Page 48 of With Every Breath

“I think it’s agreatidea.”

“Why do you say that?” I asked.

“You might as well enjoy the company,” she said, biting her bottom lip to keep from bursting into laughter.

“I don’t know if that’s the best plan,” I replied, feeling flustered as heat rose into my cheeks.

Tiffany shrugged. “You already said yes. Either figure out how to keep your hands off Jonah or put your hands all over Jonah.” She gave up trying not to laugh and snickered, her eyes glinting with mischief.

“For someone who’s sworn off romance, you’re pretty positive this is a good idea.”

I didn’t know what happened, but Tiffany was all “no way, no how” as far as anything to do with love, romance, or dating for herself.

She shrugged. “We’re not talking about me. We’re talking about you and Jonah,” she said with an airy wave. “You’ve already said yes, so he’s obviously going to stay at your place. At this point, the problem is if he doesn’t stay there, both of you are stuck wondering how you’ll explain that. It’ll just create more gossip.”

Resting my elbows on the table, I dropped my face in my hands with a groan. I brushed my hair back as I lifted my head. “You’re right.”

She waggled her eyebrows. “So deal with it.”

ChapterTwenty-Five

Jonah

Despite my misgivings, which were significant, I was going to stay at Alice’s place. If I didn’t, that would create more questions for my grandmother. Best to play it off as if it was no big deal.

Alice:Text me when you get home, and I’ll meet you at the parking area.

Me:No need. My knee is fine. I already got cleared to drive.

I knew she thought I needed help with the groceries without her saying it.

A little while later, Honey tippy-tapped around my legs in the kitchen. I leaned over to greet her, stroking down her back and murmuring, “Hey there, girl.”

“I’ve already spoiled her rotten,” Alice said when I straightened.

“Isn’t that the point of having a dog?” I quipped.

Her smile was wide. “I knew I liked you, Jonah.” Her comment was light and teasing.

I sensed we both felt it at the same moment, that snap and crackle in the air between us.

I rested a hand on the counter, saying, “I’m sorry Gram put you on the spot.”

Alice shrugged. “It’s no worry. And it’s really no problem for you to stay here. I definitely have more room than your grandmother and your parents.”

She eyed me, resting her hands on her hips. “Plus, you know it’ll be worse if you don’t stay. Then she’s going to wonder all about it.”

I chuckled. “Exactly my thinking. Oh, I have brownies.”

I crossed over to where I had left my backpack on the chair. Unzipping it, I pulled out two foil-wrapped brownie trays.

Alice grinned. “Well, we know what we’re having for dessert. Do you want dinner?” she asked as she leaned over and opened a lower cabinet, coming out with a scoop of dog food that she promptly dumped into a bowl by the wall.

Honey gobbled up her food while I replied, “You don’t need to cook for me every night.”

“Jonah, we’re friends. I like to cook for myself. You can cook for me another night. Let’s not be weird.”

“Don’t you think it’s weird that my grandmother’s trying to set us up and forcing me on you?”

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