Page 66 of When You Had Me Adapting

“I read,” she deadpans.

“Yeah, textbooks and research articles,” I jest.

“That’s only because I was in grad school. Now that I’m done and can actually relax, I figured I would start with the list you gave me.”

“Well that one is one of my favorites, plus it’s super spicy. I think you’ll like it.”

“Wren, have you ever read it?” Poppy shakes the book in Wren’s direction.

“No, I read mostly fantasy with a touch of romantasy when I’m in the mood.”

The doors off the dining room slide open and Jace walks inside. The smell of the burgers and the sound of laughter wafts through the open doors. I watch as he makes his way into the kitchen and over to the fridge. He has to be the only man alive who could make a shirt that silly look this good. His arms are covered in black ink and for the first time since he’s been back I find myself wanting to study them and discover what’s there.

I feel Poppy push her hand against my knee, and when my eyes shift back to my best friend, I find her studying me like she knows something I don’t.

“So, Lacey, you sure you’re okay?” Wren asks, kicking her legs up and covering herself with a big red blanket covered in little black trees.

“Yeah, why?”

“Our rooms share a wall and I could have sworn I heard you and Chris fighting?”

“Ugh, no. I don’t know what his deal is. Maybe he’s hangry or tired.”

“So things are good between the two of you?” Wren asks.

“Yeah? How’s the sex?” Poppy probes.

“Non-existent.” I try to laugh off my answer, but both of my friends wince.

A loud crash comes from the kitchen and my shoulders tense. My eyes flit toward the kitchen and Jace is standing there with his eyes locked on me. When my eyes find him, he quickly drops to the floor to pick up whatever fell.

I watch as Jace stands and heads back for the deck. The door slides shut and I feel my shoulders relax.

“Y’all haven’t slept together?” Poppy asks. “I mean he spent the night after trivia, so I assumed you had. What’s going on?”

I let out a groan. “I don’t know. We’ve kissed, but that’s it. He says he wants to take things slow.”

“Okay, that’s weird as fuck,” Wren says. “I mean y’all are exclusive, so what’s his hold up?”

I shrug. “We’re not exclusive. We haven’t had that conversation either. I think he thinks Jace and I still have a thing for each other. He’s been acting all pissed off and jealous since trivia night.” I roll my eyes.

Poppy and Wren’s eyes find one another.

“What?” I ask.

“I didn’t know y’all when you were together before, but you two definitely are giving off a will they or won’t they vibe,” Wren says, her voice hushed.

“No. We’re trying to be friends again. That’s ridiculous.”

“Is it?” Poppy asks. “I mean you were both so in love and then you weren’t. It kinda feels like the universe is giving y’all a second chance. I mean he looks at you like he still loves you and you look at him like?—”

“Stop,” I yell, slapping her knee. “Maybe you shouldn’t read that book. It’s giving you too many ideas.”

Jace: I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop. I’m here if you need to talk.

CHAPTER 31: NO WAY I’M MEDIOCRE AND HE’S NOT

JACE

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