Page 61 of Forbidden Harmony

“You don’t need to take the bus,” hesnapped.

“I don’t mind. Besides, it’s not reallykeeping a low profile if I’m riding around on the back of your bike.” She glancedover her shoulder at him. “Was I, um, okay in bed?”

He stared at her in surprise. How the hellcould she think she wasn’t? He’d come like a fucking fire hydrant, hadn’t he?“You were fine.”

She winced again and he cursed inwardly.What the fuck was wrong with him?

“Sounds like I definitely need morelessons,” she said, her eyes bright with unshed tears.

“I didn’t mean -”

“I really should get going,” she said.“Let me know if you’re interested in, uh, doing another lesson next week. ButI’ll understand if you’re not.”

“Addison -”

“Bye, Preacher.” She gave him a little wave,pushed open the door, and disappeared into the alley.

Chapter Fifteen

“Thanks for picking me up, loser.” Addisonbuckled her seat belt as Daniel pulled away from her apartment building.

“No problem.” He laughed when she reachedover and tied a friendship bracelet around his wrist. “Another one? I alreadyhave three on my wrist. You’re not just sitting at home making friendshipbracelets and pining for that asshole Harrison, are you?”

“No. Honestly, I’m kind of over making thebracelets now and I’m back to knitting. But I have a pile of friendshipbracelets to hand out.”

She sat back in her seat, staring out thewindow as her brother drove toward Kira’s place.

“You doing okay, butthead?” Daniel said. “Iknow I haven’t been around much, but I’ve been busy at work and…”

She reached over and patted his arm. “Andsince Kira stopped inviting you to the barbeques, we don’t hang out as much. I’msorry. I should be making more of an effort to do stuff with you too.”

“It’s cool,” Daniel said. “It’s my fault Igot kicked out of the Scooby gang.”

“You weren’t kicked out,” she said. “Kirajust needed some time to…”

“To get over thinking I’m the biggest assholein the world for taking advantage of her crush on me for years?”

“Yeah,” Addison said.

She studied her brother. His blond hairwas too long and there were dark circles under his eyes, and he hadn’t shaved.“Areyouokay? You look kind of rough.”

He laughed. “I’m fine. Just got off athree-day shift and baseball kicked my ass last night.”

“Are you feeling nervous?”

He shrugged. “Maybe a little.”

“Don’t be. Kira invited you because she’s agood person and she wants to try being friends. But you know she’s with Connorand she loves him so…”

“I know,” he said. “I’m happy for her.She deserves someone great who treats her well. Didn’t think it would be adentist, but, hey, whoever floats her boat.”

“Will you behave yourself?” she said. “Don’tsay anything to Connor to piss him off. He’s open to you coming to thebarbeque but you really need to behave yourself, okay?”

“I always do.” It was said with his usualteasing grin, but underneath that grin, she could see something lurking. Somethingdark and dank and worrisome.

“Daniel, honey, is there something going on?”she said.

“No, I’m fine. And don’t worry, I’ll behaveat the barbeque. Besides, you’re worrying for nothing. I already had a beerwith Connor and apologized.”

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