Page 93 of Just Between Us

Her brows rise. “Yeah?”

A nod is all Josie gets as my mind drifts to Cassie. I’ve been putting in the work, busting my ass to do everything Ben’s asked of me. Sure, I’ve had my setbacks. And I’m a far cry from what most would consider fixed, whatever the hell that means. Is anybody ever really fixed? For me it’s more like the clouds have parted just enough for me to see a sliver of sunlight.

Which is why I’ve kept things simple with Cassie the last several weeks. I had to. Admitting to her that I have feelings was a start, though. We’ve seen each other some, mostly at the diner, and I’ve ended it with a kiss. But I don’t know how much longer either of us can last. Each time I’m with her, I feel my restraint slip further and further.

“Shit, that good?” Josie mutters, studying me. “You’ve got this big dumb smile on your face.”

I didn’t even realize I was smiling, but that’s the effect Cassie has on me. It’s like she’s the sunlight, and all I can do is open my eyes and watch her shine.

“There’s so much I want with her, Josie. I’d forgotten what it’s like to see a future with someone.”

I know by the look Josie is giving me that she knows exactly what I mean. She gives me a shrewd assessment for a good fifteen seconds, lips twisted to the side.

“Has Cassie told you about our tiny argument back in January?”

My head rears back. This is the first I’m hearing of this. But in January I was just beginning to find my bearings, so Cassie probably didn’t want to burden me with it.

“No?”

“We’re fine now. No worries. We were fine that same day. But she was pretty pissed at how I’d been treating Tyler. You know how I am. Sometimes I’m too stubborn for my own good.”

I huff a quick laugh. “Nooo, you?”

Josie shoots me the middle finger and goes on. “She told me something that really stuck with me. ‘You don’t have to be fullyhealed from all you’ve been through to accept what Tyler’s offering.’”

“Sounds like something she’d say.”

“Well, it made me think about this romance book I read one time.” I start to roll my eyes, but she gives me that look again and my eyes stay firmly on her. “There is wisdom to be learned from a good romance, Liam. Do you want to hear it or not?”

“I’m all ears.”

“Okay, well, I don’t remember it exactly but this is the gist.” She sits up straighter and clears her throat like she’s about to deliver a speech. “I once thought you could only accept love once you’re fully ready, when everything is aligned. But I’ve learned that’s not entirely true. Now I know that when you find your person, there can be magic amidst the rubble.”

We both fall silent; the only sound is some old country song on the speaker.

“A romance book told you all that?” My voice comes out a little rough around the edges.

“Yep.”

I give a quick shake of my head. “How ’bout that.”

“Don’t.” She points a finger. “Don’t you dare roll your eyes again.”

“I’m not!” Dammit, why does Josie have the bossy big sister voice down pat?

“You were about to be dismissive and I won’t have it.” Her voice carries the authority of someone who’s had this conversation before. “Never discredit the power of a good love story, Liam. People have been trying to make sense of this stuff for centuries. The poets you love so much have tried. My authors are also trying.”

There’s nothing to say to that. Mostly because she’s right, and she knows I know it. Men sailed to Troy and burned it to the ground over a woman.

Josie reaches across the bar and takes both my hands in hers, eyes burning bright. “Liam, love is always a risk. You know thatbetter than anyone. But would you trade a single second of what you had to spare yourself the hurt?” She holds my gaze, eyes boring into mine. “So now that you’ve found something again, grab it with both hands and don’t let go, okay?”

My nose burns as Josie eyes hold mine for a beat, then she gives my hands one last squeeze and drops them while I catch my breath.

“Now, what are your plans today?” she asks, admiring her nails. The change in subject feels like whiplash so it takes me a few seconds to respond.

“To unload the delivery boxes?” There’s an uptick to my response, posing it like a question. What else would I be doing today?

Josie makes a buzzer sound with her mouth, loud and obnoxious. “Wrong answer, my friend. Here is what you’re doing. Today is Valentine’s Day. You will do whatever it is you need to do this morning. Then you’ll spend the afternoon with Cassie. And if you’re smart, you’ll turn it into the evening, too.”