Page 259 of Romeo

“What?”

I looked out across the dark parking lot. “Whether you’d actually wear it.”

“Of course I would.”

“Mm.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means now I’m picturing it.”

She went quiet again, and I didn’t have to see her face to know exactly what I’d done.

“One of my shirts,” I continued, letting my voice drop just enough to catch her. “Probably too big on you. Sleeves hanging past where they should. You pretending you only put it on because it was comfortable.”

“Pretending?”

“Definitely.”

“And what would the real reason be?” There was more challenge in her voice now.

I leaned one shoulder against the window frame. “Maybe you like having something of mine close.”

The quick breath came back, softer this time.

That one hit differently.

I smiled, but I didn’t tease her about it.

Fiona recovered first. “Maybe I just like oversized shirts.”

“Then I’m crushed.”

“You’ll survive.”

“Barely.”

She laughed. “You could always bring me one and find out.”

My attention snapped fully back to the conversation.

There were about ten ways I could answer that.

Every one of them would get me in trouble.

“You really should stop using distance to make yourself brave.”

“Who says that’s why I’m brave?”

“I know you, Cher.”

“You think you do.”

“I know you get mouthier when I can’t reach you.”

Her laugh went quiet and teasing. “What are you going to do about it?”

I stared out at the lot for a long second.