Page 71 of Once Upon a Lie

As Alfred’s front door closes behind me—and the whole way back to the Magnolia—my mind races with a million different thoughts. Most of them revolve around berating myself for being such an idiot.

Well, fuck.

Mike said to get as close as I needed to.

But this? This is something else entirely.

The stupidest parts of me can’t wait to do it again.

24

Valentina

Thursday, October 21

6:50 p.m.

By the time I pull into my parents’ driveway in Bellevue, I’m nearly rabid to check the message that just buzzed my phone in the passenger seat. I don’t need to check to know who it is—I know exactly who it’ll be—which is why I’m so excited in the first place.

Shane: ​​Craving a rainbow bagel.​​

I smile as I clutch my purse and step out of my car.

Me: ​​LOL. You already had one today.​​

Shane: ​​That was breakfast.​​

Me: ​​You had one yesterday too.​​

Shane: ​​I like routine.​​

Me: ​​Do you like routine or do you like me making you breakfast?​​

Shane: ​​Both. Definitely both. Possibly need rainbow bagel rehab as well.​​

I stop at the front door, thumb hovering over the screen. It’s been two days since that second kiss on Alfred’s porch—two days of pretending I don’t wait for his texts and I’m not giddy like a freaking schoolgirl that he’s shown up at my bagel shop for breakfast every morning. Two days of my ass falling further over my head for Shane Maddox.

Shane: ​​You know what I bet would help the most? You and Alfred making dinner for me again tonight. Or, maybe, a handsome man can make dinner for the two of you? I’m open to all sorts of possibilities, really.​​

Me: ​​As much as I’d love to eat dinner with Alfred and this handsome guest you speak of (maybe you can introduce me to him soon?), I’ve been summoned to family dinner.​​

Shane: ​​Don’t be coy, Teeny. You know this handsome guest (me) well. Very well.​​

Me: ​​Ohhh I was confused you said handsome and entertaining.​​

Shane: ​​Okay, I see how it is. I guess I’ll just have to do some reminding. That’s all.​​

A whole-body shiver consumes me.

Shane: ​​But being summoned to family dinner sounds serious. I suppose I’m not invited to that kind of soirée?​​

Me: ​​Well, family dinner is the Cordone equivalent of a trial. Trust me, I’m doing you a favor by not inviting you.​​

Shane: ​​Ah, I see. Who’s prosecuting?​​

Me: ​​My dad. Always.​​

Shane: ​​Well, let me know if you need any backup. I believe I’ve proven myself in times of crisis.​​