Page 126 of The Friends and Rivals Collection

PERRI

The blackboard. That’s it. That’s the answer.

My kitchen has been the nexus of our relationship, from the cooking to the late-night encounters to the blackboard.

“The thing is, I need to make sure he’ll see the blackboard, and I’m not sure if he’s home,” I say to Vanessa as she drives. “Plus, if he’s home, I’ll have to slip in.”

Arden waggles her phone. “Hello? It’s called a phone. You use it to call him and tell him to check out the blackboard.”

“Gee, thanks. I hadn’t thought of calling him.”

But truth be told, I hadn’t. Derek and I have never been a phone couple. Or a texting one, for that matter. Our connection ignited when I pulled him over, and it sparked and sizzled in person, at the farmers market, in the waffle truck, and then in our home.

I don’t think we’ve ever once dirty-texted each other. Or flirty-texted each other. We haven’t needed to. But now I desperately need to tell him something, so I dial his number.

He answers on the first ring. “Hey, you.” His voice, and his almost term of endearment, hooks into me.

“There’s something in the kitchen for you. Or rather, there’s going to be shortly. Any chance you’ll be home soon?”

“I can be home in fifteen.”

I glance at the GPS in Vanessa’s car. “Make it thirty.”

“Thirty it is.” He sounds hopeful.

I feel hopeful. “Bye, Derek.”

Hanging up, I tap my foot against the floor of the car, willing Vanessa to go faster while, of course, obeying the speed limit.

Soon enough, we arrive at my house. I run to the back door and dart inside while Vanessa keeps watch in the driveway. I grab the chalkboard and leave a message.

I don’t want to text him my invitation.

I don’t want to discuss tonight on the phone.

I want to give him my truth and see if he’ll receive it.

Grabbing some clothes, I fly out of the house, slide back into Vanessa’s car, and head for her place.

I get ready in a flurry, taking a quick shower, pulling on jeans and heels, sliding into a green top, and blow-drying my hair.

A little makeup, mascara, and pink gloss complete the look.

My heart hammers at rocket speed, and I take several breaths to calm myself.

But I’m ready. I’m doing this. I’m going to walk into the hotel ballroom and let that man know he’s a thief.

He’s stolen the biggest piece of my heart that anyone has ever had. And he can keep it.