Page 106 of Wish You Were Mine

“Here. A few changes of clothes. They should still fit. You haven’t changed much.” Dad studied me closely for a moment, then added, “You’re welcome to come and stay with us, but we wanted you to have these in case you decide to go somewhere else.”

“Thanks.” I caught Summer’s eye. “Is your invitation still open?”

She took my hand. “Always.”

I turned back to Dad. “I’ll be with Summer.”

After today, I didn’t want to be without her. I was bound to spiral, and I’d rather she see me like that than my parents.

He winked. “She’s good for you. Maybe too good for you.”

I swatted his arm. “Hey.”

He shrugged. “Don’t mess it up. That’s all I’m saying.”

“Don’t worry. I don’t plan to.”

Summer didn’t seem to know what to make of this, but she smiled at Dad, nonetheless.

“Grace, I heard you were thinking of getting in touch with the original Destiny Falls couple’s descendants for your book,” she said, changing the subject with no tact whatsoever. “Have you reached out to them?”

“I have.” Grace crossed her legs and leaned back against the armchair. “I made contact with a woman who’s their great, great granddaughter, or something along those lines. Her name is Corie. We’ve been chatting about her family history, and she’s interested in reading the book.”

“She doesn’t mind that it’s a romance?” Summer asked.

Grace grinned. “She seems excited by that. I get the feeling Corie is a bit of a romantic.” Her smile faded and she turned to me. “By the way, have you worked out what’s behind the message on that rock they found in your living room? It just crossed my mind that it could be relevant to the fire.”

I dragged my hand through my hair. “I don’t know, but if whoever smashed my window is the same person who set the fire, and for some reason they want to scare me, all I can say is that they’re going about it right.”

49

SUMMER

I collapsed onto the sofa in my living room, trying to ignore how cold it was compared to the toasty warmth of my parents’ place. “Do you want to take the spare bed or share with me?”

Asher stood in the doorway, Cookie’s pet carrier in one hand and the backpack from his father over the opposite shoulder. “Either is fine. I’d prefer to be with you, but only if you’re comfortable with that.”

“I am.” Although I wasn’t sure if “comfortable” was the right word, exactly. My insides felt like throwing a party. I finally had him.

In my house.

In my bed.

Hopefully, in me.

I wished the circumstances were different. I’d never be grateful for him losing his house, but I was pleased he was allowing me to take care of him.

“Come on. I’ll show you the room and then we can set up whatever Cookie needs.”

I led him into my bedroom, wincing at the unmade bed and the overflowing laundry basket. I kept a reasonably tidy house, but I was far from a neat freak. My place would never feature in a Home & Garden magazine.

“You can unpack your clothes here,” I said, tapping the top drawer of my dresser, which was empty from the last time I’d done a massive clear out. “Or you can hang them in the closet or leave them in the bag if you’d prefer.”

“Thanks.” He lowered the backpack to the ground. “What about Cookie?”

“The windows and doors are all shut, so you can set her free. She can go anywhere in the house, but we’ll put her litter box in the laundry.” I knew some people preferred to keep them in the bathroom, but I personally liked to smell nothing but candles and essential oils while enjoying a soak in the tub. No kitty litter odor welcome.

“And her food?” he asked.

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