Page 46 of Harmless Scandals

“Earth to Adam.”

He glanced at her again, then back out at the surfer. “What?”

“The book?”

“Oh, no. It’s a picture book of Hawaii, but not like those kinds of touristy books. There will be a lot of pretty pics, but she wants to show all the sides of Hawaii.”

She said nothing and he looked at her. The look on her face worried him. She looked like she was going to cry.

“What?”

She sighed. “You're in love with her.”

He felt a sharp punch to the gut. “No.”

“If not, you're falling.”

“I haven't known her long enough for that.”

“There's a set time limit before you can fall in love?”

He heard the sarcasm in her voice, and he knew if he continued denying it, he would make an ass out of himself. That wasn't enough to stop him.

“Stop that. We have no idea where this is going.”

She tsked. “I thought for sure that Mick would be the first one to fall. But maybe...”

“What?”

She laughed. “Oh, someone is so testy when he's in love.”

Dammit. “Stop that.”

“If you promise me one thing.”

He nodded. Anything to get her to quit talking about love and Serenity.

“What?”

“Give it a chance.”

“Give what a chance?”

“Falling in love.” He opened his mouth to argue with her, but she stopped him. “I know you love Mick, but I have a feeling you fought that too. Now there is this woman. She's new to both of you, but I sense it. Something has shifted in your universe. Just don't freak out like you do when things change.”

“I don't freak out.”

She slipped her glasses down her nose and stared over them at him.

“Really? You threw a fit when Mick's parents sold their house.”

That was true. But it had been his first real home, the one place he had been accepted. It was irrational and stupid, but he couldn't seem to keep himself from freaking out, a little.

“Why don't you help me up, then go spend some time with Serenity.”

He opened his mouth to say that Mick wasn't going to be there, but she stopped him.

“You want Mick there because he's your safe space, but also because he can help you keep her at arm's length. When it is just the two of you, it might be too hard for you to fight.”

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