“Fun isn’t the word I’d use,” I mutter, glaring at him.
Across the table, Ethan and Tessa exchange a look, their expressions equal parts amused and triumphant.I resist the urge to throw my rice at them.Though I do imagine it a few times for good measure.
Joel leans back in his chair, looking far too comfortable for my liking.“Thanks for the hospitality, Ace.I’ll try not to ruin the vibe.”
“You’re already ruining it,” I snap, stabbing at my rice with unnecessary force.“And don’t call methat.”I repeat.
Mina lets out another happy squeal, breaking the tension just enough for everyone to laugh.Everyone except me.
I shove another bite of rice into my mouth, chewing harder than necessary to keep from saying something that’ll start World War III.Joel sits there, grinning like he’s always been part of this family—like he belongs here more than I do.
And maybe that’s the worst part.It’s not just that Joel’s easy confidence gets under my skin—it’s that he makes me feel like I don’t fit in my own family.Like somehow, he’s the better version of belonging, and I’m the one trying too hard.
It’sinfuriating.
A small, traitorous voice whispers that maybe Iambeing unreasonable.That maybe Ethan’s right, and I should just get over myself.It’s just a couple of weeks.
But no.I’mnot the problem here.Joel’s the one who walked back into my life, all charm and smirks, like he doesn’t have a history of fucking me over.
And now I have to spend the next few weeks pretending it doesn’t bother me that the enemy is living in my damn house.
Joel raises his beer in another mock toast, and my glare sharpens.For a second, his grin flickers—so fast I’m not sure if I imagined it.But the moment passes, and Joel raises his beer like he’s already won.
This is going to be a disaster.Forhim.
CHAPTER4
Joel
If Anna’s glare could kill, I’d be six feet under by now.
I lean against the doorframe of her apartment, my guitar case in one hand and a duffel bag slung over my shoulder.She’s standing in the middle of the living room, arms crossed and lips pressed so tightly together I’m surprised they haven’t vanished entirely.
“Well,” I say, breaking the silence, “home sweet home, huh?.”
Her eyes narrow, and I’m pretty sure she’s mentally picturing my head on a spike.
“Spare room’s that way,” she says, jerking her chin toward the hallway.“Don’t touch anything, don’t make noise, and don’t even think about staying longer than absolutely necessary.”
“Got it,” I reply, giving her my best attempt at a neutral smile.“Anything else?Should I sign a behavior contract?Swear an oath of silence?”
“Don’t tempt me.”Her eyes narrow.“If you think this is a joke, you’re in for a rough two weeks, Price.”
“Noted,” I say, dropping my duffel bag just enough to flex my shoulder.“So…what’s the curfew?Midnight?Or should I be in bed by ten?”
Anna doesn’t crack.Not even a twitch of her lips.“As long as I don’t see or hear you, I don’t care where you are or when.”
“Wow,” I say, raising an eyebrow.“You really know how to make a guy feel at home.”
Her lips press tighter, but there’s a flicker of annoyance in her eyes.“Home?Let’s get one thing straight right the fuck now.This isn’t your home.You’re a temporary inconvenience.That’s all.”
“Harsh,” I say, stepping into the living room and closing the front door.“What happened to all that‘family helps family’talk from Ethan?”
“That’s Ethan’s rule, not mine,” she snaps, crossing her arms again.“If it were up to me?—”
“You’d have thrown me to the wolves,” I finish, cutting her off with a grin.“Don’t worry, Anna.I’ll stay out of your way.Mostly.”
“Good,” she says, her voice cold.“Because if you don’t, you’ll regret it.”