Bye-Bye Jerk, Hello Mr. Right by Rosie Steppe

Chapter 860

Lena pinched my arm hard-just enough to hurt. Classic Lena: subtle but effective.

Okay, fine. Blurting out Aaron's feelings in front of everyone? Definitely not my smartest move. Some things are better left for private jolas, not public mie drops. Especially when family dynamics are involved-blood-related or not. Ron finally caught on and asked, "Wait, what did you just say?"

Hayden cleared his throat. "She said you should hurry up and start the barbecue. Everyone's hungry."

"Pretty sure that's not what she said. She said" He hesitated, his usual sharpness suddenly absent. Was he playing dumb on purpose, or did he just realize poking the bear wasn't worth it?

Before he could dig himself deeper, Aaron cut in. "Stay away from Lena."

His voice was casual, but the warning? Crystal clear. Dude wasn't budging.

He stayed calm, face totally unreadable, like he was some overprotective dad stepping in

for his kid.

For a second, I felt bad for stirring things up. But come on, anyone with half a brain could see Aaron didn't see Lena as just a friend. The guy was either a pro at looking unbothered, or he genuinely didn't care what people thought. One thing was obvious: Aaron wasn't playing around. His protectiveness was straight-up unapologetic, and there was no missing the fact that he was all in.

the edge of the deck. "If you don't stop running your mouth, I'm cutting you off as a friend,"

ocean breeze swirled around us, soft and warm. I kicked my legs over the edge

talking," she snapped, her voice firm but

was dodging the truth

hands and looked at the sky. Some things you've gotta figure out for yourself-no amount of nudging from a nosy friend will speed

shifted gears. "So, what would

boyfriend. Why does everyone assume I need one? Can't I just live without a

joined her, stretching out under the warmth of the sun. "You can, but wouldn't it suck

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Chapter 860

pass without at least one whirlwind

feel like dating, I'll do it even when I'm eighty. Love isn't

isn't the same as falling in love now," I argued, playful but firm," I

Haven't you seen those videos of old couples? They're way more adorable than young ones."

her right now-like the Lena I remembered from years ago, before

the feelings might be the same, but the experience isn't. Like kissing when you're old and toothless, it's just gums on gums. Not exactly

it's fresh and juicy, not when it's all