Page 27

Yep. Just another minute. I gritted my teeth. I’d already made it awkward with Anya. She wanted a friend. Telling myself I could be that friend and believing it were two entirely different hobbies. Especially now that I’d finally searched the motto Gran wanted me to adopt: RUN NAKED AND TALK DIRTY.

Subtle, Gran was not. And while I applauded her commitment to getting me laid, I wanted more than sex. Sleeping with women had never come easy to me. Men carried the reputation for wanting disposable, easy sex, but a lot of women were no different. I wasn’t built that way. Trust took time. Intimacy tooktime. Which made it incredibly out of character that I'd tried to rush things with Anya.

The fridge beeped, reminding me I was driving up Violet and Anya’s power bill with each dirty thought. I grabbed what I needed and bumped it closed, just in time for Anya to emerge from the bathroom on a cloud of steam. Like an angel. Of death. Or at least the death of my good intentions.

I forced a smile, trying to look casual and not like I’d been imagining her naked. Her slick skin. Rosy curves. My throat felt like sandpaper. I swallowed, trying to produce moisture instead of just imagining it on her body. Every muscle felt taut, ready to spring into action and live out my fantasies.

“You look refreshed.”

Getting out the words with some pretense of cool should earn me an award. Brother of the Year. Roommate of the Decade. Friend of Anya.

“Thanks. Need any help?”

So much help. But not any she seemed interested in providing.

“Nope. Relax. Enjoy the couch before I take it over.”

She chuckled, the sound reaching into my chest and grabbing my guts in a vise. She was warm, soft, and oh-so-kissable right now. I shifted my gaze, aware I was staring at her mouth. Pink and lush, turned up in a gentle smile. It almost begged me to touch.

“You’re a glutton for punishment. Have you started looking for someplace else to live yet, or are you hoping your grandma will relent?”

Picturing Gran was the cold shower I needed to refocus.

“Honey, the only word to describe Gran is relentless. I have better odds of sprouting wings and nesting with the federally protected murder birds than I do of getting back into the farmhouse.”

She laughed, shaking her head. “Federally protected murder birds?”

“The eagles. They’re always harassing my mom’s chickens.”

“The first time I ever saw one was here in Eagle Cove,” Anya said, her lips turning up at the corners. “They are majestic.”

“Andmean.Kind of like Gran. To answer your question, yes, I started looking at listings. My luck would have been better if I started a few months ago.”

“Yeah. What kind of property or living situation are you looking for?”

“One that doesn’t rely on the whims of an octogenarian.”

Anya chuckled, the soft sound making me smile. “Are you going to rent or buy?”

“Probably rent at first. Assuming I can find anything.”

“I’ll put out some feelers with my students, see what they know.”

“Thanks, Anya.” I held up my pinched fingers. “I’m this close to putting up a post onWhat’s New, Friday Harborbegging.”

She giggled. “That’s a post I’d like to see.” She chortled. “That’s a post I’d like towrite.”

I rolled my eyes. “Get in line. I’m sure Vi would like a shot at assassinating my character for the entire island to gloat over. I can see it now: thirty-something hermit seeking new rock to crawl under.”

“Aw, Drew. You’re too hard on yourself. I’m sure you’ll find something nice.”

“Beforeor afterI wear out my welcome here?”

Her expression sobered. Her fingers fluttered at my wrist. Like she wanted to touch but wasn’t sure of her welcome.

“We wouldn’t kick you out.” She probably meant to be reassuring, but it sent my pulse galloping like a wild stallion.

“Speak for yourself.” Anya flinched. Vi’s words startled us both. I’d been too engrossed in Anya to hear her open the backdoor. Casually, I stepped away from Anya, meeting my sister’s assessing gaze.