I roll my eyes, and look toward the street corner hugging O’Leary’s Pub. Already, both roads are packed bumper to bumper. Most people just walk here anyway, so parking is usually a non-issue. With the exception of the bank next door and the church a block over, and the handful of Mom and Pop shops scattered about, it’s mostly residential beyond this strip of street.

“So what’s the deal with this Will guy?”

I stiffen, and of course she notices. Of course. Because my cousin is nothing if not contradictory and observant.

She hums, and I feel my hackles rise. “I take it you’re not a fan.”

I huff through my nose. “Something like that.” Pretty sure I made that crystal clear this afternoon.

“Vague much?”

“It was a long time ago, Ives,” I tell her, running a hand through my hair. “What do you want me to tell you? He might as well be a stranger.”

And the thing is it’s not a lie. It’s not. Yet why do I feel like there’s something crawling up my throat the instant the words tumble out of my mouth? I don’t make a habit out of keeping stuff from my cousin, but there are just some things she really doesn’t need to know. Some things that should never see the light of day ever again. Period.

“I’m sure you’ll end up scaring him away in no time,” I add.

She smacks my arm, and I laugh.

“Who says it won’t be you?”

I press my hands to my chest. “I’m a fucking delight. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

She snorts. “You’re fucking something alright.”

I nod sagely. “I usually am.”

Her lip curls up and she shoves me in the chest.

“So violent,” I mouth, still smiling.

“And you’re disgusting.” She shakes her head. “I will never understand what the female population sees in you, even if we weren’t blood-related.”

I slowly lift my brows. “Says the female.”

She tilts her head and sticks her tongue out at me.

A car horn blares from somewhere in the distance, followed by the sound of heavy bass and squealing tires. The descending sun burns orange over the little town of Shiloh, drawing flames over our skin.

“I doubt he’ll show his face again anyway,” I finally say. When she doesn’t immediately respond, I cut her a sideways glance. “What?”

She shrugs, not meeting my eye. “Mason was pretty convincing after you stormed off. You know how he gets when he wants something.”

I snort at that. “Right. And he wants Will.” I sigh. “Of course he fucking does. He can never just leave well enough alone.”

“Normally, I’d agree with you.”

Unease has my jaw clenching. “But...?”

She shrugs. Doesn’t meet my eye as she says, “Maybe we should give him a chance.”