His chest constricted.

She met his gaze. “So all these years, not talking to you and being so angry, well, this house just reminded me of how things used to be and the best friend I’d lost.”

He tightened his grip on her hand. “KC.”

She smiled self-consciously. “But let’s not go down Depression Road. You’re here now. We’re friends again. And you’re back to sharing a bed with me. Guess that’s what they call a full-circle moment.”

“This is past full circle,” he said, trying to lighten the mood. “I think we passed it at nudity. Last night was a little different than those nights we shared a bed here.”

She let out a quiet laugh and nodded. “It sure was. But either way, I’m glad I don’t have to be sad driving past this house anymore.”

He lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed her knuckles. “Me too.”

Her phone buzzed in the cup holder, and she slipped her hand from his to check the text. She sighed. “Looks like I’m going to need to go into the office this afternoon. My broker—my boss—wants to see me.”

“Everything okay?”

She frowned down at the text, distracted. “I’m sure it’s fine. But you may be on bookstore duty without me.”

“No worries. As long as you come by later, I’ll be able to make it through the day.”

She reached out and pinched his thigh playfully. “Can’t get enough of me, can you?”

“I cannot.”

“I know.” She gave a put-upon sigh. “You’re going to be ruined for all other women now. I apologize for being so awesome.”

He laughed, but the dip in his stomach made him wonder if there was more truth to her statement than he cared to admit.

Kincaid parked in front of the house a few doors down from his old place. An older model Ford Explorer was already in the driveway, and the moment Kincaid turned off her engine, two dark-haired kids, a boy and a girl, came rushing out of the back seat of the SUV.

He and Kincaid got out of her car and the little girl, who looked to be about seven or so, threw her arms around Kincaid’s waist. “Ms. Breslin! Ms. Breslin! Do you have them?”

Kincaid hugged the little girl and then bent down to get eye to eye with her. She pulled a set of keys out of her purse and held them out. “Oh, Daniela, you couldn’t possibly mean these, could you?”

The little girl snatched the keys from her with a squeal of delight and shook them at her younger brother. “Tomás! We have a house!”

The two kids raced up the sidewalk to the door as their parents headed over to Kincaid with pleased smiles on their faces. The mom, a tall Hispanic woman with long, wavy hair, embraced Kincaid warmly, and the dad, a few inches shorter than his wife but solidly built, shook Kincaid’s hand.

Kincaid touched Ash’s arm. “Mr. and Mrs. Gomez, this is my friend, Ash. He’s tagging along with me today.”