“Just because I’m not interested doesn’t mean I don’t like to learn. I didtryto prepare for this internship. It’s a good opportunity, and I don’t do things half-assed.”
He shook his head with a smile, accelerating as he drove us onto the highway. The radio played softly in the background, some country song about hot days and warm nights. His taste in music hadn’t changed.
“So, Sumner, tell me what you’ve been up to. Catch me up on the past few years.”
“You act like you’re offended that I didn’t call or something,” I teased, feeling more comfortable now that we were away from the office. If I closed my eyes, I was fifteen again.
“We used to be close. At least, I thought we were. I haven’t seen you since you graduated high school. A lot has changed.”
“Yeah. The last time I saw you, you didn’t have a New York office, and you were engaged.”
He stared straight ahead, and I immediately regretted mentioning his ex. I placed my hand over his and said, “I’m sorry,” in a soft voice.
“That was a long time ago.” He shook his head, and I quickly removed my hand. But then he said, “And you were headed to MIT, ready to take over the world of online marketing. Yet you graduated with a degree in brain and cognitive sciences.”
I stared at the passing scenery. “Things change. People change.”
“Well, I’m glad you’re back.” He smiled, and I took the hint and changed the subject.
I told him about living in Boston and how cold the winters were. We discussed some of my classes and our favorite podcasts. It wasnice.
I stared at the road, watching as the asphalt faded beneath us while trying to ignore the heat emanating from him. I’d told myself he was a childhood crush, nothing more. But seeing Jonathan again had brought all these feelings rushing back. I pushed them away just as quickly. I was focused on my future. I’d been distracted by a man before, and I wouldn’t let it happen again.
Chapter Six
“Hey, man,” Ian said when I opened the front door. “Lea’s grabbing a few things out of the car. I hope it’s okay—I invited Sumner.”
“Of course.” I opened the door wider, welcoming him in. “It’s always nice to see her.”
Ian, Lea, and I often got together for a weekend meal. I provided the groceries, Ian brought the booze, Lea cooked. It suited me just fine.
Once the door closed, he asked, “So, how’s it going with Sumner?”
“Great.” I took one of wine from him and carrying it through to the kitchen.
“Good.” He sighed. “Good. She seems to be enjoying herself, and I’m glad this is working out so well.”
I studied my friend as he glanced around, wondering why he’d felt the need to lie to both Sumner and me, setting us up to “help each other.” It seemed more like something Lea would do, and I wondered if she was the true architect of this plan. I was positive it wasn’t another one of her matchmaking schemes, but still…it made me wonder.
The front door opened, the alarm chiming with it. “Hello,” Lea called out, interrupting my thoughts.
“In here.” Ian opened a drawer, grabbing the corkscrew before opening the bottle.
“Hey, Jonathan,” Lea said, giving me a hug.
“Hey.” I smiled but faltered when I saw Sumner standing behind her.
I’d grown accustomed to seeing her at the office this past week. We’d gone to lunch a few times, and it felt as if no time had passed at all. And while she was the same girl I’d known, she wasn’t a girl anymore. Even so, working together hadn’t prepared me for this version of Sumner. She was relaxed. Happy. The sun kissing her shoulders and cheeks, her dress revealing large expanses of skin that had remained covered up at the office. Forget dinner; I wanted to swipe my tongue along her collarbone, sink my teeth into her neck.
I quickly pushed away the thought, my eyes darting toward Ian and Lea. Neither seemed to have noticed my reaction to Sumner, even though I felt as if it were displayed above my head in neon lights. Warning: Dangerous Attraction.
“Hey.” Sumner waved, flashing me a sheepish grin. “Sorry for crashing the party.”
“Oh please,” I teased, pulling her into my side and telling myself to act normal. All the while, the contact with her skin made me feel like a live wire. “It’s nice not to be the third wheel for once.”
She laughed. “I feel you. Try living with these two.” She hooked her thumb in the direction of Ian and Lea. He had his hands on her waist, his lips hovering near her ear. We didn’t exist for all they cared.
“You could’ve stayed with your mom,” Ian said, never taking his eyes off his wife.
