Page 92 of The Thought of You

“You’re not, but do you think you are?”

“I’d only be trapped if I had no other options, but I do.”

“But you’re choosing this one. Is there a particular reason, or person, you’re moving back for?”

“It’s stable, and I want us to be around family.” He shrugs. “Plus, my parents want to move to a smaller place across town, where my father can stop complaining about how much yard he has to care for, and my mom will stop going on about all the nooks and crannies she has to dust. The timing is perfect.”

“And it has nothing to do with who your new neighbor will be?”

“Maren?” His laugh is sad, like he’s forcing happiness right after his puppy was run over. “She doesn’t even want to be my friend, let alone anything else.”

“Is that what she said?”

“Not in so many words, but the obscene number of glares I’ve received is enough.”

“There’s a fine line between hate and love, man. Trust me.” I smirk and toss the rest of my drink back as Cole grabs the microphone to kick off karaoke night.

After his quick greeting and introduction of the first singer, a short bob of dark hair by the door catches my attention.

Addie enters behind Maren, and she immediately finds me in the growing crowd, her twinkling blue eyes locked on mine.

My fucking heart thunders in my head.

It’s the first time I’m seeing her since I left her naked in a hotel room. It’s the first time since we agreed to keep things between us secret.

How am I supposed to tamp down the urge to scoop her into my arms?

chapter

twenty-nine

ADDIE

Owen rocks a gray Henley and dark jeans, and over his wavy strands, his hat rests backward, just as he promised.

Goose bumps erupt on my arms beneath my long sleeves. The hem of my flowered sweater sways across my waist as I follow Maren toward the bar, my high-waisted jeans loose around my thighs.

The dull ache in my legs reminds me of the way I unabashedly rode Owen to the moon and back the night before last, and I’ve craved that feeling ever since.

It was just two nights ago, but it feels like ages, especially now that I’m nearing him.

His gaze travels over me, following my every move as I maneuver through the crowd. I barely even register what song the karaoke star sings. It could be country, but it very well could be opera.

My heavy breaths muffle most of the noise in here until I’m standing right in front of Owen.

I blink. He blinks back.

Next to my leg, my fingers twitch with the electric need to touch him, and when he shifts on his stool, his knee meets my upper thigh.

My legs feel like noodles. How is it possible to be turned on from such minimal contact?

“What’re you doing in town again?”

I jolt in place and realize Maren’s the one who asks the question, and she’s talking to Nate.

“I was shooting nearby in a small Florida town, so I swung back by here to finalize a few things for the house and make sure Teagan’s enrollment at the elementary school is set up.”

My friend makes a noncommittal sound and waves for Cole’s attention. “Can I get a Jack and Coke please?” She flicks her gaze to Nate, then adds, “Make it a double.”

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