Page 126 of The Thought of You

Three minutes later, the group in front of me moves as one, which is when I realize it’s the Carmichael family of eight. I was so distracted by my fight with Owen that I didn’t even recognize their faces. They were all just a blur.

Maren pokes her head out of the coffee truck and greets me, but it’s not her usual friendly face. “What’s wrong? You look like you haven’t slept in days.”

“I was up all night with the Devil wrangling a bull in my belly.”

She squints.

“I’ll explain later.”

She hooks a thumb over her shoulder and says, “I have new coffee cookies I want you to try.”

My fingers twitch at my sides as I make a noncommittal sound.

“I’ll grab a couple of those, and then do you want your usual Fall in a Cup?”

“Thank you, but I don’t want anything right now. Can we talk?” I nod toward the free picnic table under a tree as the Carmichaels disperse toward the park with their goodies in hand, and quiet descends.

Maren wipes her hands on her apron and steps aside, revealing she’s not alone today. Tonya waves at me, and I think I wave back. I try to, at least.

I pace in front of the picnic table as Maren takes a seat and asks, “What’s going on? You never turn down cookies.” She waves a hand over me as I tap the outsides of my thighs to a nervous, off-beat rhythm. “I haven’t seen you this worked up since they discontinued your favorite index cards.”

“I’m with Owen,” I blurt. “I mean, I was.”

“Oh,” Maren draws out, and her easy smile surprises me.

“What?”

“I already knew.” She shrugs.

“How?” I screech.

“Scarlett was here this morning, babbling about Owen being at your place all night.”

“That little… Wait.” My eyes widen. “Did anyone hear her babbling?”

“Just me. And I gave her half a dozen cinnamon sugar cookies and a gift certificate to Daphne’s to keep quiet.”

“You dirty little saint.”

“Tell me everything.”

I pace by the picnic table as I relay the aftermath of our reunion kiss, the naughty special at the dance studio, and the filthy weekend in Savannah.

More than that, I share the significance of what he’s done for me.

“I put off cleaning my house after my mother torpedoed it just so I could go to Owen’s for a spontaneous visit.” I throw my hands up. “I never drop responsibilities like that unless it’s for work.”

“That’s a good thing, right?”

“It is. That’s what I’m saying.” I lick my lips. “He makes me… calm. I’m easygoing with him, but I’m still myself. I can be everything with him, and he’s like, fine with it. More than fine, really. He likes me for all that I am, and he said so many wonderful things. Then I—ugh.” I bury my face in my hands to hide my heated cheeks.

“What happened?”

I look back at my friend and twist my lips. “I kicked him out.”

“Why did you do that?” Maren gapes.

“He gave me an ultimatum. Said if I wouldn’t tell the world we’re together, then he and I would no longer be together.”

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