When Vashti returned to town after her pregnancy, Kaegan had advanced enough in his studies to be placed in his correct grade, leaving them two grades behind. But he didn’t forget them. Although his school day ended half an hour sooner than theirs, he would hang around just to walk Vashti and Bryce home every day.

It was one of the times he could be with her. He would reach Bryce’s house first and then cut through the woods to get to Vashti’s place. On some days before she got home, she and Kaegan would take the small boat he kept hidden over to Eagle Bend Inlet. It was there that Kaegan had taught her how to kiss and where they’d made love for the very first time.

“You’ve gotten quiet, Bryce. What are you thinking about?”

She glanced over at Vashti. Instead of answering, she asked a question of her own. “Where’s your husband? Shouldn’t you be with him instead of here pestering me?”

Vashti laughed. “I am not pestering you and you know it. But to answer your question, Sawyer got a call and had to leave, so I’m going to need a ride home.”

Vashti was married to the town’s sheriff. “No problem. Just let me know when you’re ready to go.”

“Hmm, there might be a problem.”

Bryce lifted an eyebrow. “What?”

“After Kaegan’s parties, Sawyer and I usually stay behind and help him put stuff away and clean up. So that means...”

Bryce frowned, having an idea where this conversation was going. “It means nothing. Kaegan can tidy up his own place. Besides, I’m sure that woman over there in the white top and jeans would be glad to stay back and help him. She’s been keeping her eyes on him the entire night.”

“You noticed, I see.”

“How could I not notice?” Bryce refused to consider the tinge of resentment she was feeling had anything to do with jealousy. She dated and so did Kaegan. They meant nothing to each other anymore.

“I noticed you’ve been keeping your eyes on him a lot tonight, as well,” Vashti pointed out. Deciding not to give Bryce time to say anything, since it was obvious that she was in one of those bash-Kaegan moods, she said, “Now back to the issue of helping Kaegan tidy up. With the three of us working together it won’t take long to get his place back in order. You and I can pack up the food while Kaegan breaks down all the patio tables and tents.”

“Why can’t he do it by himself?” Bryce asked.

“Because we’re his friends and should help him.”

“Speak for yourself, Vash.”

“No, I’m speaking for the both of us, Bryce. Stop being difficult.”

“I’m not being difficult.”

“Yes, you are.”

Okay, maybe she was, but when it came to Kaegan Chambray, she felt she had every right to be difficult. She’d told Vashti some of what had happened, but she hadn’t told her all of it. Bryce frowned at Vashti. “Honestly, Vash. There are times when you really do push the bounds of our friendship.”