“I miss her.” James rubbed the bridge of his nose again and closed his eyes. “I’d give it all up to have her back.”

  Disbelief shot through Eric. “You don’t mean that.”

  James shrugged and released a heavy sigh. “I can’t even get her to reply to a text.”

  Tension slid through Eric’s muscles. “You texting her a lot?”

  “Now and then. I want her back.”

  The air hissed out from between Eric’s clenched teeth. “Yeah. I know you do.”

  Let her go. Just fucking let her go and move on.

  He couldn’t utter those words aloud, though. They weren’t helpful to James, and they were probably motivated by jealousy.

  “Anyway, did you hear Blake got attacked at work? Ended up at Harborview?”

  Time to play ignorant. “What? No, man. What happened? Is he okay?”

  “My sister texted me and let me know. I guess while working, he was assaulted by someone drugged out. But he’s good. Had to take a few days off out of precaution since it was a head injury.”

  Eric nodded. Thank god his friend was okay. Eric hadn’t heard the update on how things had turned out and had been meaning to check.

  “That’s crazy. Props to Blake. Being a paramedic is a hell of a lot more dangerous than I ever gave the job credit for.”

  “Ain’t that the truth.” James nodded, his gaze sliding back to the books.

  And the man was already mentally back to studying. Eric rose and grabbed both plates.

  “I’ll let you get back to it. Get some sleep tonight, okay?”

  “I’ll try.” James slapped Eric’s shoulder lightly and gave him a grateful smile. “Thanks. Seriously. You made me feel half human again. You’re a good friend.”

  “You too, man.” Eric’s jaw clenched and he forced a smile, even as his gut twisted.

  He didn’t feel much like a good friend, not when he couldn’t stop thinking about the girl James was trying to get back.

  *

  “You’ll go to church Sunday? And then dinner?”

  Hannah cringed at her mom’s question and guilt swept through her. She cradled her cell phone between her shoulder and her ear as she pushed the grocery cart through the aisles.

  “I promise I’ll be there, Umma. I told you, I was overwhelmed with lesson planning and worksheets to correct.”

  “You work too hard, SooJung. You need a vacation.”

  Her mom called her by her Korean name with family and friends. Only with non-Korean speakers did she call her Hannah.

  “I get most of the same vacation days my students do.” She sighed. “Anyway, I’m calling because I need to know what you need me to bring. I’m at the store.”

  “Cucumber salad.”

  “I will. And I’ll make some brownies too.”

  “I love your brownies.” Her mom paused. “Will you bring a boy?”

  “I’m single. And if I wasn’t, I’d be dating a man, not a boy. I’m twenty-seven now.”

  Her mom grunted. “You had a man. A lawyer. He would’ve made a good husband.”

  The air hissed out from between her clenched teeth. Her mom was trying so hard to get her back with James, she’d almost swear the two were working together.

  She closed her eyes. “I’m sure he will be someday, but not for me.”

  “I’m sure he will take you back. How about if I make my Korean short ribs for you to bring him—”

  “I’ve gotta go, Umma.” There was no point trying to sway her mom on this topic. “I love you. See you Sunday.”

  “You okay?”

  She knew the voice even before she turned around.

  Chapter Three

  Again? Really?

  She lifted her gaze and flashed a smile that she knew must’ve held a bit of disbelief.

  “I’m good, thanks.” She gave a slight laugh. “We seem to keep running into each other.”

  Eric adjusted his grocery basket in his hand and nodded. He looked a bit surprised too.

  “Yeah. It’s kind of weird, honestly. I hadn’t seen you in months, and now it’s what, twice within a week?”

  The tension that had coiled around her muscles eased.

  “Yeah.” She glanced around. “You just getting off of work?”

  She remembered him saying he worked nearby, which she assumed was why he was shopping at a store in her neighborhood.

  He certainly appeared to have just gotten off work, with his slacks and dark-gray button-up shirt.

  It was becoming less common to see people dressed even business casual for their jobs anymore. Seattle had become so casual. But she had to admit, there was something kind of hot about a guy all spruced up. Eric looked good.

  “Yeah, I had a short day at the bank.” He gave a lazy smile. “Just grabbing some hard cider before I head home. How about you? Done with school for the week?”

  Something warm shifted inside her at that smile, and she blinked in surprise.

  She shook her head, trying to clear it from whatever weird thought had tried to take hold. This was what months of abstinence did to you. Made you hot and bothered for any guy who appeared to have showered recently and had a good smile.

  “No? You still have school stuff?” Confusion laced his question.

  Darn, she’d been shaking her head. “Sorry? Yes. I mean . . .” What was the question again?

  Feeling uncharacteristically frazzled, she rewound the conversation in her head. School. Right.

  “No, I’m done for the week. Just wrapped up conferences about a half hour ago.” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I am so beyond ready for a glass of wine and binge watching one of my shows.”

  His gaze narrowed a bit, seeming to see way more than she wanted him to.

  “Yeah, I bet. Well, I’ll let you get to it.” He gave a short nod. “Good seeing you again, Hannah.”

  “You too.” She pushed the cart past him, feeling a weird heat steal up into her face.

  Suddenly she wasn’t in the mood to grocery shop. She glanced at her cart, with only a couple of things in it so far, and mentally ran through the list of food she still needed.

  She was lost in thought when she spotted him.

  He’d just turned down the aisle and was picking a bottle of wine when his gaze slid her way.

  A sharp stab of unease hit as Stoddard Wentworth’s gaze connected with hers.

  What kind of coincidence would put him here right now?

  Memories of the awful parent-teacher conference with the man still lingered in her mind.

  God, she’d really hoped not to have to deal with this jerk again anytime soon.

  “Miss Jeong.” He approached and gave a brief smile. “How nice to see you here.”

  She couldn’t even muster a smile. “Yes. You too.”

  Lie.

  “I’m glad we had this run-in, actually. It gives me the opportunity I’ve been hoping for.”

  Opportunity?

  His gaze slid over her, from head to toe, and a glint of pleasure flickered in his eyes.

  Oh no. He wasn’t going to—

  “Would you like to have dinner with me tonight?”

  He was.

  No.

  He was the dad of one of her students.

  “I would love to have the pleasure of your company,” he added.

  Not to mention a total jerk.

  And who even said things like I would love to have the pleasure of your company anymore?

  “Thank you, Mr. Wentworth.” She told herself to be subtle. “But I don’t think that would be appropriate.”

  “It’s completely appropriate.” His reply was curt, his gaze narrowing almost in disbelief that she’d said no. “The school won’t have a problem with it, I can assure you. I’m on the advisory board.”

  Was he serious right now?

  Her heart quickened and a sweat broke out on the back of her neck. Why was he putting her in this situation? What was wrong with him? How in the world was she going to handle this diplomatically?

  I am not interested.

  Movement at the end of the aisle drew her attention, and she spotted Eric walking by on his way to the check-out counter.

  She’d found her lifeline.

  “Eric,” she called out, lifting her hand in a wave. Oh god, please let him figure it out. “Over here, honey.”

  *

  Eric had just been about to head to the cashier to pay for his cider when Hannah’s voice rang out down the aisle.

  Honey? What the hell?

  His brows drew together sharply until he spotted her cornered in the wine aisle by some guy. Even from where Eric stood, he could see the hint of anxiety in her tense body and wide eyes.

  Anger, slow and hot, began to boil in his gut.

  Oh, hell no.

  He showed no sign of it as he made his way slowly back down the aisle toward them.

  Who the fuck was this guy? One thing was certain—Hannah clearly didn’t want to be anywhere near him.

  “Hey, baby.” He slid an arm around her waist and pulled her to his side. “I was wondering where you ran off to.”

  She nearly plastered herself onto him and her relief was evident. “Just grabbing some wine to go with dinner tonight, but I can see you have some cider instead?”

  Oh yeah, she was fully committed to this little charade.

  When he realized she was trembling slightly, the urge to protect her surged even higher.

  I’ve got you, he tried to mentally reassure her.

  He pulled her closer and brushed a kiss against the softness of her forehead in what would look like a casual gesture between a couple.

  “I don’t believe we’ve met.” Eric turned his attention to the man barely three feet away from them. “I’m Eric. Hannah’s boyfriend.”

  The man narrowed his eyes and slid his gaze between Eric and Hannah.

  “Boyfriend?” Skepticism laced the word. “I was not aware Miss Jeong was in a relationship.”

  Hannah’s swift inhalation and stiffening was a good indication that his words had upset her.

  “I’m Stoddard Wentworth. My son is in Miss Jeong’s class.”

  So he was a parent. And by the looks of it, a parent who was interested in his son’s teacher in more than a professional way.

  “Ah, gotcha. Lucky kid. Hannah’s a great teacher.”

  Stoddard gave a barely perceptible nod. “Yes.”

  “Anyway, we have plans for the night. We should get going.” Eric moved his hand to the curve of Hannah’s hip and applied a slight pressure with his fingers in silent communication. “Anything else you need, baby?”

  “No. I think I’m all set.” She glanced back at the other man. “Nice to see you again, Mr. Wentworth. Please tell Harrison hello for me.”

  Without waiting for a reply, Eric urged her forward and out of the aisle. She pushed the cart until they were out of view and then abandoned it in the next aisle.

  “Thank you,” she whispered.

  “Not yet. He’s still watching you.” Although he couldn’t see for certain, Eric would bet his next paycheck on it. “Let’s go pay and then get you out of here.”

  She nodded and followed him to the register. Even with his attention on the cashier, Eric could see Stoddard several registers down, and yeah, he was absolutely still watching them.

  Anger still simmered inside him and his jaw clenched. The guy gave off major creep vibes.

  After he’d paid and held the paper bag full of his purchases in one hand, he placed the other low on her back and guided her out of the store.

  “He’s still watching me.” Her words were unsteady and laced with disbelief.

  “Did you drive here?”

  “Yes.”

  “I don’t think you should get into your car alone right now.”

  “I don’t either. Maybe I’m being paranoid, but I’m kind of afraid he’ll follow me home.”

  “I don’t think you’re being paranoid. You’re being cautious.” He played out different options in his head. “I’d bring you back to my place, but James is there right now.”

  She shook her head quickly. “It’s okay. I don’t want to see him. Do you . . . never mind.”

  “What?”

  “I’m being stupid.”

  He came to a stop beside his car. “I doubt it. What were you going to say?”

  She bit her lip and glanced away. “I was going to ask if you wanted to come over to my apartment for a bit.”

  Chapter Four

  Eric’s blood pounded harder at her invitation. His stomach had that ‘being on a roller coaster’ sensation, and he swallowed hard.

  Be cool, don’t overthink this.

  “Yeah. I think that’s probably a good idea, actually.”

  “You do?”

  “Absolutely. I don’t get a good vibe off that guy either.” Because he really didn’t. And going to her place was nothing more than making sure she was safe.

  Sure it was.

  “You mentioned something about watching shows and drinking wine, right?” He shrugged. “I’m due for a low-key night like that.”

  “The wine is back in my cart.” She grimaced. “But we can break into your cider if you want?”

  “Sounds like a plan.” He dug his keys out of his pocket. “Why don’t you ride with me? We can grab your car later tonight or in the morning.”

  “All right.” She slid into the passenger seat and buckled up.

  Once Eric was in the car, buckled and starting the ignition, she glanced his way.

  “Thank you again for stepping in back there. That man kind of weirds me out. He was awful during my parent-teacher conference, and then back at the store, he tried to ask me out.”

  “Really?” He backed out of the parking spot, glancing in the rearview and catching a glimpse of Stoddard Wentworth exiting the store.

  “Right? That’s what I was thinking. Who does that? You can’t ask out your kid’s teacher.” She paused. “I mean, not while the kid is in the teacher’s class at least.”

  “Yeah. Kind of one of those unspoken rules.”

  “Absolutely.”

  Her tension seemed to have eased some as she leaned back in the seat and gave a little sigh of relief.

  “We’ll have a relaxing night and make you forget all about that prick.”

  “Mmm.” She sighed. “I have to admit I’ve missed getting to see the usual group since James and I broke up. Anyway, it’ll be fun to hang out with you again. Netflix and chill, right?”

  He shot her a quick look, not sure if she’d realized what she just said or not. His dick had heard the suggestion and twitched under his jeans.

  But Hannah’s expression was pure innocence as she smiled at him.

  “What?”

  “Nothing.” He jerked his attention back to the road.

  “It’s not nothing, you just gave me a weird look.”

  He tightened his grip on the steering wheel. “It’s just . . . Not sure if you’re aware, but uh, ‘Netflix and chill’ can have a dirty meaning.”

  “Dirty? What?” She shook her head, her brows drawing together. “It just means chilling out and watching some TV. People say it all the time.”

  He cleared his throat. “Yeah, they do say it. And I guess if you take the words literally, it can mean that. But it’s also slang for, um, having sex.”

  Her eyes widened and her lips parted. “No.”

  “Yeah.”

  Her cheeks held a bit of pink now. “Yeah, um, I didn’t mean it like that.”

  “It’s cool. I knew you meant just watch shows or something.”

  “Of course.” She clenched her hands in her lap. “Oh, how embarrassing. You must’ve thought I was hitting on you.”

  “Nah.” Even if it was a fantasy of his. Forbidden as fuck, but still it was there.

  “I would never do that.”

  “I know.”

  “Like ever.”

  “Yup, I got it.” He gripped the steering wheel until his knuckles turned white.

  Good lord, his self-esteem was really taking a number tonight.

  She couldn’t make it any clearer that she held zero interest in him as anything other than a friend.

  *

  Oh god. Had she ever been more embarrassed?

  Hannah pressed her hand to her cheek and looked out the window. It was hard to remember right now, if so.

  She’d just basically invited Eric to get it on. Eric! One of her ex’s best friends. Talk about awkward.

  And then she’d probably offended him by vehemently protesting she’d ever do such a thing. Which she wouldn’t, because she didn’t have a clue how to seduce someone. And even if she did, Eric was definitely not an option.

  Not that he wasn’t cute. Because he was. And if she were honest with herself, she’d admit she’d been noticing that more and more lately.

  That he was cute. And nice. And single. Or maybe he wasn’t single. Would she know if he wasn’t? He was so discreet with his relationships.

  Good lord, how long had this awkward silence been going on?

  She gave a nervous laugh. “Well, clearly I have no other choice than to give back my millennial card for being almost thirty and not knowing what ‘Netflix and chill’ really means.”

  When she glanced over, his lips were quirked. So maybe she hadn’t totally offended him.

  “Well, you teach little kids, and they’re not the demographic using that term.”

  “I’d heard it, I just . . . never thought it would have an ulterior meaning. But then I haven’t been in the dating scene all that long since James and I broke up.”

  And why did I just say that aloud?

  When another awkward silence bloomed, she blurted, “Did you eat dinner?”

  “I haven’t.”

  He didn’t look at her, but she couldn’t help but note the tension in his jaw or the way he gripped the steering wheel. Clearly, she was making him uncomfortable.

  “Want to pick up takeout?” he offered.

  “We could.” She hesitated, debating whether to offer it. “Or if we want to save some money, my mom brought me some leftovers from dinner the other night. Have you ever tried spicy pork bulgogi?”

  She held her breath, not certain if he’d be weirded out by the offer of Korean food or not.