Page 27

When I finish, Ian frowns. “Huh. I didn’t think she was seeing anyone.”
“I didn’t, either.” And the news is fucking with my head.
“I’m willing to bet she has no idea how you feel.”
“Since she sees me living with her as an intrusion, I can’t exactly tell her.”
Ian shrugs. “Then you’ll need to convince her otherwise. Based on what Kami has told me, Mia has never liked Jonathanmeddling in her life. Since you’re his bestie, you’re guilty by association.”
“Exactly. It doesn’t help that I moved in with Mia. As merely her roommate, but…”
“Does Jonathan know?”
I wince. “Not yet.”
“Oh, shit. Dude, when are you going to tell him?”
That’s another wrinkle I need to figure out. “Soon. Just…not now. Once I do, he’ll watch me like a hawk and never let me be alone with Mia again.”
I hate keeping Jonathan in the dark, but there’s no other way.
“Yeah. If I were Mia’s big brother, those are definitely things I’d do.”
I nod. “When Jonathan does find out, I’d rather be the one to tell him.”
“That’s noble, but it probably won’t stop him from wanting to rip your balls off.”
“Not gonna lie. I’m worried about that.”
“What do you plan to do about the boyfriend in the meantime?”
What can I do? I can’t get rid of him, especially if it means losing more of Mia’s trust. “Other than try to spend more time with her, I don’t know.”
“I have a suggestion…but this will take time.”
“I’m open to ideas.” I shrug, drinking more of the liquid goodness.
“Wine and dine her.”
I scowl. “I’m not following.”
“Obviously, with another guy in the picture, you can’t ask her out on a date.”
“Yeah,” I grouse.
“But you can offer her your time.”
“Isn’t that what I’m doing?”
He shakes his head. “Have you ever gone fishing?”
“Once. Not really my thing.”
“But you know that to catch fish you need bait, right?”
“What does this have to do with winning her heart?” I wish he’d get to the point.
“Make her breakfast, help her with her laundry, watch a chick-flick or two with Mia. Be there with and for her. Be friendly, but nottoofriendly. Show her what life would be like if you were her boyfriend, minus the horizontal tango.”