Page 60 of Tangled Up

“Just write it down,” she orders. “And number five, the most important reason of all, he’s totally into you. You’d have to be blind not to see it.”

More warm fuzzies flood my stomach, and I take another sip of wine. Then my eyes land on my college graduation picture tacked to Aunt Viv’s refrigerator. It’s an instant splash of cold water.

“I thought he was totally into me before college.”

“Stop being Debbie Downer! He’s not a child anymore. He’s a grown man, and he knows what he wants. You.”

My heart wants it to be true so much. “Let’s move to the cons. For starters, he broke my heart, and as much as I want to, I can’t trust him not to do it again.”

“How can you be sure? People change, Carly.”

“I’m writing it down.”

“Is that one item or two?”

“Two.”

She exhales loudly. “Fine. But that’s it. What else is there to add to the list?”

“That’s enough.”

“Look, those are significant cons, but he’s your brother’s best friend. He’s known you since you were a tween, and he loves you. Your pro list far outweighs your con.”

“Maybe.” I stare at the sheet of paper divided into two columns. I re-read the items on each list. “But if we weighted these, the con list would be heavier.”

“Did you add the things I just said to the pro list?”

“No.” My voice is quiet.

“I think you’re afraid. Henry would kick his ass if he ever hurt you again—if I didn’t kick it first—and I just really don’t think he will. I think he’s playing for keeps this time.”

Chewing my lip, I’m listening. “He’s got a lot of proving to do.”

“Okay…” Her voice goes softer. “Just don’t make it too hard for him.”

“Whose side are you on?” I toss the pen on the bar.

“I’m on whichever side will get you back home so we can grow old together.”

That makes me laugh, and I shake my head. “I love you.”

“I love you more.”

I tap the red circle to disconnect and rip the sheet of paper out of the notebook. Last thing I need is for Aunt Viv to see “good in bed” on her grocery list. Holding the wine, I take another, longer sip as I listen to the next song on my playlist. It’s an oldie we used to dance to when we were teens, “Crazy” by Aerosmith.

Closing my eyes, I lift my arms over my head and sway side to side. “I go crazy for you baby…”

“Good song.” A deep voice comes through the screen door, and I squeal, almost dropping my wine. It’s followed by a low chuckle that tingles my insides. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”

My heart beats like a rabbit in my chest, faster at the sight of him on the other side of the screen, smiling that dimpled grin and watching me with hunger in his eyes.

“What are you doing here?” I’m breathless, and my fingers tremble as I walk over to turn the volume down on my phone.

“Don’t turn it down.” His eyes trace down my body, and I know it’s the wine, but it melts my insides like butter in the sun. “I was out for a walk, and I saw your lights on. Can I come in?”

“I don’t know.” Walking slowly from the bar to the door, I stop at the screen and look up at him. “What are your intentions?”

His eyes darken, and they drift down to my lips and back up again. “Where’s your aunt?”

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