The uncomfortable ache over my sternum only worsened.Sleeping together. I hated how that sounded. But what else were we really doing? We weren’t dating. We were secrets and lies. Rivals to the outside world, sniping on social media, starting fake arguments at trivia night, and bickering for fun at bonfires, while we stole glances and touches where we could find them.
We were somethingelsebehind closed doors. Something that had become soft and comfortable without me noticing. The longest non-relationship I’d ever managed.
I was frustrated and overthinking when I opened the door to my bedroom.
Brady spun around from his place by the window and made a sound I would have gladly teased him about if I hadn’t been suddenly bitter and angry for no damn reason I could pinpoint.
He was still naked, with a pillow in front of his middle.
“Why didn’t you get dressed while I was gone?” I said.
Brady blinked like I was an idiot and then motioned in my direction with his free hand. “Did you want me to grab something out of your closet?”
“Oh, right.” I was wearing all of his clothes.
We did a frantic clothing swap while I explained that we had only a few minutes to get him out the back door and to my Jeep while my grandparents were occupied. I told him we could switch cars later. I failed to mention that my grandmother was in on everything. I figured Brady would vote for an introduction and eggs if he had that tidbit of information.
We managed to sneak down the stairs and out through the sunroom. Pausing briefly, we took in the bears’ destruction from the previous night. It was unapologetic in the light of day, bits of plastic birdfeeder scattered and the iron pole that once held it bent to an unnatural angle.
“Damn,” Brady said.
“I’ll pick up another one this weekend,” I said with a sigh. “Let’s go.”
We hurried to where my Jeep was parked near the side of the house. I pushed the keys into his hand as his lips pressed against my forehead.
“I’ll text you later,” he said before sliding into the Jeep. “Look at us. Doing covert spy shit.”
I chuckled and shook my head, the irritation from earlier draining away as I watched him grin from behind the wheel of my car.
“I’ll see you later, you maniac.”
It wasn’t until that afternoon when I got home from work that my grandmother was able to corner me.
I’d planned to slink up to my room and get ready for my birthday party, but she popped out from the half bath on the first-floor hallway and scared the shit out of me.
“Jesus,” I gasped, grabbing my chest.
“Good. You’re home.” She grinned, white teeth flashing. She looked so innocent with a sleek gray bob, pleated trousers, and a cardigan set. But I knew better.
“You’re a menace,” I said, walking into the kitchen.
“I know. I want to show you something.”
I eyed my grandmother warily as she led me toward the sunroom. Then it clicked. The birdfeeder. The damage from the bear last night.
“Sorry, I forgot to tell you,” I said, still following her. “Your little friend stopped by with two babies in tow and destroyed your ...” My words trailed off as the backyard came into view. The broken pieces that had been scattered around were gone. In their place stood a brand-new pole—sturdier-looking than the previous one—with a replacement birdfeeder on top. Three starlings were gathered around, pecking at the new offerings while a squirrel hopped beneath, content to grab what the birds dropped.
“A nice boy brought that by and left it on the front porch,” Grandma said.
I cut my gaze to hers, eyes wide.
She smirked. “He looked very familiar. In fact, I’m pretty sure he was the Judd boy from across the street. The one who accused you of vandalizing their property.”
My heart was beating very fast all of a sudden. “You should have your eyes checked,” I managed, pretty proud of myself.
Grandma just cackled, utterly entertained. “I stopped him before he could leave and introduced myself. He said he was delivering for Burke’s Hardware. He gave me a fake name that I’m relatively sure was a character in a James Bond film.”
I groaned, and she laughed again.
