Page 116 of Exes and Oh Hell No

Hell, I’m not sure I understand it.

I just know how he makes me feel. It’s a high, an addiction I can’t get enough of.

“He adores me and would do anything to keep me safe and happy. He wants what’s best for me.”

Allie turns her blue eyes to me. “As long as you’re happy. That’s all that matters.”

My smile bursts free. “I’m really happy.”

She pulls me into her arms, hugging me tight. “That’s all I want for you.” She steps back, admiring me. “I can’t wait to go shopping for your dress. And mine.”

“Are you good with navy? I was thinking navy and orange. You know I love Tiger Lily’s.”

“Oh, that will be gorgeous. And I love navy.”

“We’ll have a larger wedding later, but for now…” I shrug, my gaze moving to Ford. “We don’t wanna wait.”

Ford will not wait.

He was ready to marry me yesterday.

“Are you really gonna quit your job and move to Boston to be with the team?”

I nod, my spirits dampening at the thought of not being close to Allie.

“Yes.” My voice comes out shakier than I intended.

“Well, then, I’m just going to have to get a job in Boston.”

My eyes fly wide. “Oh my God. Seriously?”

She nods. “Mark travels a lot, so he can fly in and see me anywhere I choose to live.”

Her gaze is slightly over my shoulder, not meeting my eyes, which makes me wonder about her and Mark.

She’s convinced she needs someone solid because her childhood was chaotic. Her dad was in the military, and hermom was an actress, so she traveled a lot and didn’t have “roots.”

I worry that she’s settling for Mark only because she craves stability.

She scowls, and I follow her gaze to Connor.

He gives her a cocky smile, and she rolls her eyes, turning her back to him.

He’s getting under her skin.

“I don’t want to uproot your life.” I bite my lip, trying and failing to suppress my smile. “But I’d love it if you lived near me.”

“You’re like the sister I never had, Harper. Of course, I want to be near you.” Her expression brightens. “I’m gonna search online and see what I can?—”

“I’m going to be your personal escort, Allie.” Connor appears behind her, a bright smile on his handsome face. “I’ll lead you to wherever you’re staying, and then I can pick you up for dinner.”

“I can find my way to the B&B and the restaurant just fine.” She looks down at the hockey stick in his hand, cringing. “Can you put that thing away? I just know I’m going to have nightmares of you beheading me with it.”

Connor smirks. “Already dreaming about me, baby.”

She scoffs, her eyes widening. “No. And don’t call me baby.”

She flips a lock of her silky light brown hair over her shoulder, scowling at Connor.

---