Two Times the Trouble (Double the Rom-Com #1)

by Stephanie Brother

Is yoga class now being issued by court order? A punishment along the lines of unpaid community service? Because that’s the vibe this man’s face is communicating.

“We’ve only known each other for a few months, but I know you’re a heterosexual, and I know you’re not stupid. If someone who looks like Ryan Reynolds is flirting with you, why aren’t you taking off your panties and scribbling your phone number on the crotch?”

“Are you okay? Can I help?” She opens the door a few inches. “I’m fine.” My eyes take in the wet clothing plastered to her body, the red splotches on her neck, the tremble of her lip as she holds her head high. “I don’t mean to be rude, but that’s clearly not the case.” “Why would you worry about being rude now?”

“I look like a wet rat.” He raises his finger to his bottom lip, scanning me, considering. “Soggy rodent is a good look for you.”

Later—much later—I’ll realize that Max may as well have been standing on the table, waving a red flag in my face, signaling extreme danger, but I blindly chose to ignore it.

I roll onto my back and stare up at the ceiling. This is the weirdest, most frustrating sleepover party I’ve ever attended.

“Callie, I’m sorry.” It’s Max, and there’s concern and hurt in his eyes to match his voice, but it’s meaningless to me. “Sorry?” Never has a word been so inadequate. “Callie, please let me explain.”

“Dessert!” Ana looks gleeful. “Are we still pissed at these guys, Callie, or can I advise you to marry them?” We don’t know how we feel about them, so I don’t answer her joking question.

“We assumed you didn’t want to see us,” Miles says. “You were right. I haven’t wanted to see you, but I still miss you.” She shrugs and shakes her head. “It doesn’t make sense, but there it is.”