“Okay,” Reese says, looking like she’s still working through details, “I guess I kind of see how that relates to feeling exposed when you’re in the spotlight.”
I really don’t want to get into this in more detail with Reese right now, in front of everyone. So, instead of letting her continue to think about it and come to conclusions that don’t have anything to do with anything, I redirect. “I’m fine having eyes on me—it’s not that.” Okay, it’s definitely part that. It just isn’t related to the kidnapping. “And I have nothing against dating. I date for fun all the time. But I don’t feel like I’m old enough for a serious relationship. I’m only twenty-four.”
“Almost twenty-five,” Reese cuts in.
“Plus,” I say in a voice I’m sure is low enough that it won’t carry, “I’m the youngest of six, and Jace is my first brother to get married. So I’ve got four brothers older than me who aren’t getting married yet. It’s not my time.”
“Whoa, girl,” Livi says. “Who’s saying anything about getting married? We’re just talking about going out with the guy.”
“Oh, I know. It’s just that we’ve established that it’s not going to end in marriage, whichmeans, eventually, there’ll be a breakup and much awkwardness. You know how things are with an ex! Now, imagine if he lived next door.” I can tell by everyone’s flinch that they get it.
“But for the record,” Mackenzie says, “I think you’re plenty old enough for a serious relationship.”
“Thanks. I think I don’t feel like I am because everybody else seems to have everything figured out, and I just… don’t. I mean, you’ve seen my life.” I gesture at our kitchen. “It’s kind of got the flooding theme going on. I’m not good at any part of it, including relationships—they all kind of crash and burn.” I pause. “Wait. That doesn’t really go with the flooding theme… They allcapsize. Like Ty! And I don’t want to date our neighbor, deep six our relationship, then have to see him daily.”
Reese shakes her head. “Ty can’t be used as evidence because you didn’t deep-six your relationship with him. That relationship flopped like a dead fish all on its own. It was obvious from the start it was going to happen because he wasn’t a good fit.”
Livi tilts her head. “Is he the guy who thought your nickname for Charlotte should be Chuck instead of Charlie?”
“That’s the one.”
“Owen, though?” Reese says. “He seems like a good fit. Plus, he’s super cute.”
“He is. And maybe someday, when I get life thingsfigured out more, he might be a good fit. He isn’t right now.”
Saturday morning, I stumble my way down the stairs from my room after staying up way too late laughing and chatting with the girls, and then convincing Reese to inspect our place with me. We had workers at our home all day—two different sets of them. One could’ve left the doors unlocked when leaving for lunch, and someone snuck in. And yes, after Reese went to bed, I used my equipment to sweep the place for bugs because any of them could’ve planted one of those, too. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
The only reason I’m up already and wearing running shoes is that I’d already promised Reese I’d go jogging with her, and the girl has a magical ability to wake up at the same time, regardless of when she went to bed.
I’m most of the way down the stairs before I remember the state of my kitchen. And more importantly, my kitchen wall. At least our landlord left us water. The cabinet that holds the water glasses is on the floor by my table, so I crouch down to open it and grab a glass.
As I’m pouring water from the jug into my glass, I hear Reese coming down the stairs at thesame time that my attention is pulled to the plastic sheeting. I can see the blob that is Owen coming toward his kitchen,andI can hear something. After a second or two, I realize he’s listening to a podcast on his phone.
Then he gets even closer to where his kitchen cabinets usually are, and I realize I can hear every word of his podcast. Every. Single. Word.
I turn with wide eyes to Reese just as she gets to the bottom of the stairs and point frantically toward our plastic sheeting wall. I mouth,I think he could hear everything we said last night!
Her eyes go wide, too. Probably thinking about how very much we talked about Owen.
She doesn’t say anything—she just follows my lead and gets a glass from the floor cabinet, pours herself some water, and drinks it, looking cute in her navy and honey yellow running outfit and her navy glasses with the little honeycombs on the sides. Then she nods toward the front door. Yes. Let’s wait until we’re out of this space where Owen can hear everything to talk about it.
Except he has managed to get outside even before us. He’s about ten steps ahead of us, heading toward his truck, when we step out onto our porch. He hears me pull our door shut and turns as we’re walking down our steps.
He gives us a nod and then says ina growly voice, “Good morning,” before he gets into his truck and pulls out of the driveway.
Reese nods as she watches him back up. Then she turns to me. “Yep. He definitely heard us.”
My face is flaming hot.
But I’ve got to admit, my friends were right—that growly voice is definitely irresistible.
CHAPTER 4
HISTORIC CHARM, MODERN DENIAL
OWEN
Imay not have a wall anymore, but I do have running water again. Not in my kitchen sink, of course, but I was able to shower this morning after my run. Showering at my place has never been more refreshing.
