Page 83 of Falling Back to You

“Says the man with commitment issues,” I huffed, and he stiffened. There was only one woman who’d nearly gotten him to settle down a couple years ago, but something happened. And Van remained decidedly close-mouthed about it. I blew out a breath. “It’s not me who’s reluctant about rekindling things.”

“Ah”—Max sat back in his seat—“she’s not ready.”

“We have a history. And I’m not sure she’s forgiven herself for what happened.”

“Was it her fault?” Max asked.

I shrugged. “We both could have done things differently.”

“So what’s the problem?” Van spread his hands wide. “Woo the woman. Flowers, chocolate, date night, and kiss her. Definitely kiss her. But only if you’re playing for keeps.”

Jamie eyed him. “You’re smart sometimes.”

Van grinned smugly. “I know. Women like a smart man.”

“And now I’m back to wanting to punch your face,” Jamie grumbled.

“That’s just a default setting. Everyone wants to hit him,” Max said around a bite of croissant. “But back to the matter at hand. Show her you’re serious about her.”

I sighed. These guys were young, none of them older than twenty-five. Did that make me the geezer of the group? Absolutely. Alongside Myles.

But maybe they had a point.

The Core Charge Text Thread

VAN:

Now taking suggestions for the Cal and Noelle ship.

BROOKS:

That’s hardly fair since I didn’t get to meet her yesterday.

JAMIE:

You picked the wrong day to go to the dentist, Brooksy.

BROOKS:

Shut it, Jam-Jam.

MYLES:

Boys.

AARON:

Hold up. Cap got together with the girl who got away? How did I miss this?

VAN:

You should have stuck with us instead of heading to Boston.

AARON:

Yes, keeping with your romantic drama is the sole reason I regret moving. *eye roll emoji*

MAX: