Page 72 of His North Star
“Make yourself at home.”
I walked swiftly to the lodge, entering through the side door that led closest to the kitchen. Swinging the door closed behind me, I mumbledoomppfwhen I ran into a blockade.
Dad stood smiling, with his arms folded against his chest.
“Hey, sweet pea.” He laughed.
“What are you doing?”
“Mom asked me to talk to you.”
“Okay,” I said slowly. “What about?”
His eyes were soft, a slight smile on his lips. “She wants to know how serious you and James are. She said her first impression of him was good.”
I chewed on my lip, unsure of my feelings towards James. Ty stole more and more of my thoughts lately, and it was a lot of work to find time with James. “Tell her I’ll come talk to her tomorrow.”
“I will.” He nodded. He stuffed his hands in his pockets. “We’re happy for you. We really are. It’s just, neither one of us wants to see you get your heart broken again.”
Same. “I appreciate you looking out for me.”
“I know Mom encouraged you to date again, but she didn’t necessarily mean for you to get into a serious relationship this fast.”
I sighed. “I’m taking things slow this time.”
“Good.” He gave me a quick hug before heading up the stairs to their place.
Instead of unboxing everything, I left the cart with all the supplies in the corner of the kitchen. I’d put it away tomorrow after I served breakfast. With my hand gripping my apartment doorknob, I exhaled a steadying breath. When I walked in, James sat on my couch with one ankle resting on the opposite knee. His thumbs glided across his phone.
“Playing a game?” I asked, sitting on the cushion next to him.
“Sending a text, actually.”
I nodded, waiting for him to finish. He placed his phone on the arm of the couch, then twisted to face me.
He raised his brows. “You weren’t lying when you said you can’t sing. And it turns out I’m not much better.”
I grimaced. “I warned you.”
He knocked his knuckles against my thigh. “Yeah, but I thought you were doing that thing where you downplay your skills out of humility.”
“Trust me, I wish that were the case.”
“I’m glad I was here for thmores and more.”
“Stop.” I laughed, smacking his arm. “I was nervous about singing with you.”
“I’m sorry for teasing you.”
I shrugged. “You’re not saying anything that I didn’t already know about myself.”
“In that case.” He grinned.
I glared at him.
He held his hand out. “Kidding.”
“What do you feel like doing? I didn’t plan anything.” I’d been way too tired to think lately.
