Page 116 of Hit Me With Your Best Shot

“Stop it,” I blurt out, pointing my wine glass at her as if it were a weapon.

Her grin widens. “Stop what?” she asks, all innocence.

“You know what,” I say, narrowing my eyes. “Whatever you’re thinking, don’t.”

I glare at her, silently willing her to shut up.

The last thing I need is for her to start running her mouth about the conversation we had earlier—about love at first sight and whether or she believes in it or not because lately, I feel myself turning into a lovesick idiot.

Austin lifts her head, glancing between the two of us. “What’s happening? Did I miss something?”

“No,” I say quickly, shooting Nova a warning look. “You missed nothing.”

“Gio,relax,” my sister says slyly. “I’m not going to tell her the things we talk about. I’m notthatdrunk.”

“You’re drunk enough,” I mutter, sinking back against the couch and shooting her one last warning look. She just smirks, clearly enjoying herself way too much.

Austin looks between us, suspicious but amused. “You’re both weird.”

“However!” Nova says, holding up a finger like she’s about to make a grand proclamation. Her gaze lands on Austin, pointed and deliberate. “Do you believe in love at first sight?”

Oh.

My.

God.

The air leaves my lungs in an instant, and my brain short-circuits. Why the hell did I open my mouth and say anything earlier? If I’d just kept my stupid questions to myself, we wouldn’t be in this situation. Nova wouldn’t have the ammo, and Austin wouldn’t be staring at her like she’s just sprouted a second head and that head is Wayne Gretzky.

“Nova,” I say sharply, sitting up straighter. “Don’t.”

I chug all the wine in my glass and grab the bottle.

“What?” Nova asks innocently, batting her eyelashes. “I’m just saying—it’s interesting, isn’t it? Some people believe in it. Some peoplewonderabout it.”

I am stupid, stupid,stupid!

This is why we can’t have nice things.

Austin swallows a lump in her throat, setting her wine glass on the coffee table. “For the record, no—I don’t believe in love at first sight. Since you brought it up.”

Oh.

The word sinks in, heavy and hollow. I shift awkwardly on the floor, reaching for the bottle of wine to pour myself another glass, the act giving me something to do other than meet her eyes. The sting of disappointment is sharp, but I shove it down, covering it with a practiced nonchalance.

“That’s fair,” I say finally, forcing my tone to stay light. “It’s not exactly the most logical concept.”

Out of the corner of my eye, Nova freezes. Her grin falters, and she looks at me, her expression tight with something close to regret.

Guilt.

“Exactly,” Austin says, relaxing a bit as she settles back into her spot beside me. “Love takes time. It’s not something that happens the second you meet someone.”

Nova fidgets with her glass, not meeting my eyes.

“Right,” my sister says softly, her earlier confidence gone. She looks like she wants to say something more, but she bites her lip instead, her shame practically radiating off her.

I nudge her with my toe.

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