Page 61 of Theirs to Hunt (Girls Like Us #1)

Chapter sixty-one

I say it it's simple. Like I haven't been dodging the same damn truth for weeks.

Reagan's looking at me now, really looking. Not with judgment. With that quiet curiosity she gets when she knows there's more under the surface. She cocks her head. "So where are you at with Devon?"

Shit. I lean back against the wall, take a slow sip of my drink, and buy myself two seconds of silence. Not enough. "He's.. steady," I say. "The steady that makes you wonder what he's hiding. But then you realize it's not secrets. It's control."

She nods. "And?"

"And that scares the hell out of me." I glance down.

"I'm used to flash and fire. Quick tempers and faster regrets.

But Devon?" I shake my head. "He watches and waits.

And somehow still knows what I need before I do.

" I pause, mouth twisting. "He doesn't flinch when I'm sharp.

Doesn't chase when I pull away. He just..

" my shoulders go up helplessly, before I know they are doing it, "stays. "

Reagan smiles. "That's hot."

I snort. "It's dangerous." And it is. Because with most men, I've known exactly where the edge was. With Devon? I'm starting to think I'm the one on the ledge.

Reagan looks back toward the table, catches Brooks and Devon both watching us. She turns to me.

"Girl, I love you. This might be the best or the worst advice I ever give you.

But go for it. Don't hold back." Her voice lowers.

"What good is protecting yourself if regret is the only thing keeping you warm at night?

" She nudges my arm. "Men like this don't grow on trees.

Thoughtful. Attentive. Yeah, sometimes assholes.

But it's a balance." Then she smiles. Not the wild reckless I am used to, this is softer and more certain.

"And the fact it happened to both of us at the same time? Feels a gift."

We clink our glasses and turn to face what's next. Like every damn thing we've ever done in our lives, we do it together.