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Megan smiled. “And now you’re updated.”

“Sounds exciting and complicated.”

“It’s both. She’s taken over my thoughts lately, and everythingis so different with her. We’re so different. It’s jarring in a really good way.”

“Preoccupation when it comes to women is not something I’m accustomed to witnessing in you. But I now suspect you’re a smitten little minx of a kitten.” A pause. “But how are you handling it all? Not about to run for the hills, are you? Don’t get spooked. This is new ground, letting someone in.”

“I understand. I do, but I’m actually holding steady. I’m happy, Kels. It feels really good to let my guard down. But there are some moments when…I freak the hell out. What if I let myself go there with her, and then it’s over?”

“We don’t know that’s gonna happen.”

“But there’s a chance. I don’t want to end up one of those brokenhearted people calling into radio stations.” Megan stared at the wall as she shook her head. “And who would have ever predicted that I’d fall for abride? Never in a million years would I have imagined this could happen. I’m not proud of that part.”

Kelsey’s dark eyes met hers knowingly. “As someone who has fallen for the most unavailable people on the planet, I can identify with how you feel.”

“See? And look how that’s worked out for you.” Kelsey’s string of relationships, even the ones that she put her heart and soul into, had all crashed and burned in monumental ways. “Reminds me of that woman who said you’d changed her whole world.”

“And then went back to her ex-girlfriend two weeks later? Yeah. That one was rough.”

“It sounds eerily familiar. That could happen to me.”

“No, no, no. Do not backslide or allow my bad luck to interfere with the happy little thing you have going. Allison strikes me as a sincere and forthright person.” She sat back. “I don’t get the vibe that she’d yank you around. Don’t let her scare you.”

“I can’t help it. It’s like I have one foot on the sidelines.” She covered her heart. “She’s been honest from the start, but if I’m also being honest, I think she’s lost and maybe confused, too.”

“Well, the highest profile engagement in Dallas just came crumbling down at her feet.” Kelsey sipped her drink. “Not sure I blame her. My advice? Give her time, and take some for yourself. What’s the rush?”

“What’s the rush?” Megan repeated, nonchalant. “I like that.”

“If I’ve learned fucking anything, it’s that time reveals all things.”

She touched her now empty glass to Kelsey’s in cheers. “I’m going to hell for two on a weeknight, but let’s order another.”

“I like you better now already.” Kelsey flashed a smile and signaled the bartender.

Chapter Eleven

Allison moved about her empty classroom early that Friday morning, preparing for the math-a-thon her students had been studying for all week—essentially, a series of math games, in which the class would divide into two teams for friendly competition. The rules stated that as long as everyone tried hard and behaved with good sportsmanship, both teams would share in the lunchtime pizza party that would follow. The winners, however, got bragging rights.

“You look happy,” Lacey said, popping her head around the door to Ally’s classroom. “That’s a positive sign.”

She smiled. “It’s math-a-thon day and hours from the weekend. How could I not be?”

Lacey came farther into the room and politely pulled the door closed behind her. “I was just texting with my kid sister, Luna. She works at this cute little bookshop, and her boss just got engaged to this famous romance novelist who came in for a signing. Talk about fate.”

“How crazy. And romantic. I love that.”

“Right?” A pause. “Forgive me for dropping in on you, but—”

“I drop in on you all the time. Demand things. I even text you at home, badgering you for advice. So what can I do for you?”

“Just wanted to see if you had any file folders? I’m completely out.”

“File folders?” Allison raised an eyebrow. “Sure, you can steal a box, but they have tons in the supply room.” She thought for a moment. “Which is actually closer to your classroom than walking all the way to fourth grade. You’re caught in a lie and now must confess all.” Ally folded her arms.

“Fine.” Lacey blinked. “I was just taking the long way, actually, and, thinking about the bookshop romance, was wondering how things were going with Megan.”

“Lacey Turner of the fifth grade!”