Jess had heard Will tell her “it’s serious” half-a-dozen times. The statement was always followed by a “but” and then came the detailed explanation of his concerns. The conversation always ended with her telling him that when he met The One, they wouldn’t be having this conversation. Invariably, they ended up in bed. Her fingers tingled with the tell-tale sign of chilblains—a sensation she hadn’t experienced since she was a kid.

“… best. I’m moving to Sale.”

Jess had been so busy trying to stay warm that she’d missed hearing Will’s problem with Casey. She grasped at something to cover. “Um, but you’ve got a beautiful house here.”

“It’s being listed at the end of the week.”

“But you hate Sale.”

“I don’t hate Sale. I was born there.” Will’s voice was unusually firm.

“Why would you move and give up that gorgeous view? It sounds like Casey’s putting a lot of pressure on you. Don’t rush things you might regret, especially when all your friends are here.”

“Jess.” His sigh reverberated down the line. “Are you really going to make me spell it out?”

The first ripples of unease fluttered in the pit of her stomach. “Is it because Sale’s closer to Longford?”

“No. It’s because it’s two hours away from you.”

The words walloped her like the burning sting of one of Linda’s lover’s belts. Her thoughts staggered under the assault. “Will—”

“I want to give this thing with Casey my best shot. I can’t do that with you in my life.”

“Of course you can. We’re friends!”

“We’re not.”

“Don’t be ridiculous—”

“I’m not. You only ever dated me because I’m Nick’s mate.”

“That’s not true and you know it.”

“I know I’ve been blind for years, but since I found out Nick is Leo’s father, it’s pretty clear you’ve accepted my love as a way to stay close to him. When Libby married him, you took off to Sydney without a second thought for me, but you didn’t let me go. I was too convenient, especially when Libby was hell bent on us becoming the ying couple to their yang.”

“What do you mean I didn’t let you go? You kept coming back to me.”

His voice cracked. “Did you laugh when I wanted to be your husband and Leo’s father?”

“No, of course not!”

“Yeah, right. I’ve been so stupid. Since you came back, you’ve virtually been living with the Pirellis, so you didn’t need me or any other bloke, did you? Jesus! I even defended you when Nick complained you’d moved into their marriage. Our friendship took a big hit over that. It’s still not back to what it was.”

Fear raced through her. Will had never been this blunt with her before. “I don’t know why you’re talking like this. None of it’s close to true. We’re friends. We’ve been close friends for years.”

“Maybe once, but not anymore. Casey’s right. The last few years have been toxic and damaging.”