and leave and go back toFlorida.

Without her here… I sigh. The only thing I’d have are my old habits, and I’m not sure I can do thatanymore.

None of my baggage is worth losing Joey. I just need to find a way to tell her. Toexplain.

“We’re never leaving,” I grumble quietly, venting about the only thing I can at themoment.

Somehow, a family affair has become family plus friends after Patrick overheard the itinerary for the week and invited himself. Tori’s too nice and told him ‘the more the merrier!’ Which meant Patrick took it upon himself to tell some of our buddies, who loved having an excuse to head to Port Aransas and rented the condo next toours.

I scratch our overgrown squirrel, who’s snuggled in Joey’s arms. “Rambo, what do you say we blow this popsicle stand and head home for a nap while these clowns figure out the world’s biggest game ofTetris?”

Joey holds the puppy in front of her face and talks in a baby voice. “Play nice with the otherkids.”

When she lowers Rambo and looks up at me with those big gray eyes and that beautiful smile, the urge to kiss her is so strong, it nearly topples meover.

I’m in over my head with her. How much longer can I fightthis?

I lick my lips, mesmerized by the shape of her mouth, but a peal of laughter interrupts ourmoment.

“Oh, my gawd. That dog issooooocute!”

It takes me a second to put a name to that annoyingvoice.

No.

Please tell me hedidn’t.

Only one woman in this town laughs like that, and when her head pops up into my field of vision, I want to strangle Patrick for invitingher.

ReneeCaruso.

Yup, a chick I hooked up with in high school. The one Joey knows about and mentioned the other day when we wentshopping.

Renee seemed like a cool girl when we were growing up, but after attending a fancy college out East, she came back with the world’s most annoyinglaugh.

And she’s headed straight forus.

Fucccck.

I glance at Joey, who’s now staring at her feet even though I’m willing her to look atme.

It’s okay. I’ll talk to her on the drive down to the coast and make sure she knows Renee is Patrick’s doing. I have Jo’s favorite songs on my phone that I can blast through the speakers in my truck, because I want our first real road trip to be special, and I won’t let anyone ruinit.

Renee’s shrill voice makes me grit my teeth. “Why, Logan Carter, you’re better looking every time I seeyou.”

As I hold back a groan, my eyes dart around for Patrick. He invited her, so he should be her welcomingcommittee.

When I can’t find him, I force myself to talk. “Hey, Renee. It’s nice to see you.” I might not be excited she’s coming, but my mother raised me to not be a dick, though it’s hard some days. No punintended.

Joey takes a step back to make room for Renee, who throws her arms around my neck.Okay. Guess we’re doinghugs.

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