Page 115 of Exes and Oh Hell No

“And dumb as a box of rocks,” Allie quips. “News flash. So am I. I just don’t nearly kill my friend’s bestie with a hockey stick.”

Connor smirks, waving a hand. “Semantics.”

Allie scrunches her brows. “No, not semantics. Facts. You nearly beheaded me with a stick.”

“But I didn’t. I clubbed the door instead.”

I turn away, burying my face in Ford’s chest as the laughter rolls out.

This whole day has been so chaotic, and it feels good to release all the pent-up emotion in the form of humor.

Ford wraps his arms around me, joining in on my laughter. “These two are probably going to kill one another.”

I laugh harder. “My money is on Allie.”

Ford laughs harder. “I’d normally agree… but I’m seeing something on Connor’s face. My money’s on him.”

I pull back, looking at Connor over my shoulder. “Oh, no. He can’t fall for her. She has a boyfriend.”

“How serious is it?”

I bite my lip. “They’ve only been dating for a few months. He travels a lot for his job.”

“I predict he’ll be a thing of the past. Connor has that determined look on his face.”

My gaze moves to him as Connor and Allie continue bickering behind us. “Allie’s really stubborn.”

“So is Connor. Once he sets his mind on something, he always gets it.”

Ford cups my face, a smirk curling his lips. “Like I did with you.”

38

HARPER

“Irented a room at the Serene Lake B&B.” Allie looks at me before casting a sidelong look at Connor. “He’s not staying there, is he?”

I look over at Connor, standing next to Ford, his eyes glued to Allie.

Ford’s right. The way he’s looking at Allie… she’s definitely in his crosshairs.

“No, he’s been hanging out at Gram’s.”

Allie gives me a look, her brows raised almost to her hairline. “I’ve gotta admit, the things you told me seem… unconventional.”

Ford is busy staring at me like I’m the air he breathes.

“I mean, the guy is a little… intense.”

A smile curls my lips. “He is, but… I love him, Allie. Ford and I… well, we have a history. He understands me in a way no one else does.”

She snorts. “Yes, he’s obsessed and stalks you.”

I swallow hard.

Thank God I didn’t go into detail about him kidnapping and handcuffing me.

She wouldn’t understand.

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