“What else? Though I’d say he’s more the egg’s bodyguard than mine.”
Nice one, Cleo. Smooth.
You know what, screw it. “But actually… he’s become a bit more than that. I’m not sure anymore, to be honest. It’s crazy.”
“Crazy good, you mean.” She doesn’t gasp or stare in horror; she just sips her drink calmly. “See, I called it.”
“What do you mean, called it? Called what? You haven’t seen me since… what? When you got back from your honeymoon?”
She waves a hand. “All I’m saying is, I knew this would happen. I mean, look at you. Look athim. Stuck together in close quarters since Gramps left you this big wild responsibility. Youhadto know what was coming.”
“Margot, he used tobabysitme.”
I’m being defensive and dumb.
“Yeah, but it’s not like you’re still a kid.” Her smile curls wickedly. “You don’t look anything like you used to back then, so there’s nothing creepy about it.”
“No, but…” I sigh. “How did you know?”
“Kane. One minute, we were strangers tossed together from a rental snafu, and the next we—”
“You started a no-strings-attached friends-with-benefits situation?”
“I—” She squints at me. “No, not quite. But we didn’t put a label on it either. Is that what you guys are?”
“Um, no!” I look away and cough awkwardly. “We haven’t really discussedwhatwe are, but it’s temporary. It’s just—it’s casual.”
My face must be hell-red.
There’s a quiet desperation in my voice.
“And it’s also a secret,” I say, just in case she wants to blab to anyone like Kane or Ethan. “I don’t want Kit finding out.”
“Wait, who’s Kit?”
“His daughter.” I give another sigh, inwardly this time.
“Holden has adaughter?” She’s yelling.
“Margot! Inside voice.”
“But we’re outside. No one cares.” She gestures at the park across the street. “I could yell that you’re sleeping with him to the entire city, and no one would look twice.” She cups her hands to her mouth like she’s about to, and I grab her wrist.
“Don’t you dare!”
We both burst into laughter as I fight her.
“You suck so much. But thanks, I needed that trip back to high school,” I say.
“Totally did. Now, give me tea.” Her eyes gleam with mischief. “Whose kid is it? Was he married?”
“It doesn’t matter. She’s only ten and she’s so sweet. And no, he’s not married. He’s not involved with anyone anymore.”
“Don’t you count? I’d say that’s involved.” She reads my face like a book.
“We’re not—”
“But youare. I can see it in your eyes. You’ve caught feelings.”
