Page 81 of The Edge of Summer

“What?”

“Let me see your phone. If he doesn’t take the hint from you, maybe he’ll take it from your boyfriend.”

Hold on.

Time stops and I freeze.Am I having a heart attack right now?It’s highly possible. My grip on my phone loosens, and he plucks it out of my hand, answering it. My jaw is firmly on the floor as I watch Luke listen to whatever shit Mitchell is spewing on the other line.

“Delilah is no longer your concern,” he says. “She’s moved on, and I suggest you do the same.”

She’s moved on. I certainly have, and I’m beginning to realize I’ve reached the point of no return. I am firmly going down withthis ship.

Luke’s jaw tightens as Mitchell says something. I want to tell him not to bother—to hang up the phone and forget about it all. My ex is relentless and doesn’t take kindly to suggestions.

“I’m only going to say this once,” he then says, his voice low. “You better lose this fucking number. Stop texting and calling my girl. She’s with me now, and you need to accept that.”

Hiswhat? My eyes remain saucers as Luke hangs up the phone. He fiddles around on the screen and then tries to hand it back to me. I don’t take it. My whole body feels like Jell-O.

When he realizes that I’m a little stupefied, he takes it upon himself to slide my phone into my back pocket. “I blocked his number. Let’s hope he’s not desperate enough to get another one.”

“What, um—” I swallow, my mouth suddenly dry. “What just happened?”

And why did I like it so much?I haven’t ever been anyone’s girl, but it hits me now—I like the thought of being his. I think I want to be his.

“A little lie to get him off your back.”

I can’t help the disappointment that slams into me.Of course. My foolish heart ran away with my brain. He didn’t mean it. Empty words meant to throw Mitchell off. Just alittle lie. But I was unprepared. I didn’t think it would hurt this much.

I swallow, trying to rid myself of the emotion beginning to bubble up. “Well, thanks for trying.”

He frowns. “Is something wrong?”

I shake my head. “No, it’s— I’m fine. I have to get back to work.”

Slowly, he nods. “Alright. I’ll see you later?”

“Yeah,” I say with a placating smile.

But as he reaches for me, I slip away.

CHAPTER

THIRTY

LUKE

“Where do you want this, Chief?”Connor asks, holding up a poster reminding people to change their smoke detector batteries.

Along with all the goddamned paperwork, a good portion of my job consists of overseeing the department’s public education programs. When one of the summer camps on the island reached out to book a station tour, we decided that an open house would be more beneficial. Now anyone in the community can stop in and learn more about what we do besides put out fires. About half our volunteers are on deck today to assist with the activities. Hopefully, there won’t be any call outs while all the kids are here.

“Over there is fine,” I reply, pointing across the room.

Jodi sidles up beside me, nudging my shoulder. “Lookin’ good, Chief.”

I arch a brow. “Me or the station?”

She rolls her eyes and I chuckle. “Is Mayor Otis coming today?” she asks, ignoring my question.

I nod. “Unfortunately. I’m sure I’ll be getting an earful about one thing or another.”