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“No, but it is hot.”
I sigh, but I’m not really annoyed because I understand the need for the fight. The passion and adrenaline. It’s such a blurred line, and we both feed off the bullshit as much as the heat.
“I’ll tell Jess about the break-in if the police find anything.”
He frowns. “I keep calling them about the case but there’s nothing so far. If I see either of them hanging around…”
I run my hand down his chest. “I doubt we will. If it was them, I hid from my parents. I was under my bed.”
“I don’t care who it was or is. Always hide. I’ll find you.”
“If I didn’t know how you meant that it would sound a bit psycho.”
He shakes his head and grins, looking happy, like I’ve just given him head or something. “Let’s go find your aunt.”
“Fine.” I grab his hand and tug him into the kitchen.
Aunt Jess is refilling her glass. She looks up and smiles when she sees us together.
Casper holds onto me like he’s also scared that I’ll disappear. You’d think with the same fears, we’d be better at this.
I put the flower on the counter. “Aunt Jess, I’d like you to officially meet Casper Hart.”
“Oh, come here,” she says, putting her glass down and giving Casper a hug. I’ve been on the receiving end of plenty of those hugs, so I know his ribs are being crushed. He doesn’t complain.
I didn’t realise how much it would mean to me until I watch her accept him. My aunt and uncle are the most important people in my life.
“Are you staying the night, Casper?”
“He is,” I reply, my cheeks aching with joy. “I want you to meet Uncle Bill, too.”
He nods. “I’d like that.”
“Wine or beer?” Aunt Jess asks. “Or something non-alcoholic. We do have soft drinks.”
“Beer would be great, thank you. Ainsley said you’re a teacher. What year?”
“Year two. It’s cute. Lots of missing teeth and a unique view of the world. But tell me about your course. Law has always fascinated me.”
She’s not lying. One of her favourite shows isHow to Get Away with Murder.
I cannot keep the smile off my face as Aunt Jess and Casper chat while she gets him a bottle of Peroni and pops the lid.
She’s warmed to him instantly, despite most of the things I’ve told her. Maybe I should have spoken to her about Casper sooner.
With his beer, he walks around the counter and slips his hand around my waist like it’s the most natural thing in the world—like we do this all the time.
“Does Penelope think I’m a moron?” I ask, leaning into him.
“Probably.”
“Casper.” I slap his chest.
“I’m kidding. No, she doesn’t think you’re a moron. She thinks I am.”
“Oh.” I shrug. “That’s okay, then.”
He smirks. “I knew you’d say that.”
