“Okay, so let’s just say we met outside of school at the café. Started talking, became friends, and you caught some intense feelings and kept it to yourself. Then last year, when you showed up at Cassidy’s, we reconnected as friends, but it wasn’t until the blog went viral that you told me how you felt. So we’ve been doing romantic-style things in secret for a week.”

Brady could almost feel the stress radiating from the seat next to him. Yet Sloane didn’t try to change what he said. She actually backed it up.

“And since this is so new—the romantic-style relationship—we don’t know everything about each other.” She interrupted herself with a gasp. Since they were now driving past woods instead of businesses and houses, Brady got ready to slam on the brakes to avoid whatever animal might be lurking on the side of the road, eager to jump in front of the truck.

“What?!”

“Plot hole: What if they ask or talk about something I wrote in my blog and you don’t know it? Especially the Guy-related posts?”

Brady put his foot back onto the gas pedal and rolled his eyes.

“Tell them the truth. I didn’t have time to read it. Plus, why would I read your blog now when I’m literally with you?”

Sloane quieted. He glanced over. In profile, her lips looked even more inviting. There was a sheen to them, a slightly red one that reminded him of watermelon on a hot day. Or maybe strawberries. He wondered if she tasted differently today. If the gloss changed how his body would react to pressing against her.

Sloane tucked her bottom lip into her mouth again, in thought. She looked worried.

“Don’t overthink it,” he said after he took a moment to focus. “In fact, if I squeeze your hand twice, that’s the code to remind you to just go with the flow. If things get way too intense with them asking about the past and I can’t shake the convo, then let’s just redirect their attention to something happening now.”

“A distraction.”

He nodded. “Exactly. Something that will get them off our backs for a bit. The Sailors and Mermaids Festival would probably be our best bet. Carol and her mom are a part of that beautification committee that’s heading more than half the events. With it being so close, asking about even one of the events would probably get her flexing her socialite muscles.”

Sloane’s dark hair, down and loose, shifted over her shoulders as she nodded. Once again, Brady’s mind wandered in an instant.

How soft would it feel around his fingers?

“Or we could talk about Marcus’s engagement to Felicity,” she said. “I’m sure Carol would love to deep dive into throwing the first Robertson wedding in years. The white lace and dove-filled horror.”