Page 37 of Tangled Desires

“Miss me, Doc?” he asks, wiggling his eyebrows like the cocky bastard he is.

“Sooo much,” Isla deadpans, before he leans in for a kiss.

I walk up behind Imogen, spotting the red on her shoulders. “Your shoulders are torched, Immy,” I say, raising an eyebrow.

“Thanks for the heads-up.”

Isla turns, taking a glance. “Shit, Midge, you’re burnt bad. Why didn’t you reapply?”

“I didn’t think I needed to. Checked the weather app—UV’s supposed to be low.”

I shake my head. “Yeah, well, not low enough, apparently.”

Xavier stands, stretching. “We’re packing up and heading home. I’m missing Cal, and could definitely use a shower.” Isla’s up in a flash.

“Don’t have to ask me twice. I miss our baby girl.”

Imogen

Isla glances over at me as the boys load the utes. “Have you talked to Harrison? About… anything? The baby?”

I shrug, keeping my eyes on the esky I’m pretending to reorganise. “We talked a bit the other day. He mentioned co-parenting. Wants to ‘figure it out.’” My voice is flat, but the weight behind the words feels crushing. “It all sounds neat, right? But I’m just… unsure.”

Isla tilts her head. “Unsure about what?”

“Everything,” I whisper, my voice barely holding steady. “Howthisis going to work? If it evencanwork. Moving in with him, leaving Dad, figuring out life with a baby. I’m anxious, Isla. More than that. I feel like I could cry at any second.” I blink rapidly, trying to swallow the lump in my throat.

Isla shifts closer, her hand resting gently on my arm. “Midge, I know you’ve got a million things racing through your mind. But imagine whathe’sthinking. Honestly? He’s willing to help. I think you two could be good for each other.”

“Yeah, sure.” I huff. “Good at tearing each other’s throats out, maybe. I can’t help that he irritates me.”

“Have you ever asked yourselfwhy?” Isla’s tone is maddeningly calm, her brow raised in that knowing way she always pulls when she’s about to make a point.

“No. Because it’s just that. He irritates me.”

“He irritates you? Or are you just irritated with yourself because, deep down, you enjoy his attention?” I narrow my eyes. Damn her for digging that deep. No. It’s not that.It’s not.He just irritates me. End of story.

“I’m not even going to dignify that with a response,” I mutter.

Isla smirks. “You just did, babe.” The guys decide to stroll over at that moment.

“Ready to go?” Harrison asks, his gaze flicking to mine.

“Yep, we’re all set,” Isla chirps, her usual bright tone back in place. As she moves past me, she leans in. “It’s okay to feel like this. Honestly. You’re allowed to be scared. But you’re not alone in this. Harrison’s in it, too. Remember that.” I nod absently, not sure what to say. She gives me a quick smile before heading toward Xavier, and I follow, dragging my feet a little.

I slide into Harrison’s car, the familiar scent of his vehicle filling the space. Harrison starts the engine, and his car hums to life, pulling away from the beach.

“So,” Harrison breaks the silence. “Did you have fun?”

I glance out the window, watching the scenery blur past. “Yeah, it was actually pretty relaxing.”

“Pity you got sunburnt,” he says, his tone almost teasing.

“Oh well, nothing a little aloe vera won’t fix.”

He tsks in disapproval. “You should try to be more careful next time.”

“It’s just a sunburn. I’ll be fine.”

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