Page 46 of Crossed Sticks

HARPER: That about covers it, at least until after dinner.

Hm. After dinner, maybe I’d indulge my own fantasies. I was trying to decide which one when the photographer’s assistant knocked on the door and said I had two minutes.

LUCA: See you at 7:30. And don’t worry, you’ll get what’s coming to you.

My blood was rushing in my ears, so I tried to will my heart under control. Yes, there would be lots of hot sex tonight, but the evening was also a chance to build our connection. Learning about each other would help us enjoy dating more.

I’d just slipped my phone back into my jeans when a social media notification pinged, so I pulled it back out. Caleb had posted a picture of himself on a beach somewhere, sporting sunburned skin and a carefree smile. My chest clenched as another photo came through, this one of Caleb and Daniel toasting over what looked like lunch. Trying to swallow the bitterness flooding my mouth, I put the phone away and went back to faking it for the camera.

I arrived home with time to relax before meeting Harper. After chugging a bottle of water, I went to the bedroom and set an alarm for seven o’clock. My phone rang before I could undress. Caleb wanted to FaceTime, so I accepted the call, thinking a short conversation might help me unwind.

“Hi, Luki. How’s it going?”

My stomach soured when I heard the nickname only Nonna and Caleb called me. I used to love hearing it from him, but tonight it seemed too intimate. He was less sunburned than inthe photos he’d posted earlier, and I recognized his living room in the background. Flopping onto the bed, I tried not to frown. “Doing good, thanks. I thought you were at the beach.”

He explained they’d taken a long weekend in Florida a few weeks back, but he’d only gotten around to posting pictures today.

“I’m sure you had fun.” Wanting to keep things light, I asked, “How’s your job?”

“It’s okay. I’m still doing scut work, sorting documents for discovery.” Caleb was an associate in a Chicago law firm, which kept him busy. “I have good news, though.”

“Which is?”

“Daniel and I are coming to Buffalo the last week in August.”

I thought we’d already settled this, but maybe I misunderstood. Like always, I wished Daniel would stay home. Caleb and I would have a lot more fun without him hovering. But at least having him around would keep Caleb from feeling like the third wheel with Harper and me. I’d been there, and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.

“Luki? Did you hear me?”

“Have I missed something?”

“You were a million miles away. Is everything all right?”

I was glad he still cared, but… Actually, was I really glad? If so, why did I want to run from him, close that door in my heart, and throw away the key? “Everything’s fine. I have a date in a little while and was trying to decide what to wear.”

The corners of Caleb’s mouth drooped. “A date? With whom?”

Fuck, fuck, fuck. Why did I say anything?“His name’s Harper. He’s a nice guy.”

“I assumed that. You hook up with all kinds, but Carter must be special if you want to date him.”

“His name’sHarper, and he’s amazing. We get along really well, and he makes me laugh. I haven’t met anyone like him in?—”

What was I saying? Fuck me a hundred ways. Caleb had always been like truth serum, and when I wanted to keep something from him, I psyched myself up beforehand. This time, there’d been no chance to do that because he called out of the blue.

“Are you guys serious?”

Not wanting to answer, I hedged. “We haven’t known each other too long.”

“I see. With everything you said, I thought…”

“Harper’s special, Caleb. He plays hockey, just got traded to the Warriors. Since he’s another athlete, I feel more relaxed. We understand each other.”

Caleb’s eyes narrowed to slits. “You said he got traded to Buffalo?”

“Yes, from the Barracudas. His name’s Harper Blanton, and?—”

“Be careful, Luki.”

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