Page 22 of Tangled Hearts

“It is, isn’t it?” I worry my bottom lip between my teeth. I’m still trying to process it all myself. It feels so natural and right. That’s what I’m struggling with the most.

“But you don’t want to see it that way?”

“I should. I know that. I’m just not sure Iwantto slow down. When it’s only him and me…” I shake my head. “I can’t explain it. It’s freeing and fun. I feel light.”

“The whole thing with Julie was weird, but between you and me, she is weird. I like Dylan. He’s got a good wholesome vibe, which is strange 'cause he’s a lawyer and that prenup bullshit, but the vibe is still good.”

“That’s how I’ve been feeling too. There is something about him.”

“Then keep going with it.”

“He hasn’t texted me since I had to rush out on him today.”

“He’s a lawyer. I’m sure he gets it. Probably giving you space.”

Yeah,” I agree but don’t really want to.

A knock sounds at the door. “Expecting someone?”

“No.” I walk over to the door and look through the peephole to see Dylan standing there.It’s him, I mouth to Frankie, who wiggles her brows in response. I run my fingers through my hair before I open the door.

“Hey,” I say.

“Hey.” He gives me a half smile. “Sorry.”

“Sorry for wh—” I’m cut off when Dylan’s hand cups the back of my neck and he pulls me toward him, his mouth coming down onto mine in a deep kiss that leaves me breathless.

“Was trying to let you do your thing, but somehow I ended up here.”

"Good," I say before pulling him back down for another kiss.

Chapter Seventeen

DYLAN

Frankie keeps staring at me. I’ve been waiting for her to say something, especially since I was eating her best friend’s face off ten minutes earlier, but all that’s happened is for silence to stretch out between us. That’s a technique I’ve used often in law. Continued stillness makes people feel uncomfortable, and eventually, they’ll start to talk to fill that dead space. Frankie and Natalie being lawyers means they’ve probably also used this trick. We could end up not saying a word for hours. I cave first.

“How did the emergency at work go?” I direct my question at Natalie. While she answers, I pick up an egg roll and pop it in my mouth.

“Not great. I’ve got a terrible client.”

“She’s losing the PR war,” Frankie volunteers, wiping her mouth off with a napkin and then tossing it aside, apparently done eating for the night. I try not to make my glee at this too obvious, but I can’t wait until Natalie and I are alone.

“Half the battle sometimes. Did he say something to the press?”

“When is he not talking to the press?” Natalie mutters. She starts putting the leftover Chinese away. I jump up to help, feeling her friend’s eyes watching me the whole time.

“No questions about my intentions?” I say lightly.

“Do you have bad intentions?”

“No. They’re all good.”

She looks to Natalie as if to check to see if I’m lying.

“So far, it’s all been great.” She spreads her hands out, palms up as if to say she’s sorry for confirming my assertion.

Frankie slides off the chair. “Since Nat is a big girl, I’ll let this play out, but remember, honey”—she directs this bit toward her friend—“you can’t trust a State Raider.”

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