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Sean rests his arms on the counter, looking out the window above my sink. “I could go with you,” he says, his voice low.

“Seriously?” I tilt my head, emphasizing my confusion. I guess it isn’t as crazy as I think, given my second day back we went to the cabin together.

“Yes, seriously.” He laughs. “I’ve always wanted to go. I want to see Times Square in all its glory.”

“You are being serious!”

I laugh with him—or maybe it’s at him.

“You would go to New York with me, so I can spend time with my friend?”

“Yes, I would.”

“She has been begging me to be there for her birthday since before I even left. It’s next week.” I try to hide my smile from him.

“She’s all you talk about, and I’d like to meet her.”

“Trust me, she would be more excited to see you than me. She’s been dying to see you in the flesh.”

Sean stands behind me as I finish unloading a box.

“Oh, is she?” he taunts. “What have you been telling her about me?”

Goosebumps rise on my arms.

“That you like to stand too close to people.” I look to my side, Sean’s face just an inch from mine.

“I think I’m at the right proximity,” he says in a low, husky voice.

“Down, boy.” I shove his shoulder gently.

His head tilts in submission, rolling his eyes. He grabs a water from the fridge and gulps it down. After drinking more than half of it, he pulls out his phone.

His grey sweater is tight around his arms but loose around his waist. I love the way he dresses, casual but polished. He’s wearing light blue denim jeans, and I don’t think anyone could make them look better.

“My mom should be good to run the shop next week. I’m going to buy our tickets.”

“Sean, c’mon. You don’t actually want to do this.”

“If I say I want to, then I do,” he says a little more sternly this time.

“Let me handle the tickets then. I know New York best. I did live there for almost nine years.”

“As you wish.” Sean finishes his water, looking giddy. “We should head out now, so we don’t hit traffic coming back from the city.”

I almost forgot the reason he’s here. We got caught up in Maggie and New York.

“Are you sure you want to do this with me?” I ask skeptically.

“We’re just picking up a couch, Bee. Relax. You think too much.”

“I meant regarding New York.”

Sean brushes his hair out of his face, thinking for a moment. “I’m the one who offered.” His face is slightly annoyed, but also amused.

“I know.” I begin putting my coat on, and Sean grabs my scarf for me. I had a knitting phase a few years ago, and it’s beginning to fall apart.

“I just don’t want you to feel like you have to because of…you know.”