Page 38 of From Now On

Eve tenses, her smile turning forced.

Harlow and I both glare at Aidan.

“What?” he wonders, glancing back and forth between us. “Was I not supposed to know about that?”

“You were supposed to not mention it,” Harlow tells him.

“Oh. Sorry?—”

“It’s fine,” Eve interrupts. “Ben and I didn’t have any spring break plans, so he didn’t technically leave me ‘high and dry,’ but…” She shrugs, then clears her throat. “Cool place.”

“Isn’t it? You can see the ocean from almost every window and…” Aidan launches into an enthusiastic description of the rental’s features—heavily emphasizing the hot tub—that I tune out while I unload the car.

Rylan appears, waving at me before interrupting Aidan’s monologue about amenities to introduce herself to Eve.

Harlow walks over to help me unload while the three of them chat.

“Where’s Hart?” I ask.

“He went for a run. I decided to stay back so I’d be here when you and Eve arrived.”

I nod, unsurprised that Hart isn’t taking a break from training relentlessly this week. I’ve kept up a workout routine, and so has Aidan. But not to the same extent as when we were in season. Conor is the only one of us who might still have a hockey career to stay in shape for.

“Well, I’m touched Hart stuck around to say hi to me,” I say sarcastically.

Harlow smirks. “Guess I’m a better best friend than he is.”

“Hart asked if I wanted to go running with him, but I said I had to stay here to make sure you made it,” Aidan says, sauntering over. “Glad you appreciated the effort, Morgan.”

I roll my eyes. “Yeah, you really went out of your way.”

I haven’t heard from Aidan or Conor since they left campus on Thursday. Eve was the one telling Harlow about our delays, and presumably Harlow was passing updates along. Or my friends have unwavering faith in my ability to drive across two state lines.

Phillips waves my sarcasm away. “We both know I’m your favorite best friend anyhow.”

I lift my duffel and toss it to him. “Carry that inside, and you’ll at least be in the running.”

Aidan heaves a sigh but he listens, heading for the house with my bag.

“I’ve got Eve’s,” Harlow says, grabbing the suitcase handle. She glances at me. “Both bathroom doors here lock, FYI.”

I knew it.

“It was the middle of the night. I was tired and I?—”

Harlow starts laughing, cutting me off. “No one’s saying you flashed Eve on purpose, Hunter.”

“And Ididn’t, for the record. I just—” I glance at where Eve is standing, talking with Rylan. “I hope I didn’t make her uncomfortable. I know she’s…going through a lot.”

“You didn’t,” Harlow assures me. “Eve’s tough. Honestly, it was probably good for her.” She smiles. “A reminder there are other fish in the sea, you know? But without any pressure, because you’re not her type.”

My eyebrows furrow tight together.

Not her type?WhoisEve’s type? Her ex, who didn’t even bother making plans with her over spring break?

Harlow catches my frown and giggles. “No offense. I just meant, you’re anathlete.”

“So is Hart,” I remind her, half joking and half offended by the implication that hand-eye coordination is a character flaw.

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