I don’t wait for her answer as we stand beside her big SUV.
I just reach in, grab the present, and haul it out of the trunk before she can protest.
It’s heavier than it looks.
“Jesus,” I mutter under my breath, adjusting my grip as the cellophane crinkles loud enough to announce our presence to half the neighborhood.
She huffs out a laugh.
“Yeah. I may have gone a little overboard.”
“A little?” I shoot her a look. “You building the kid a library or a bookstore?”
Her grin flashes—quick, bright, a little proud.
“Don’t tempt me.”
I like that.
I like her.
And just like that, warning bells go off inside my head.
Too much, too fast.
We start up the walkway together, gravel crunching underfoot, the warm Jersey air settling around us like it’s in no rush to go anywhere.
The house comes into full view, and I slow just slightly as I take it in.
String lights.
Cars lining the street.
A yellow and white balloon arch covers the walkway.
Voices, laughter, and music drift out from somewhere inside.
It’s a party.
And I frown.
Then it hits me.
“Oh, shit.”
She glances at me. “What?”
I shake my head, but my eyes are fixed on the house.
Nathan.
“It’s a baby shower,” I murmur.
“Yeah. Aren’t you here for it?”
“Um, no. I just thought I’d pop in on a friend.”
“Oh, you must know Nathan then?”