Page 34 of Chapel Bend

“Holy shit, that’s cool,” Wolfe says.

“I know, but act surprised or she’ll kill me.” June sighs. “God, I’m full. Here, do you want this piece of bread?”

I accept the proffered bread and take a bite before realizing that everyone is watching us.

“What?”

“Why are you being so nice to him?” Sarah demands, looking at June. “Are you sick? Do I need to take your temperature?”

“What? No.” June scowls over at me and then back at Sarah. “He just eats everything in sight, and I thought he’d want my bread. That’s all.”

“Maybe June’s just in a good mood,” Wolfe suggests, but I can tell by the look in his eyes that he knows exactly what’s up. “It was a successful day at the chapel.”

“Yeah, enjoy my good mood,” June agrees. “And don’t question it.”

“Okay.” Sarah holds up her hands. “I’m ready for cheesecake.”

“Oh, good call.” Luna jumps up from her seat. “I’ll pass it through to you. I think it’s already cut and everything.”

“This is going to be the best weekendever,” Sarah says.

It’s latewhen Wolfe and Luna start to lockup downstairs and the rest of us head to our assigned rooms. It’sveryconvenient that my room just happens to be right next to June’s, and I have every intention of sneaking into her room to spend time with her. I don’t plan to sleep alone.

“Well,” June says when we reach our doors. “Good night. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Good night,” Sarah calls from down the hall and then giggles when Tanner tugs her into their room and closes the door.

Wolfe and Luna are still locking up downstairs.

“You know, I haven’t seen the inside of that room,” I say and lean on the doorjamb next to June.

“Liar,” she says softly.

“I haven’t seen the inside of that room with you inside it,” I clarify, enjoying the way the soft light of the hallway casts little shadows on her face and shoulders. “Naked.”

“Who says you get to see thatnow?”

“If you’re telling me that I don’t, I’ll go to my own room.” She bites her lip, and I reach out to tug it free with my thumb. “Just tell me no, Juniper.”

“I—”

“Is everything okay down there?”

I turn and see Luna frowning down the hall at us. Wolfe’s trying to pull her toward their room, but Luna won’t budge.

“We’re fine,” I assure her. “I was just escorting Miss Snow to her quarters, being the gentleman that I am.”

“Good night,” June says and slips into her room, closing the door behind her.

“Have a good sleep,” Luna says to me and then follows Wolfe into their room.

I stare at June’s door for a minute. I could just go inside, but she didn’t exactly invite me in before Luna interrupted.

We’ve had a good evening—possibly the most civil evening of our lives, and I wonder if my pushing the idea would ruin it.

But, Christ, I want her.

“Don’t overthink it,” I mumble before turning the doorknob. When I open the door, June’s standing on the other side as if she were about to come getme.“Hi there.”

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