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Dempsey: Dad spooked you. I get that. Don’t shut me out, though, babe.
Babe.
My eyes water and a ball of emotion clogs my throat. Of course the first time I actually feel attraction and connection to a man, it’s the wrong one for me. Is that how Rhiannon felt when she got with Lenny? Mom with Dad? Are we all doomed in the Thurman family to fall for guys who’ll destroy our lives?
Dempsey isn’t anything like Lenny or Dad, but us having a relationship still hurts people. Specifically my best friend. I can still remember the prickly way she was toward me when she thought we were simply texting. As friends. If she knew we’d been kissing, she’d be disgusted with me.
Plus, I’m old and jaded.
Dempsey is young. He’s going to college. There’re thousands of girls in this town who would literally drop to their knees at his feet to worship him. He’s a Park after all. They’re basically gods around here. Gods and mere mortals like myself don’t have any business playing together.
I want to let him know it’s not him. It’s me. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with Dempsey. He’s gorgeous, talented, funny, and incredibly sweet. He’s a total catch.
For someone else.
With a heavy, resigned sigh, I text him back.
Me: Been busy. Talk soon.
It’s another blowoff message, but hopefully, he realizes I need time. Maybe indefinitely.
Dempsey: Tara likes caramel macchiatos too. She says I’m going to have to show up a lot earlier if I want to make sure you get your coffee before you head out on patrol. Maybe I should show up at your house.
A smile tugs at my lips. He’s persistent, I’ll give him that. But I’m not supposed to think his persistence is cute.
Me: Thanks for the attempt. I really do appreciate it. Demps, I need time right now. Please.
The dots move and stop a few times before he replies.
Dempsey: I’ll always wait for you.
This time, tears do form and I hastily swipe them away. I’m Sloane Thurman—emotionless, robot cop. I don’t cry over texts. I know I’ve been on my period all week, but damn. These feelings are too much.
When my phone rings, my heart patters wildly. Except when I look down, I don’t see Dempsey’s name on the screen. I see his mother’s.
Is this how it goes down?
She’ll confront me over the phone after having a week to cool off her anger? This could be good news. Maybe not all is lost. There’s no doubt in my mind Nathan tattled to her. He’s always despised me because I’m a reminder of where Jamie came from. The gutter. His princess has a pet rat and he can’t stand it.
“Hello?” I croak out, the emotions from earlier still lingering.
“Sloane? What’s wrong? Is Kaden okay?”
Her concern is jarring. I’d been expecting a frigid greeting. Not the same, usual care she’s always shown me since we were pre-teens.
“I’m fine,” I say quickly. “Thai food. Spicy.”
“You hate Thai food,” she says with a chuckle. “You mean to tell me Aisha gets her way sometimes? Where was that generous heart when we were kids?”
Okay…so this is weird.
She’s being nice.
Maybe Nathan didn’t say anything to her.
Relief floods through me and I exhale sharply.
“She’s convincing,” I say lightly. “What’s up?”
