My heart—and my mind—were with Boxer. I didn’t like how we’d left things. Even as lovers, our last interaction had made me feel like we were adversaries.
Was I doomed forever, unable to open up?
I was just getting settled into my car when my phone rang.
Peyton.
Before I picked up, I took a deep breath. “Hello?”
“So…” Peyton began.
“So?”
“Why did a biker who wasn’t your boyfriend show up where you worked last night?”
“You’re going right for it, aren’t you?”
Crow and South Paw were on the porch, watching me. I waved at them, and they waved back. I shoved the key into the ignition and turned on the engine.
“You never texted to tell me you weren’t coming to Tony’s, so I know something happened. So, what happened?”
“I can’t tell you,” I said quietly.
“You can’t or won’t?”
“Can’t,” I insisted. “I would if I could, I swear.”
She paused and then sighed. “Just tell me if everyone is okay? That guy looked pretty intense.”
“Zip,” I said, supplying his name. “And yeah, everyone’s fine.”
“What about you?”
“What about me?”
“Areyoufine?”
I leaned over and pressed my forehead to the steering wheel. “I’m fine. But I think I’m crazy.”
“Why are you crazy?”
“For sticking around. I mean, Boxer’s abiker. That’s asking for trouble. I’m stupid. Aren’t I?”
Her light chuckle came through the phone. “No. You’re in love.”
I sighed. “Same thing.”
“You didn’t even deny it.”
“Who are we kidding at this point?”
“You know what I think?”
“What do you think?” I repeated.
“I think you should stop fighting what youthinkyou should do, and instead you should follow your heart.”
“Follow my heart.” I sighed. “Yeah. If only I was good at that. Peyton?”