Page 41 of Falling for the Enemy

Once out of the woods, they walked along the coast, enjoying the sea breeze and the soft whisper of night crawlers chirping from the reeds. “Dinner was good tonight.”

“Yeah,” Jocelyn agreed. “Can’t go wrong with tacos.”

They moved at a casual pace. “So, this guy you’re banging, anyone special?”

“I knew you weren’t going to let that go.”

“Why the secrecy?”

She was silent for several steps. “It’s not secrecy if there is nothing notable to share.” The weather shifted, and she shivered.

“Want my sweater?”

“No, I’m fine.” If anything, the chill was sobering her up.

Logan nodded, accepting her decision. “Casual relationships are the hardest.”

She glanced up at him in question. “You sound like you’ve been there.”

“I have.”

“Really? With who?”

He shrugged, and she had no right to push when she refused to share her secrets.

“Sometimes, chemistry isn’t enough. Other times, there’s no sexual chemistry whatsoever, but they’re a perfect match for you in every other way.”

She laughed because she knew exactly what he meant. “So unfair.”

He made a small sound of agreement. “Life would be so easy if we could all find what Wren and Greyson have.”

“Tell me about it.”

They followed the sea wall around the bend towards the cove. Street lamps dotted the coast as the moon spilled a silver stream of light over the horizon. Stars sparkled in the inky black sky, and it was a shame such a romantic night was wasted on them.

“Moon’s big tonight.”

“If that’s an ass joke⁠—”

“No,” he laughed and pointed to the sky.

“It’s September. That means it’s a harvest moon.” A cool breeze cut from the coast. Autumn was officially sweeping in.

“You sure you don’t want my sweater?”

“I’m sure. But thanks.”

In the distance, Salt & Ember glowed like a crowned jewel. She knew Soren was there. It was where he took all his Friday night dates. So why had she chosen to walk this way when there were ten other ways to get home?

Maybe this was some new sadistic strategy to get over him.

Like that kiss she witnessed today, and the perfume she smelled on his clothes last week, she needed the lasting sting as a reminder of why these sorts of affairs were unhealthy. If she could feel that ache enough, she might stop foolishly feeling other annoyingly squishy emotions.

“Hey, I think that’s Soren’s car.”

“Looks like it—Ah!” She stumbled off the curb.

“Careful.” Logan did his best to catch her, but it was too late. Her foot landed awkwardly, and her ankle folded painfully.