first, too,” I say, and then go on to explain about Bridgette’s crush.
“I definitely need to meet this Nate guy,” she says.
“Did someone just say my name?” Nate asks as he comes around the corner, tugging on his jacket.
“Nate, this is Khloe. I told you all about her yesterday.”
Nate smiles and reaches for her hand.
“I heard all about you, too,” Khloe says.
Nate arches a brow. “Oh yeah? What have you heard?”
I roll my eyes. “He’s always fishing for compliments.”
Sam comes skidding into the kitchen. “Who heard about who…whoa,” he says when his gaze lands on Khloe. “How come I haven’t heard about you?”
“You must be Sam,” Khloe says with a laugh.
Sam scratches his head. “Wait, how come you know me, and I don’t know you?”
“Sam, this is Khloe. She’s a grad student at Dalhousie working on developing quantum computers.”
Sam scratched his head. “Damn, I knew I should have paid better attention in school.”
Khloe chuckles. “It’s nice to meet you, Sam.”
Sam steps closer to her. “We’re out of rooms in this B&B,” he says. “But since I’m such a nice guy, I’ll let you share mine.”
“Oh my God, you weren’t kidding,” Khloe says, as she adjusts her glasses and we all laugh.
“Ignore him,” I say. “Come on, let me show you what I’ve been working on.”
I brush up against Nate as we pass, and he says, “I’m headed out on a few errands. Need anything?”
My heart jumps in my chest. I’m always so used to doing things on my own, and I’ve never had anyone think about me the way Nate does.
“No, I’m good. We’re going to head to town in a little while anyway.”
“Careful driving. Temperatures dropped last night, and we’re supposed to get a light dusting today. Lots of ice around.”
I nod, and Khloe follows me into my small den. “That’s Nate?” she whispers. “I mean, you said he was good-looking, but seriously…” She shakes her hand like it’s on fire. “Hot.” I blush, unable to help myself. “Are you two, well it’s obvious you’re sleeping together—”
My body stiffens. “It is?”
“Ah, yeah. But is there more going on?”
“No,” I say quickly, maybe a little too quickly, judging by the dubious look on Khloe’s face. Nate and I are not a thing, we’re just having sex, and it comes with a timeline. I redirect the conversation by booting up my computer. For the next hour, we review my research and don’t look up until Sam pokes his head in.
“Jason and I are headed to the fish shack. You guys want to join us?”
I glance at my friend. “Khloe?”
“Sure. I could use a bite.”
Oh no! As soon as she says it, my gaze flashes to Sam, grinning as he hovers in the doorway. No way is he going to let that go.
“Wouldn’t you know it. Biting is my specialty,” Sam jokes. “Just let me know when and where.”
“How many women have you picked up with that line, Sam?” Khloe asks, her green eyes sparkling, but it’s easy to tell she likes him.
He arches a hopeful brow. “One?”
She folds her arms. “Try again.”
“Zero?”
“Bingo,” Khloe says, and Sam hangs his head, and honest to God, he couldn’t look any more adorable if he tried.
“Don’t worry, Sam. I still love you.” I say.
“Yeah, only because I’m your brother and you have to.”
“Wait, what?” Khloe asks, glancing back and forth between the two of us.
“Twilight Zone,” I say like that explains everything, and Khloe just nods.
I power down my laptop, and Khloe asks, “Hey Sam, how do you feel about getting your hands dirty?”
Grinning, he opens his mouth, and she holds her palm out to stop him before he comes back with something crude. I can’t help but think he might have met his match in Khloe.