It should’ve been awkward as hell as they did their best to tidy up in that small space, but somehow it wasn’t. He kept waiting for the punch line or for her to dismiss him, but by the time he buttoned up his shorts, she was wearing a thoughtful look.

“Something on your mind?”

“Actually, yeah. We could stay here and drink, but honestly, I’m not feeling it. I chatted with my girls enough before you got here. I thought a quickie would be enough to take the edge off, but as it turns out, I want more.”

“This is the classic ‘let’s get out of here’ maneuver, then.”

She lifted a shoulder, not denying it. “Basically, yeah. Did you drive?”

Trev shook his head. “I rode with Titus.”

“I had a few margaritas with my mom before I came over, so I got a rideshare. We could pick my car up at my place and get a room somewhere. If you’re interested.”

“You live with your mom?” That surprising revelation made him feel marginally better about his own situation.

Until she shook her head. “She dropped in unexpectedly, wanting to party. Junie is what people call a ‘free spirit.’ By which I mean, she loves inconveniencing me with her whims.”

Relatable. While Leanne looked perfect, her family situation was no better than his, just difficult in a different way. Once he processed that insight, it was easier for Trev to believe she truly wanted to spend the night with him. As he pushed open the bathroom door, a handful of partygoers scattered. “Were they listening to us?” he wondered aloud.

“Ignore them,” Leanne advised. “They’re probably just jealous. Are you ordering us a ride, or should I?”

“I’m on it.” Trev set his hand on her lower back as he eased them through the living room. He flashed a grin at Titus and waved.

If this is my lucky night, I might as well make the most of it.

Chapter 3

Leanne didn’t know the rideshare driver, thankfully.

One pitfall of living in St. Claire was she often got picked up by somebody’s grandpa and then had to listen to a lecture on her questionable life choices. This time, however, she sat in the back with Trev and waited out the ride to her condo. The woman dropped them off at the curb on the other side of the gate, and Leanne’s car keys lived in her purse, so she didn’t have to go upstairs and face Junie, who would doubtless be upset that she was choosing to spend the night somewhere else.

Once the driver took off, she tossed the key fob to Trev. “You haven’t had anything to drink, right?”

“Yep. You didn’t give me the chance.”