Page 69 of Somehow You Knew

I think back to our kiss last week, how unexpected it was, how good it felt to feel his lips on mine again.

Howright it felt too.

I’ve kissed a lot of guys, but I’ve never felt the electricity that I have with Gage.

And it’s not just the physical. It’s the way he stands up for me, challenges me, makes me laugh, and anticipate our evenings together after a long day that turns my stomach in knots.

And that’s the number one problem—he said no feelings and I’m already developing them.

“No, I can’t go there, no matter how badly I wonder what he would be like in bed.”

Laney laughs. “If youhadn’tbeen wondering that, I would be more concerned.”

I groan. “This is going to be the longest six months of my life.”

“Hey, you’re already a month and a half in. Just keep doing what you’re doing. If he’s going to be closed off, let him. If he pushes you, push back.”

“Oh, believe me. I have been.”

“And if he wants to go full caveman and protect you from a shitty ex, then let him. Maybe a little danger will make him realize how incredible you are, and then…”

I don’t hear the rest of what she says because Gage walks through the front door, and his eyes immediately lock onto me like I’ve committed a crime.

“Hazel?” His voice comes out tight, edged with suspicion.

“Hey, Laney… I gotta go.”

“Okay, but call me when you two have sex!” she yells through the phone as I scramble to hang up.

I scoop Blueberry from my lap and set him on the ground, standing as Gage steps further inside.

“What the hell is that?” he asks, pointing to the recliner.

I blink dramatically. “This? This is what most people call achair, Gage. It’s a place to sit after a long, hard day.”

His expression remains flat, his tone dripping with disbelief. “Did you get this for me?” He takes a tentative step closer to the recliner, like he’s afraid it might come to life and swallow him whole.

“I did.”

He turns to face me, his green eyes full of something I can’t quite place. “Why?”

“Well, as you know, the thrift store didn’t have any ottomans…so I ordered this instead.”

“That doesn’t answer my question.” He takes another step, closing the space between us. “Whydid you buy this?”

I lift my chin, refusing to break eye contact. “Because I want you to be comfortable here.”

His jaw flexes, and his eyes bounce back and forth between mine for so long, I wonder if we’re going to stand here all night. Finally, he clears his throat, blinking himself back to reality. “You didn’t have to do this.”

I shrug. “I know I didn’t.”

His lips press into a thin line. “Youshouldn’thave done this.”

Crossing my arms, I reply, “When are you going to learn that telling me what to do isn’t going to work out well for you?”

He scoffs and pushes a hand through his hair. “Listen, I’ve told you—I’m leaving as soon as our time is up. You shouldn’t be making decisions based on me.”

“Oh my God, Gage. It’s just a chair.”