Page 19 of The Book Club Boyfriend
The woman on the towel hops up, sunglasses pushed to the top of her head. “That wassoslow. I’m dying of thirst.”
Scarlett shoves the tray at her. “You’re dramatic.”
Her friend lifts one of the glasses, clinking the ice cubes. “And you’re grumpy, but I still love you.”
They exchange a look before both taking a sip, and yeah, okay—I’m intrigued.
Evie’s smirk deepens as she watches them. “You should introduce me.”
I sigh and shake my head, but before I can say anything, Rip comes barreling out of the water, shaking spray everywhere.
“Ugh, buddy,really?” Evie says, giving him a glare.
Rip ignores Evie and trots over to greet his new favorite person.
“Oh my gosh,” Scarlett’s friend gasps, immediately crouching down and scratching behind Rip’s ears like they’ve known each other for years. “This is the most beautiful dog I’ve ever seen.”
Rip, the traitorous bastard, eats it up, shoving his entire weight against her and closing his eyes in bliss.
“I’mHarper,” she says, still scratching Rip. “And who are you, handsome boy?”
“That’s Rip,” I reply, wandering over. I nod toward Scarlett and her companion. “He has excellent taste.”
“Doubtful,” she mutters, but I catch the way her lips twitch as she fights a smile.
Harper straightens, still rubbing Rip’s ears. “I’m Harper.”
“Chase,” I say, nodding toward Scarlett. “You must be the one she’s been venting to about me.”
Harper grins. “Oh,nonstop.”
Scarlett hisses, “Harper!”
“What?” She shrugs. “I’m just making conversation.”
I smirk.
Scarlett rolls her eyes. “Believe it or not,Remington, my life doesn’t revolve around you.”
“But apparently, it does include regular discussions about me,” I tease.
Evie strolls over to where I’m standing.
Harper fake-whispers to Evie, “This is the best thing I’ve ever seen.”
Evie hums in agreement. “I’m fully invested.”
Scarlett glares at both of them.
I toss the ball for Rip again and turn to mysister. “Anyway, this is Evie, my twin sister.”
“Scarlett’s best friend,” Harper says with a knowing look. “Chase’s twin sister. Yeah, I feel like we’re gonna get along just fine.”
Evie grins. “I already like you.”
Scarlett takes a long sip of her drink, then levels her gaze at me. “Sothat’swhy you’re so annoying. You were born with double the amount of cockiness a normal person should have.”
Evie laughs. “Oh, Ireallylike her.”
