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Honestly, I didn’t mean to leave him holding the bag in a public humiliation ritual, even if I don’t love him and barely tolerate his existence.
But a big, nasty confrontation with my lame ex feels like the last thing I need to worry about. Holden hasn’t ever shown much passion for anything besides his crypto portfolio or his dad’s mixer events with the rich and famous.
“Well, I imagine he’s bringing his ego, which could be just as dangerous. No one gets why you left, by the way. Like, I think I do, but”—her voice turns deeply sarcastic—“whowouldn’twant to sign away their life to a catch like the glorious Holden Corban?”
“You’ve got me.”
“Anyway,” Lyssie says, and I can hear a microwave ding in the background that makes me smile. She has this gorgeous apartment with a fabulous kitchen, but she prefers instant meals and junk food over real cooking. “Tell me everything that’s happened since you’ve been gone. At least tell me you found a cool hideout?”
Unfortunately, like it’s done a thousand times since he left, my mind jumps back to Archer and the way he pinned me to the wall and kissed my soul out. My toes scrunch up.
“The hideout is really nice. Just a little dull since I haven’t been out much. What makes you think much has happened?”
“Um, your choice. Spill it, girl. Do you already have a rebound dude? Is he hot?”
Oh, God.
“What? No!” Unless Archer Rory decides hewantsto be my secret lover. I don’t think I’d mind rebounding with him one bit.“I didn’t run away from the wedding because I’m in love with someone else or dying to hook up with randos, Lyssie.”
“Okay, good. I would’ve been so pissed if you hadn’t told me first.” Her lips smack between words as she chews. Knowing her, it’s probably one of the instant pho cups she heats up or a giant frozen burrito, her usual obsessions. “So what’s going on with you? No rebound man?”
“I’m not that lucky. Things are… kinda complicated.” That’s true enough. “Dad cut me off from my trusts, so it isn’t peachy on the money front.”
“Oh, what! Oh, shit. Winnie, do you need me to send you a little extra? I don’t mind. I know you’ll pay me back. And even if you can’t for a while—”
“No, it’s cool. Actually, the guy who owns this place let me stay here for free. He’s really generous.”
“Guy?” I swear Lyssie has a superhuman antenna for sniffing out entire volumes from words, and she latches on immediately. “Pleasetell me he’s hot and this is a sexy roommate situation.”
“No flipping way.” But there’s alsono wayI can effectively lie my way out of this one. I close my eyes. “If you insist, he’s handsome, I guess. So there.”
“You’retotallycrushing. I can tell. That’s exciting, Winnie.”
“Liar. You’re just saying that becauseyouwant the sexy illicit roommate situation. Me, I’m happy to keep him at a distance.”
“You suck so much,” she says flatly. “So, he’s hotandnice and he’s not staying overnight. Why is he letting you stay there for free? Are you sleeping with him?”
“Lyssie,no. It’s not like that at all.” I inhale slowly. “There are bees here. I’m staying on as their official beekeeper for the time being.”
“…bees.” Dead silence until she speaks again. “Lady, if you were anyone else, I’d know you’re making it up. Ugh.” There’s real disappointment in her voice.
“No, it’s a good thing.” I launch into telling her about the purple honey and what a cool experience this is.
Everything I ever wanted, even if I am leaving a big heap of chaos at home burning in my wake.
“Okay, fine,” she says, amused. “The purple honey sounds cool enough, so I know you’re having fun. Just lay low until I can visit, okay? And whatever you do, keep it light. Maybe your hot landlord guy can help with more than just your glow in the dark honey.”
“Don’t push it, Lyssie.”
She laughs. “Okay, whatevs. I’ll leave you to your hot girl beekeeper life and buzz off. Just remember, older guys can befun.”
My face heats.
“How did you even know he’s older?”
“Oh, let’s call it intuition.”
I call it freaky.