Love Story (Love Unexpectedly 3)

Reece swallowed. “Yeah, I haven’t seen much of him since he got back from college for the summer.”

Lucy’s heart went out to him. Reece would never admit it, but she knew he felt left behind with everyone going off to college and him staying to work at the same winery gig he’d had since high school.

“Mom and Dad are at some soccer celebration dinner with Brandi, but I was going to order some pizza. You want to stay?”

“Nah, I’ll let you have your space.”

“I hate having space,” Lucy said. “Besides, in a few months I’ll be gone, getting into all that trouble you mentioned, and then who’s going to tell you that your shirt’s too small?”

He glanced down, rubbing a self-conscious hand along the front of the tight T-shirt. “Yeah, I’ve been doing more and more heavy lifting at the vineyards lately. Probably time to get some new shirts.”

She clucked her tongue. “You poor thing, struggling with all those new muscles. Have you heard from Abby since she got back for the summer? Bet she’ll be regretting that you guys broke up when she sees you.”

His surprised blue gaze came back to her. “I swear, sometimes it’s like you monitor my phone.”

Lucy forced a smile. “So you have heard from her.”

He lifted a disinterested shoulder. “She mentioned wanting to hang out. See how I was doing.”

“And how are you doing?” Lucy said, leaning forward, letting her legs swing. “I hardly see you anymore.”

Again with a shrug. “Not as much reason to come around without Craig here.”

She let out a startled, hurt laugh. “Ouch.”

He winced. “You know what I mean.”

“Not really,” she said, eyes narrowed. “I thought we were friends too. Not best friends like you and Craig, but…I miss you.”

She hadn’t meant to say it, but it was out there, and it was true. Lucy may have worked darn hard during her senior year to get over her crush on the unattainable Reece Sullivan, but every time he showed up again, her stupid heart seemed to remember that it beat too fast for him.

Reece swallowed and crossed his arms, almost as though protecting himself.

From what?

He cleared his throat. “Congrats on graduating. Didn’t get to say so at the party with your entourage hanging around.”

She laughed. “Seriously?”

Reece shrugged. “The Bentley kid stayed awfully close to you.”

“You know Bryan?”

“Yup. He was second-string running back when I was starting.”

“You forgot to beat your chest when you said that,” she teased. “And he was starter after you graduated.”

She didn’t know why she was baiting Reece, but she’d swear there was a touch of jealousy beneath his frown. Or at least protectiveness.

“I’m not dating him,” she said quietly.

“Well, he’s interested,” he grumbled.

“Maybe,” she granted. “But I’m not.”

“Smart. You’re leaving in three months.”

“That’s not why,” she said.