“I don’t want him back,” she says.

“Okay?” It comes out like a question because I’m honestly not convinced. Shelby and Lyle have been together about as long as we’ve been apart. Five years now. For a while, they were the literal king and queen of the pop charts. Child stars who found love. They were everywhere. Everywhere. And it sure as shit looked real to me.

She narrows her eyes, looking mostly sober. “I don’t. He’s not a good guy. Everyone thinks he is. But he’s not.” I know this, of course. Out of everyone, I know exactly what kind of person Lyle Jessup is. She looks at me, closing one eye, probably to keep from seeing double. “But you are, Cam. Cameron Riggs. You’re the bessst guy.”

My cheeks feel warm and I clear my throat, uncomfortable with where this is headed. I stand up to retrieve the drink I left on the counter. I’m gonna need the tequila if this turns into another rousing round of Cameron Riggs versus Lyle Jessup. Even after half a decade, I don’t feel like doing the calculations. “You barely know me anymore.”

She shrugs, one shoulder slipping to escape the tee. Fuck. “You haven’t changed,” she insists. “No one could create such beautiful things and be a bad person. The guy that took the pictures of those children playing soccer in the desert is the same guy who taught me how to kiss in the rain.”

I swear, Shelby Springfield is the only person I’ve ever known who can turn drunken ramblings into something poetic. I swallow a large gulp and feel it burn all the way down. Then I take another and try to pivot the conversation somewhere safe, in the opposite direction of rain-slick tongues, as I return to my seat.

“I’m sorry about Lyle and Marcella. You deserve better. What about your work? What are you doing now?” There. That was tactful.

She ignores my questions, instead lurching toward me and tucking herself against my chest, straight-up nuzzling me. “You smell like pine trees.”

I chuckle nervously. “Better than sweat, I guess. I haven’t showered yet.”

“Maybe a little of that, too. You smell like a man. I don’t mind.” She curls even closer, her nose tracing my neck. I swallow. It’s been a while since I spent time with any woman, let alone Shelby, but I am starting to suspect she didn’t call me to help her pack.

“Shelb, maybe we should get some food. Are you hungry? I can order you something. Or you can shower and get dressed and I can take you out.”

“I’ve missed you.” Her voice is barely above a purr.

A purr. Jesus.

I sigh, the words pulled from somewhere in the vicinity of my heart. “Me, too.”

“Why’d you leave?”

I squirm. “College. You know that.”