Page 88 of The Hookup Situation
“Over a decade,” Billie answers, then places her hand on his cheek. “I hated him for most of it.”
“A total waste of time, if you ask me,” Asher says, and they kiss again.
They’re cute together, totally meant for one another.
“You know, I was always supposed to get married first,” Nick says playfully.
“You still have time,” Asher tells him with a pat on the back. “Considering we set the date for early spring, I think that gives you seven months. Almost enough time to have a baby if you wanted.”
My mouth falls open.
Billie grins. “That’s very true.”
Just as Nick tries to deliver his rebuttal, a guy with messy blond hair, light-blue eyes, and contagious laughter bear-hugs Nick from behind.
Nick turns and lights up with excitement when he sees who it is. “Patterson! What the hell are you doing here?”
“Autumn invited me, and I had a few days off. Thought I’d crash with you if that’s cool.”
“Whatever you need,” Nick offers. “The house I rented is huge. You’re more than welcome to stay, even though I might not be there much.”
Patterson’s light-blue eyes lock in on mine. “Ooh la la.”
“This is mygirlfriend, Julie,” Nick says, his arm conveniently sliding around my waist. “This is Patterson. We used to play hockey together on the Angels.”
“If things don’t work out with you two, call me,” Patterson says, barely able to get his words out.
Nick swats him away. “I’ll literally kick your ass.”
The front door opens and pulls our attention away. This time, it’s Harper with a bulky, tattooed guy standing beside her like he’s her bodyguard. I notice the ring on her finger and how they look at one another and know it’s more than that. When Harper spots Billie, they rush toward one another to hug. When they pull away, she sees me and Nick and smiles.
“Wow,” Harper says, glancing between us. Her eyes unfocus. “Whoa.”
“What?” Nick asks.
“Forever is right in front of you,” she says. “Love doesn’t follow rules. Love doesn’t have expiration dates. The third time isn’t just a charm; it’s destiny correcting itself, righting its wrong. I see two paths, but they both lead to the same place—home. You’ve already found what you’re looking for.”
“And what are we looking for?” I ask.
“Endgame.”
“Did you seriously just give me a love prophecy?” Nick blurts out.
“I can’t help it!” She grins as she glances between us. “Right now, I feel like I should be saying congratulations.”
Everyone is staring at us, and my cheeks heat.
The energy builds, and my head spins.
Blaire’s whistle pierces through my thoughts. “They’re here! Everyone, hide!”
“There you are!” I yell toward her, and she smiles before I lose her in the crowd.
People scramble in every direction. Some dive behind couches and duck into side rooms. Nick grabs my hand, pulling me into the coat closet and pressing us together in the narrow, dark space.
“This is cozy,” he whispers against my ear, his breath warm on my neck.
“Shh.” I try to sound stern.
