Fallon saw the bright red building with the big diner style windows as Brody pulled in. Then she noticed the sign and couldn’t help laughing. She never imagined Jess would use what she drew up and emailed after Jess drove out of San Francisco for good.
She was still annoyed that Jess had tried to sneak out of town without warning two years before. Fallon showed up at Jess’ and found a half full U-Haul trailer hitched to her truck. Jess had warned her countless times about Isaac and how shitty things would end. So at first, Fallon thought her bitching about the prophecies was the only reason her best friend was moving. Turned out that was only half the problem. Jess made the mistake of sleeping with her old alpha.
In the end, Fallon helped load the truck. The last thing she told Jess was, “You should name the bar In Too Deep. That is your damn catch phrase and you seem to have landed yourself in the deep-end this time.”
The engine cut off and Fallon came back to the present. She hopped out of the truck and walked to the bar. Brody breezed past her with a crooked smile on his full mouth and opened the door. Normally, the chivalry thing would grate her nerves, but he made her all shivery.
The first thing she noticed as she stepped inside was the rustic hunting lodge feel. There were fishing poles above the bar, and black and white hunting and fishing photos on the walls. The bar was in the middle with a hall leading back on the side. Around the dance floor were pool tables with matching high-tops and stools. There was a jukebox in the far corner and dartboards lining the far wall.
“Over here,” Brody murmured from just behind her, his hand briefly touched the small of her back, leaving a tingling sensation.
She followed his gaze and found the dining section. Booths lined the walls, and a large stone hearth was set into the far wall. Sunlight streamed through the windows. In the last booth, next to the fire place, Jess sat snuggled under Slater’s arm, giving him googly eyes.
Fallon was happy to see Jess in love after her long string of one night stands. She used to say, “Why should I bother trying when I know how they’re going to fuck up?”
Fallon slid into the booth and Brody followed right behind her.
The waiter showed up immediately. He was long, lean and had a baby face with dark hair, cafe au lait skin, freckles and almond shaped pale green eyes. He was as soft-spoken as he was exotic. Everyone ordered and he walked away.
Jess drummed her fingers on the table and leaned forward. “So, Jamie told me how doucheface Isaac showed up at the shop, all black and blue and pissed off, asking where you went.”
“I know.” Fallon shrugged. “I called your sister this morning, apparently right after you did. That asswipe has called about twenty times or so since I left.”
“She says you broke his nose.” Vicious delight gleamed in Jess’ baby-blues. “So what happened?”
Fallon took a deep breath, leaned back in the seat, and crossed her legs. She played with the top of her boot. With Brody right next to her, she didn’t want to admit she only went over there for sex. Goddess knew his opinion shouldn’t matter to her.
Sitting a little straighter, Fallon focused on Jess. “I had an itch that needed to be scratched, so I drove over to surprise him. I heard something in the back room, and naturally had to check it out. He was fucking Sheila, riding crop in hand, while she was all tied up. I tried to leave quietly.” Fallon shook her head and sighed. She really wanted to scrub that image from her head. “He must have seen me, because he caught up with me before I managed to get out the front door. Isaac boxed me in, and then tried to convince me he wasn’t doing exactly what he was doing.” She felt like a fool for letting their farce of a relationship go on so damned long. “I’m not stupid, and I’m not blind, and I sure as hell don’t play those games. Plus, that harness had an awful lot of knots to be a drunken mistake. That shit takes planning.”
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Brody’s mouth hanging open, and forced herself to ignore him. Jess stared at her with wide eyes.
Maybe she did need to explain. “Look. That was one of Isaac’s many problems with me. I don’t submit to anyone. He claimed that was fine, but apparently he was going behind my back to get his fill of all the things I wouldn’t do. He thought he could get his kinks out of his system and still keep me. He was wrong, and I proved my point.”
“Did he hurt you?” The growl was back in Brody’s voice, sending a shiver down her spine.
Shifting her gaze to him, she shook her head. “I told you last night, he didn’t.” She caught the look of surprise on Jess’ face from her admission. Fallon wasn’t known for sharing details with anyone. “He tried to make me stay, but at that point we were over and there was nothing he could say to change my mind. He didn’t move when I told him to, so I broke his nose with my face and kneed him in the balls so hard he may never get his dick up again.”
Jess burst in, “And Sheila was still tied up through all of this?”
Fallon nodded. “Yup. While he whined and came up with a thousand pathetic excuses.” Brody’s expression only grew darker. “Oh don’t give me that look. She was begging for more while he tried to explain the kinkfest away.”
Fallon glanced away and noticed the waiter staring at her from the end of the table. His face was dark red and he held the giant tray of food with trembling hands.
“I’ll only say this once.” Jess’ laugh was cocky, pulling Fallon’s attention back to her. “But I told you exactly what he’d do, and you told me to stuff my prophecies a hundred different times.”
“Just stop.” Fallon glared at Jess. “I think we’re going to give this poor guy an aneurysm.” She glanced up at the waiter with a single arched brow. “Have I shocked you? ‘Cause you may as well get used to it. I don’t hold my tongue for anyone.”
The waiter just blinked, blinked… and then blinked again, too shocked for words.
“I’m Fallon, by the way. If you give us our food, I’ll shake your hand as long as you close your mouth and stop staring.”
Brody let out a surprised laugh, Slater just pretended like the whole conversation wasn’t taking place, and Jess pegged the guy with a hard look.
He went to work on setting out the plates.
Jess rolled her eyes. “This is Lincoln. Good kid, a little sheltered, but I don’t see how living in this town.”
“Sorry Ma’am….”
“Oh, no. You did not just call me Ma’am. Please, just call me Fallon.”
“Sorry, Fallon.” Obedient. Kind of like a puppy. She held back her laugh. Once he was done, she held out her hand, and he took it timidly. Fallon had to stop herself from rolling her eyes as she cast a silent calming spell on him.
Lincoln dropped his eyes as he backed away from the table.
Fallon frowned at Jess. “Okay, I know this is a small town but please tell me they aren’t all so skittish? I know I have more ink than most women, but I swear it was like he was staring at an alien.”
“No. He wasn’t looking at your tattoos.” Brody’s nostril’s flared. “That was pure lust coming off him. The shock came after the broken nose comment.” She saw his hands in his lap. They were knotted into fists so tight his knuckles were white. He shot the waiter a dirty look. She probably shouldn’t take pleasure from his reaction, but she did.
There was an extra plate at the end of the table, and she was about to make some snarky remark about how much werewolves eat when she heard Gabriel call out, “Hello Fallon, Jess.” She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
Well, that would explain why her old boss didn’t answer his phone when she called. The man never answered while driving. It was sweet that Gabe was checking on her, but she hoped he didn’t get all papa-bear over the whole mess with Isaac because she was over the weretiger.
* * * *
Jess and Adam both warned Brody that Gabriel was coming in. He was surprised to see a man who appeared to be maybe thirty, with long dark hair and hazel eyes. His long legs were clad in worn jeans. He wore a Harley shirt, and a leather vest with a big bobcat on the back. His muscular arms were tattooed in forest scenes with prowling predators. The jaguar on his bicep seemed to watch him, and there was a wolf and a cougar frozen in a vicious battle on his other arm.
“Hey, Fallon. You doing all right? I heard you were pretty banged up,” Gabriel said as he dragged a chair over to the end of the table.
She stood up and leaned over Brody to hug Gabriel as he sat back. Her stellar ass was right in his face and he had to close his eyes and take a deep breath to stop himself from doing something really inappropriate. Her scent overwhelmed him. She smelled like warm caramel, and he so badly wanted to take a bite.
“I’m good.” Fallon smiled as she sat back down. “Jess had a shaman friend take care of me. This is Slater, you know Jess, and this is Brody. Guys, this is Gabriel. He taught me everything I know.”
“Good to see you both again.” Gabriel shook Slater’s hand, kissed the top of Jess’ head. Then he took Brody’s hand in a firm grip with an appraising once-over, but there was a sparkle in his eyes. He took his seat and turned his attention back to Fallon. “I came up to bring the rest of your things since you left in such a hurry. And I thought I would visit Brody’s brother.” Gabriel scooped eggs onto his fork and took a bite.
Frowning, Fallon fiddled with her silverware as she looked at Gabriel. Brody could scent her unease. She said, “You really didn’t have to go to the trouble. There wasn’t anything I couldn’t live without.”
“Yeah, but you need your gear which isn’t easy to replace. It’s not like you had a ton of stuff to haul. A total of five boxes and one of those were from the shop.” Gabriel shrugged, his expression softening. “Besides, the delivery gave me a good excuse to make sure you were okay.”
Fallon looked down at her plate, and Brody wondered what was going through her head. Gabriel obviously cared about her, but she seemed to be pushing him away.
* * * *
“Please tell me you aren’t going to ask about Isaac.” Fallon pleaded. It was awkward enough to tell Jess in front of Brody. Telling the closet person she had to a father would be a hundred times worse.
Gabriel shook his head, his expression caught somewhere between amused and irritated. “Don’t worry. I got a pretty good idea considering his busted face and how you disappeared off the face of the earth.”
And now she felt guilty. “Sorry, I didn’t think, I just left.”
“I know, and I understand.” Gabriel gave Fallon a sad smile.
“So, when did you leave?” Because she knew he wouldn’t drive straight through like she did.
“Yesterday, around noon. After I finally called Jess and she told me what she knew.” He gave her a sheepish shrug.
“Figures,” she muttered.
Gabriel shifted in his seat, his brow wrinkling. “If you haven’t, you should call Amethyst. She was ready to beat Isaac’s ass when he showed up and you didn’t.”
Fallon could just imagine and that worried her. “Please, tell me you stopped her from doing something stupid? He’s three times her size, he’d crush her.”
“Of course I stopped her. Besides, her mom would kill me.” Gabriel smiled affectionately. He fell in love with Amethyst’s mother when she was still pregnant, and even though he wasn’t her biological father, he raised her as such. Amethyst was like Fallon’s little sister.
“I plan to call her this afternoon.” And she knew she’d have to explain everything.
Fallon wasn’t good at opening up, but she could talk with Amethyst who never judged, and she always returned the favor.
“For the record,” Gabriel said, “I fired Isaac. I only put up with his bullshit for you. But I knew you were leaving sooner or later. I just wish you could have given me a little warning.”
“Sorry,” Fallon answered feeling guilty. She changed the topic. “Just an FYI, I’m changing my number as soon as I find a phone store. Isaac hasn’t stopped calling. I’ll get you my new number.”
“Good. You’ll do well in Edenton. I know San Francisco was getting to you. You’re even close enough to Seattle if you need a hit of the city.” He glanced at Brody and back at her with a raised brow. “But, that’s a big if.” Gabriel knew she had a weakness for hot weres.
The corners of Brody’s lips lifted slightly, but he looked down at his hands and kept his mouth shut.
Fallon’s gaze lasered in on Gabriel. “Don’t start on me. I’m done with men.”
Gabriel and Jess looked at each other full of yeah-right and burst out laughing. Fallon clutched the edge of table, and glared back at them.
Brody came to her rescue. “So, Jess, when does your sister move up?” She wanted to squeeze his leg in thanks, but kept her hands to herself. The last thing she wanted to do was lead him on when she refused to get involved.
“End of the week,” Jess answered and turned to Fallon. “Please, come over and help unpack. We’ll make it a girls night.”
“Sure.” The move was news to Fallon, just like when Jess moved up. That hurt, but Jess and Jamie probably had their reasons.
“You better make your famous chili to redeem yourself for disappearing.” Jess winked.
“You just miss my chili.” Fallon relaxed. “You’ll have to lend me the crockpot and utensils, and tell me when.”
Brody interrupted. “All that stuff is in your apartment.”
Goddess, he really had planned for his family. “Thanks.” She smiled weakly. His head tilted as he searched her face.
* * * *
Fallon should have known Brody’s brother was one of Gabriel’s tattoo convention buddies. Gabe had connections everywhere. In fact, Adam did the eagle across Gabe’s chest.
The conventions never were Fallon’s thing. She figured that out at the first one she attended. Thanks to Gabriel and her Other clients, she had developed a following, which was just weird in her opinion. Too much attention always made her squirm and she felt like she was on display when she went.
Once she pushed her plate away, Brody nudged her shoulder. “There’s a Cell Shop next door to Adam’s. I could take you by there before Gabriel finishes eating, and he can meet us there.”
“Thanks.” She looked over at Gabriel. “You know where the shop is?”
Gabriel nodded. “I do. I’ll catch up.”
Fallon gave Brody a smile. “All right then. Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it.” Brody waved to Slater and Jess. “See you two tonight.” He offered Gabriel his hand again and they shook. “It was a pleasure.”
“You too, my man,” Gabriel said cheerily. “I’ll see you at Inktastic in a bit.”
Fallon groaned. “Inktastic? That sounds so girly.”
“But fitting. Adam’s woman came up with the name.” Gabriel grinned and shrugged one shoulder. “They do great work there. Almost as good as yours, but no one is as good as you.”
“Hmph, except you.”
He shook his head. “Not too sure about that, doll. I may have taught you everything I know, but you manage to do things with your wards I didn’t think were possible.”
Fallon rolled her eyes. “If you say so.” She squeezed his arm as she climbed out of the booth. “I’ll see you soon.”
* * * *
Brody followed Fallon out of the bar. He knew she was tense, but her shoulders relaxed as she stepped into the sunshine. Her head tipped back as she took a deep breath.
“You okay? You seem pretty anxious,” Brody asked.
Her mouth tipped up in a smile as her gaze met his. “That went better than I expected.”
“How’s so?”
“Gabe didn’t go all papa-bear on me, and Jess only gave me one I-told-you-so. Maybe they’re taking pity on me.”
He chuckled. “Isaac doesn’t sound real popular.”
“Well, you could ask Jess. She always thought he was a skeev, and I guess some of his… desires leaned that way. He was a good friend for years. Then, I had a momentary lapse in judgment and wound up sleeping with him.”
“Two years though?” Brody didn’t understand. Before Sarah, he had a series of short term relationships and one night stands. As soon as he figured out the fling wouldn’t work he walked away before things got serious. Then Sarah came along and things just felt right.
Fallon sighed. “I’m sure you know how Jess is. She has a vision, and she wants to help stop something bad from happening. Well, I’m stubborn, and I wanted to prove her wrong. So I stayed too long when I knew we weren’t working.”
“But you knew it wasn’t working, so why?”
She swallowed hard and rubbed the back of her neck. “Honestly?”
“Mmhmm.”
“The sex was good, and we were friends first. I guess I hoped what we had was enough. It wasn’t.” She turned to get into the truck.
He wondered if she ever let anyone in all the way. She seemed so lonely when she shut the door.
Brody walked around the truck and opened the door to climb in beside her. “Has he really called that many times?”
Fallon took out her phone, brought up her missed calls, and held it out. He glanced over as he fired up the engine. 32 missed calls from JACKASS. Brody let out a low whistle.
“Look,” she said, “I was stupid. I tried to see the best in him. I was wrong. Hell, maybe I thought my heart was safe because I didn’t really love him.” She swung her emerald eyes toward him, and shrugged. “So, how bad could he hurt me?”
“Didn’t he though, emotionally?” Two years, whether she loved him or not, and to find him doing what he was doing had to hurt. He pulled onto the road.
Fallon half-laughed and dropped her gaze. “He pissed me off, but I didn’t lose sleep over him.” She licked her lips and he caught the scent of caramel. God, he loved the way she smelled.
“Hmm?” Brody had to wonder if she thought about him the night before. If she had, he would feel a hell of a lot better about all the things he dreamt about doing to her.
“Thanks for the ride,” Fallon said. There was a pretty blush on her cheeks as she hopped out of the truck and strode into the store. She went right to the prepaid display. Brody followed her in but leaned next to the door, watching as her nervousness evaporated and was replaced by cool confidence.
Charlie, one of the sales guys, looked up and his mouth rounded in an “O” as he got a good look at Fallon. The poor kid didn’t stand a chance. He looked like a preppy college kid. With a winning smile, he hurried over to her and opened his mouth to start his pitch.
She fixed him with a deadly look. “Stop right there. I know what I want. You can get me one of these.” She pointed to a phone that sat on the display. “And this.” She handed him a prepaid card. “No, I don’t want a contract, and I don’t want any accessories.”
Charlie stared at her for a few seconds, and her brow inched up as her hands landed on her hips. He finally nodded, then cleared his throat. “No problem. None at all,” he stammered before scrambling to the back.
Brody held back his laugh as the poor kid came racing back out with her phone and the prepaid card.
“Can I set up the service and transfer your numbers?” He practically begged. “They are the same phone and it will only take a moment.”
“Sure, thank you.” Fallon gave him just a hint of smile and Charlie’s mouth parted on a gasp. Her smile was breathtaking, and he knew Charlie had a thing for tattoos.
Brody gritted his teeth and shot Charlie a look the kid didn’t notice because he was too busy staring at Fallon. She started to turn back and Brody blanked his expression. With a nod at the kid, she rolled her eyes.
Her clear disinterest was a huge relief. Fallon turned back but ignored Charlie’s obvious fascination with her. She paid, turned on her heel, and marched toward the exit.
“Hey, wait.” Charlie jogged around the counter to catch up with her. She paused but didn’t look up until he asked, “Want to go out for a drink sometime? I’m Charlie, by the way.”
Her eyes narrowed as she looked over and quickly swept her gaze up and back down his body. “Thanks, but boys do nothing for me.” She walked right out the door and turned toward Inktastic.
Charlie’s mouth fell open, and he watched her with wide eyes as she headed over to Adam’s shop. “Who is she?”
“Fallon, new tattoo artist next door.” Brody nodded toward Inktastic.
“She’s freaking hot. Like white, blazing, molten, inferno hot. What’s her story?”
The urge to punch Charlie ripped through Brody and his hands cranked into fists. He took a deep breath and attempted to calm down before answering. “She just dumped some asshole.” He tried to shrug casually. “The woman needs some time and space.” He may have growled a little.
“Oh, my God. You want her? Wow, you really do.” Charlie gawked at him. “About time you found yourself a woman.”
“Don’t,” he grumbled, and rubbed the back of his neck. “I don’t think she’s going to be ready any time soon.”
Charlie snorted in disbelief. “Please. Was there ever a woman you couldn’t get before…?” His eyes got really wide as he glanced away and changed the subject. “Go over there. I won’t keep you.” He shook his head and muttered, “Lucky bastard.”
* * * *
Fallon walked into Inktastic by herself, and the door bells rang. Brody stayed behind to talk to the dipshit sales guy. Maybe that was unfair to the kid, but she didn’t give a damn. Preppy-boy ogled her like she was a piece of meat. At least the dumbass was obedient and didn’t push his luck.
There was no one out front, so she took a moment to relax and look around. Stupid name or not, the tattoo shop was nice and had a homey feel. The walls were lined with photographs tastefully displaying their work, and classic rock played on the radio.
There were two tables, one set up on each side of the hall, and a total of eight comfy office type chairs, two on either side of each table. She walked over to the bookshelf full of binders labeled with the artist name and the type of tattoos, and opened the first one she touched. The two pages had photos from multiple angles of a beautifully detailed dragon. The tattoo covered the man’s back and wrapped around his shoulders and chest. Fallon had to admit she was impressed.
She put the binder back and took another look. The live plants brought a taste of the fresh air indoors. Down the hall, she noticed doors on either side, which were probably where the tattoo stations were. Fallon could see herself working there.
The bell rang and she glanced back to watch Brody walk in, followed by Gabriel, which reminded her to text her new number to her friends. Maybe trading numbers with her new landlord would be a good idea. She could just imagine his low rumbly drawl in her ear and shivered.
Right, not happening, she reminded herself.
A slightly smaller version of Brody walked out from the back. His dark blond hair was short, he had full sleeves on each arm, and there was a mischievous glint in his smoky blue eyes as he took her in. Then he looked back at Brody and one corner of his mouth quirked up before his eyes swung back to her. “Why, hello.”
She couldn’t help wondering about their silent communication.
Brody came up behind her. “Fallon, this is my brother Adam. Adam, this is Fallon O’Shea.”
“Pleasure to meet you, Fallon. I’ve heard so many good things about you and your work.” Adam had no trace of Brody’s southern drawl. Adam shot another look back at Brody and then Gabriel. “I’m hoping you’ll fill our opening. That is, if you’re interested in working here?”
“So far, I am.” She resisted a glance back at Brody. “And your shop is charming. I’m pleasantly surprised.” She could rib him about the name once she knew him a little better.
“Good, then let’s have a chat and get things rolling, as long as Gabriel doesn’t mind bringing your gear in. Then Brody can help him move your boxes to his truck.”
“I’ll be right back,” Gabriel told her before he went outside.
“Hmm, I hear the beautiful Miss O’Shea is here to join our motley crew.” The badass version of Dakota swaggered down the hall with a devilish grin. He wore a lot of ink, and she couldn’t miss the big tomahawk tattooed on his neck.
“Tomahawk, I presume.” She smirked. “You certainly aren’t Dakota.”
Brody moved closer, not quite touching but close enough she could feel the heat of his body. Fallon almost leaned back against him, but she stood her ground. His face moved closer to her ear, his breath a caress. “Don’t mind Tom. He’s a terrible flirt.”
“Doesn’t hurt to flirt a little.” Tom winked.
Harmless flirting was a hell of a lot easier to ignore than Brody’s brand. He seemed to mean what he said and his sincerity was wearing down her resolve.
She smiled. “Not at all.”
Brody touched her shoulder and she felt the sensation all the way to her toes. “I need to go take a look at your Harley. I’ll call later to give you an idea of how long I need to fix your bike.”
“Thank you. I trust my girl’s in good hands.” She gazed up at him, desperately trying to tamp down the image of his hands on her body.
“Sure is.” He licked his full lips like he might be envisioning the very same thing. “Later, sugar.” He turned and strolled out the door. Fallon couldn’t stop herself as she turned to watch him leave. At least she bit back the lusty sigh before it could slip out.
When she turned around, Adam was grinning from ear to ear with one eyebrow arched. “It has been years since he’s looked at a woman like that.”
“Hmph, whatever. I’m not hooking up with anyone. I’ve already explained that to Brody.” Fallon fixed Adam with a serious look. “Shall we get down to business?”
* * * *
Jess stepped into Fallon’s new station at Inktastic and couldn’t help smiling. She brought food, which Fallon would rarely refuse. “Hey, I’m stealing you for lunch,” she announced.
Fallon rolled her eyes as she looked up from wiping down the counter. “Where are we planning to eat?”
“There’s a park just up the street. Come on, I want to talk.” Jess grabbed her arm and Fallon dropped the rag on the counter as she followed her out. “I brought BLT’s and tangerines.”
Fallon perked up. “Please tell me there’s extra bacon and you made it crispy.”
“Duh, of course.” Jess had made Fallon’s favorite sandwich on purpose.
“Hey, Adam?” Fallon called out. His room was across the hall from hers. “You said I have about forty minutes until the next wolf shows up, right?” He had the door open, and was coloring in a woman’s sleeve.
“Yup,” he answered. “Take your time though. This is your first day and you’re doing amazing work.
She waved. “See ya soon.”
“Bye, Adam.” Jess popped her head in and winked at him. He just grinned back. He wanted his brother to find someone as much as Jess wanted Fallon to be happy. Brody had been sad and melancholy ever since she met him two years ago, which was depressing because he was such a great guy.
In less than 24 hours, Brody smiled more than the whole time she’d known him. Jess always knew he would take one look at Fallon and join the living. Now, Fallon just needed to get with the program and see how much she needed him.
Jess led Fallon to an empty picnic table under the shade of a tree and set out lunch. She even brought iced coffee. “So, how do you like Edenton? Think you’ll stick around out here?”
Fallon rolled her eyes, but there was a twinkle. “Look, I know what you’re trying to do, and as long as you don’t think I’m hooking up with Brody, we’re good. Okay? I’ll stay. Just no setting me up. Got it?”
Oh, Jess didn’t think. She knew. “Don’t worry. I’m not doing anything.” Nothing she hadn’t already set in motion, that is. As long as Fallon stayed in Brody’s apartment, she was going to fall for him. It was inevitable. “The apartment isn’t so bad, is it?”
Fallon shook her head. “No. And Brody’s a good guy. Everything I need is in the apartment. I’ll just avoid him if he becomes a pain.” Fallon picked up a sandwich, but met Jess’ gaze. “I honestly didn’t have a clue where I was going last night. I had every intention to keep driving until I was too tired to keep going.” Fallon glanced away for a moment and shrugged before looking back at Jess. “I’ll only say this once. I’m glad you set this up.” She took a deep breath, and Jess saw the pain in Fallon’s eyes. “Just one question, why the hell didn’t either of you tell me Jamie was moving up?”
Well damn, now Jess felt shitty for hurting Fallon. “I’m sorry we didn’t. I just knew things between you and Isaac were coming to an end, and I didn’t want you to think I was manipulating anything.”
Fallon snorted, amusement lightening her tone. “You did though. I didn’t even have to interview for a job. And the guy who crashed into me just happened to have an empty apartment.”
“I did try to warn you about the crash,” she replied.
“Okay, fine.”
“I had nothing to do with the apartment being available. And even if I hadn’t talked to Adam, Gabriel would have when he found out you were up here. I only let him know you were going to be in town since I knew they were looking for a new artist. I didn’t really do anything that meddlesome.”
“But you guys didn’t tell me Jamie was moving up here,” Fallon said softly, clearly hurt by the omission.
Jess reached over and squeezed her hand. “Only because I knew you would wind up stuck up here, and you would have fought against fate if you knew. We’re both hoping you’re staying here.” She smiled. “Besides I keep having visions starring you in Edenton. Don’t worry. I won’t share any of them.”
“Good. I hate it when you go all prophet on me.” Fallon squeezed back and let go. “I guess this will be like old times.”
“I am sorry we didn’t tell you. I just really wanted you up here. I miss you.”
“You too. But maybe if you had just told me, I would have moved sooner.”
“Liar.” Jess teased.
“Okay, maybe not.” Fallon laughed. “I am looking forward to our girl’s night. I’ll bring the chili if you supply the alcohol.”