Page 69 of The Book Club Boyfriend
“You didn’t have to.”
There’s a beat of silence. Then—quietly—she says, “Okay. I had fun.”
I close my eyes. Let it sink in.
“I’m glad I went,” she adds, almost begrudgingly. “I still think you’re cocky as hell, but… it was kind of great seeing you do what you’re meant to do.”
That one hits me harder than I expect.
“Home?” she asks, somehow knowing.
“Yeah.”
“Okay, well…” She trails off. “Don’t sprain anything watching game replays tonight.”
I huff a laugh. “Try not to yell yourself hoarse watching film breakdowns of my penalty kill.”
She clicks her tongue. “No promises.”
I don’t want to hang up.
But I also don’t want to tug too hard at whatever fragile thing is building between us.
“Night, Scarlett.”
Pause. “Night, Chase.”
I set my phone down and stare at the ceiling.
She’s still a pain in the ass. Still sarcastic, sharp, and way too sure of herself.
But somehow, that’s become one of my favorite thingsabout her.
I turn over and place one hand on Rip’s back as he lets out a sleepy sigh.
“I’m screwed, huh?” I mutter.
Rip doesn’t answer—just shifts a little closer.
I close my eyes and let the silence take over.
And for the first time in a while, falling asleep doesn’t feel so hard.
Chapter Twenty-One
Queso Makes Everything Better
Scarlett
My morning starts with an unexpected text.
Lucy Wilder has invited me out.
I thought it over and replied with a snarky text.
Me:Fine, but if you try to braid my hair or talk about babies, I’m ghosting you.
She laughed and told me we’d get along just fine.
