Page 15 of Worth the Fall

Oh my God. What am I thinking? I can’t stare at his ass. Or notice how handsome he is. Or wonder if his hands are as strong as they appear. He was like a brother to me—my best friend—isn’t it creepy if I agree with her? He’s from memories I erased long ago.

And this is why I came into the house in the first place. All I wanted to do was have a few drinks and relax with my friends, but now my head’s all over the place—courtesy of Grant Malone.

“I swore I wouldn’t, and I intend to keep my promise.” She bumps her hip against mine. “Besides, I made your favorite for dessert, so you can’t leave yet.”

Dessert? My ears perk up at the same time I try to fight the smile tugging at the corners of my lips. “Which kind?”

Her laugh fills the small space. “You like all my desserts, so does it really matter?”

“No.” I laugh. And of course, now my mind is on whether she made a lemon tart or cheesecake or . . . crap, she’s right. I’m not going anywhere. Not when her dessert is involved.

“Look, we ran into each other again, and I thought it might be nice for you guys to reconnect. What’s the harm in that? He’s obviously someone from your past. He’s obviously interested in catching up. He’s obviously drop dead attractive. He’s⁠—”

“You’re obviously losing your mind.”

“I meant no harm by it. I promise. I wasn’t even sure he was going to show. We’re typically surrounded by all my friends, so I thought it would be cool if you had your own friend here, too.”

I eye her, knowing I can’t argue since she invited him with nothing but good intentions in mind. “Your friends are my friends,” I say exasperated.

“Exactly. He’s my friend now, too. That means I was allowed to invite him.” Her smile is smug as she expertly maneuvers me into a baseless argument.

“You’re exhausting.”

“And you love me,” she says, refilling my glass of wine.

“Most days.” I take a sip but my eyes are still fixated on Grant Malone, and my mind is still on the confusion seeing him again has created.

“All days.”

I shrug and agree. “All days.”

“Okay, well, I need to get back out there. You coming?”

“In a minute.”