Obsession Falls (The Haven Brothers #1)

“I’m serious, Sandra, I think he likes you,” Audrey said. “You’re always teasing him but maybe you should see if he wants to go out for real.”

“Oh my gosh, you two would make the cutest couple,” Marigold said.

“If Rocco wanted to ask me out, he’s had more than enough opportunities.”

“Maybe he needs a little push,” Marigold said. “He could be shy on the inside.”

Audrey glanced toward the bar. “I think you’re right. He acts all gruff and intimidating but maybe he’s secretly afraid of rejection.”

Marigold clutched her hands to her chest. “He’s been harboring a crush on you for years but the more time that goes by, the more he thinks it must not be in the cards. I bet he’s pining for you, Sandra.”

She rolled her eyes. “You read too much.”

“I know, I really do. It’s given me very unrealistic expectations. But I still think he secretly likes you.”

“He totally does,” Audrey said.

“You girls are sweet, but I’m too old for that kind of love story.”

Marigold gasped. “No you’re not.”

“What do you think, Josiah?” Audrey asked.

I glanced at the three of them. Audrey and Marigold watched me with expectant eyes, as if I were about to say something profound to settle the argument. Sandra’s expression was full of skepticism.

“I’m not getting involved in this conversation.”

Audrey laughed and lightly smacked my arm. “You’re no fun.”

“I never said I was.”

Audrey and her friends chatted over their drinks. I was content to drink my beer, more or less in peace.

But one thing that Sandra had said stuck in my head like a splinter.You said the job was just until you got back on your feet.

Temporary.

I knew Audrey hadn’t moved here with plans to stay. That was why I should have steered clear of her in the first place.

But I hadn’t been able to stay away from her.

And I couldn’t help but wonder if I’d made a mistake.

CHAPTER30

Audrey

Something was wrong with Josiah.

It wasn’t the fact that he’d been quiet that tipped me off. He was usually quiet. If he had something to say, he’d say it, but otherwise, he didn’t fill the silence. It was refreshing, reminding me that I didn’t have to fill every awkward silence either.

But today was different.

I sat at the kitchen table in my house, picking at the remains of my breakfast, my laptop open but powered down. He walked by and didn’t stop to kiss my head or my cheek, like he usually did.

“Are you okay?” I asked.

“Yeah.” He poured a cup of coffee. “Tile guy will be here any minute. I need to go let him in.”