I quietly appreciate that my best friend has never once questioned my bi-ness even though I have never had much of an attraction to men. She is an equal opportunity nuisance when it comes to my love life… or lack thereof.
Kruz, on the other hand, jumps from one fling to another like it’s a sport, living for the drama and excitement of it all. She thrives on the chaos of her love life, while I’ve always been more cautious.
I go back to scribbling a roof onto my house. “I didn’t want to be weird about it. I’m about to work for him, so there can’tbe anything between us. Especially not now because he’s also apparently my fucking professor.”
“This is some taboo romance novel-level stuff.” Of course, she would say that.
“There is no romance, Kruz.” I am adamant.
She wraps her hand around my forearm and looks at me with an elated gleam in her eyes. “Yet.”
I don’t argue, because as much as I don’t want to admit it, I hope she is right.
7
THE GRAND TOUR
QUINN
The followingweek and a half passes in a blur. Each day bleeds into the next, filled with stuffing my mind full of information on psychological profiles that feel hauntingly dissonant against the weight of my father’s murder.
I grip the steering wheel as I drive toward the Hollis home, the engine’s hum a dull backdrop to my racing thoughts.
Committing to Jack and Sienna is a welcome distraction from the turmoil churning my insides.
As I approach the driveway, I wonder if caring for a new baby—spending my time outside of school work focusing on learning her specific needs—will help me reconcile my own fractured emotions or if it will only deepen the chasm of loss and regret.
My father’s yet-to-be-solved murder clings to me, a constant reminder that understanding this kind of darkness on paper is one thing, but facing it in my own life is an entirely different challenge, no matter how much I loathed him.
Jack’s house stands tall, dark, and imposing, its wrought-iron gates creaking open to reveal a sprawling yard. There is a long fence that lines the perimeter of the property. It’s similar to what he described, but it’s not the yard that has my attention—it’s the stunning architecture; ornate details, and pointed spires.It fits perfectly with the vibes of the rest of Hollow, but I never would have expected such beauty after Jack’s sole mention of having a large fenced yard. I don’t know what I expected… maybe a white picket fence? Not this.
Although, maybe I should’ve thought to adjust my expectations after I learned he is a professor and not a student.
I am a moron.
Drool drips from the tip of Kronk’s tongue, adding to the mess of dog hair already covering the front seat of my car. I pull up the driveway and he becomes fidgety and restless, like he knows this is his new digs.
“Fancier than the last place, huh?” I scratch behind his ear as I put the car into park. “So much room for activities.”
The front door swings open and Jack steps onto the covered porch, Sienna bouncing in his arms.
I give Kronk a stern look. “Stay put.Zustan.”
I crack his window a few inches. He whines as I open my door and step out of the vehicle, but does as he’s told.
I thank all the gods that he is showing he does actually listen most of the time. I don’t think most people realize how wild as fuck a young German Shepherd can be, regardless of their training. He wasn’t exactly impressive during our first meeting with Jack, and I am shocked he even considered offering to let him stay here as an option.
Introducing Kronk to Sienna will be a necessity at some point, but the last thing I need is for him to make a fool of us again today.
“You can let him out,” Jack says as I approach the porch.
Sienna spots me and immediately goes nuts trying to wiggle her way free of his hold. I scoop her into my arms, and she giggles with delight. “Daddy is trying to subject you to the big silly dog.”
“Da da da da da,” she babbles, and I could squeeze her because she’s so freaking cute.
“Sienna loves big silly dogs. Don’t you, little bear?” He takes her hand between his fingers and gives it a playful shake.
“And I am sure he will love her, but you should know that there is a nonzero chance that he will lovingly freak the eff out. This will all be very new and exciting to him.”
