I grumbled. “Thanks.” But I couldn’t complain—I could use his help, and despite being an unusual pair, we worked well together. Plus, Ezra had his own unique skillset. “See you soon. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
“Right. So everything’s still on the table.” His words were dry, but I chuckled anyway.
“Bye, asshole.”
“Bye, Lockwood.”
I hung up the phone, looking up to the sky.
There was one thing I knew for sure: Pleasant Grove would never be the same again.
And after last night, neither would I.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
eryne
Wendy and Rina were crowded into the booth across from me at the diner after ordering drinks and appetizers.
It was strange to think it had only been a few days ago that I’d brought Barrett here, and now we were…what?Sleeping together felt like we were more, but I still had to remind myself that we barely knew each other. That he was a stranger. Even if the way he kissed me made me feel like I’d known himforever.
“Eryne.” Rina’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts. “You’re blushing.”
“Am not,” I protested, shifting in my seat and wincing from the soreness between my thighs.
“Oh my gods,” Wendy gasped. “Did you…”
I hid my face in my hands. “This is so not what I called you guys here for.”
“Okay, but was it good?”
“Sogood,” I admitted. “The best. Like…wow.”My voice sounded a little dreamy, even to my ears.
Rina’s jaw dropped. “You know, when we told you to get that wolf man D, I didn’t expect you to actually do it,”
“I didn’t expect it either. One thing led to another and it just kind of… happened.”
Wendy’s brows furrowed. “But you…wantedit to, right? He didn’t force you?”
“Gods, no.” I shook my head. I’d wanted it—practically begged for him. And I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat if I had the opportunity. “He’s the perfect gentleman, I promise. A little growly, sure, but… I honestly really like that. He’s protective of me, and I think it’s sweet.” I looked out the window, where Barrett sat across the street, watching me. Like he had to keep an eye on me, or else something would happen. Instead of being creepy, it made me feel warm inside. Like he cared about me.
“Wow.” Rina rested her head on her hands. “Do you think he has any brothers? I need a man like that.”
“Ditto,” Wendy agreed. “The dating scene in town isnotit. The idea of kissing someone I’ve known my whole life? Ugh. As if.” She made a face as she spun her fingers around, stirring her spoon in her tea without actually touching it.
After breaking up with my ex, I agreed with Wendy.
But this was the reminder I needed—that I had no idea about who he was—not really. “I’m not sure,” I admitted. “I know he’s from a town in Vermont, but…” I shrugged.
Our waitress dropped off our drinks, and I pulled the ancient newspaper clipping out of my bag. It was a miracle it hadn’t turned to dust, honestly. “Anyway. About why I called you here.”Time to get back on track.I slid the photo I’d found earlier across the table. “These are your great-grandmothers, right?”
Wendy and Rina both studied the photo, before setting it back down and looking at me.
“Yes…” Wendy finally answered. “How’d you get this?”
“The tribune’s archives. It’s a long story.” One I probably owed them, if I was being honest.
They looked at each other, and Rina said, “We have time.”
