“Fi’s majoring in interior design,” I tell Gray, as I set my purse on the hall console that looks like it was once a pharmacist’s cabinet. “I’m thinking she charmed my dad out of a few dollars.”

“It’s nice.” His blue eyes scan the room. “Kind of reminds me of Drew’s place. But, you know, more professionally done.”

“I’d give you a tour,” I tell him, “but I want to scrub down the area first.”

Gray sets my bags to the side. “Yeah, I’m not going to stress your sister any more than I’ve already done. I’ll just leave you here.”

For a moment, we stare at each other. I don’t want him to leave. Maybe he doesn’t want to go. It’s a strange feeling, as though I’ll lose him if he walks out the door. Which is ridiculous. Perhaps that’s why I launch myself at him and wrap my arms around his neck in a fierce hug.

“Sorry,” I tell his shoulder, because I don’t want to let go. “I’m just so happy to finally be with you.”

And then I realize that he’s hugging me back. His arms are tight bands around my waist, his body pressed to mine. He kisses the top of my head. “Me too, Ivy Mac.”

I force myself to let go and make a production out of smoothing his rumpled shirt before stepping back entirely. “I better go and see to Fi.”

The corners of his eyes crinkle as he brushes my chin with his knuckle. “Call you later, okay?” He hesitates for just a moment more. And then he’s gone, leaving the house in utter silence.

That is until Fi lets out a pitiful moan. “Can I come out now?”

I laugh. “No. Stay put. I’ll come find you.”

“I’m in your room. Puking on your bed because you didn’t warn me that you were bringing a hot guy home, you fuckface.”

Our rooms flank each side of the living space, mine closer to the kitchen. I head that way with a grin. “I’m sorry! Really, I am.”

“Sure, sure.” Fi’s voice grows clearer as I enter my room.

But I stop and take it in with shocked awe. Because she’s redecorated in here too. “Fi… Wow.”

“Surprise,” she says feebly from her slump on my bed.

The entire room is done in shades of cream—the walls, the simple-lined but plush furniture, the plush carpet over pine floorboards. I never would have thought of it, but it’s so restful and serene, I’m in instant love. The bed is the showstopper, an enormous white canopy. Because Fi knows my style, she didn’t go for girly but chose a classic, wood frame so that the bed resembles a structured cube. White linens and a mass of plump pillows make it soft and inviting.

“It’s beautiful,” I tell her.

“Well, I figured we could add some splashes of color here and there, if you like.”

I kick off my shoes and plop down on the bed beside her. The cool feather duvet swallows me up with a sigh. “It’s perfect. I feel like I’ve walked into a cloud.”

Fi gives a weak laugh and closes her eyes. “Good. Cloud is what I was going for.”

“How are you doing?” I touch her forehead and find it clammy.

“I feel like shit on a shoe. Not the welcome home I was planning.”

“We’ll make up for it when you’re better.” Because she’s sick, I kiss her shoulder instead of her cheek. “Missed you, Fi-Fi.”

At this, she turns and grins. “Missed you too, Ivy Weed.” But her grin fades and her pale brows knit. “And what the fuck? Why didn’t you tell me that Grayson was gorgeous? Hell, I might have to reconsider my ban on football players.” Fi has channeled her resentment of my dad’s job into a dislike of all things sports.

“Honestly? I didn’t know. We hadn’t exchanged pictures or anything.”

She snorts. “Only you would befriend a guy and have no clue what he looks like.”

“I didn’t want to know,” I admit. “I can’t really explain, but if I knew what he looked like, it would make our separation more real, make it harder on me that we were three thousand miles apart.” The confession has me feeling oddly exposed, and I curl up tighter on the bed.

“I’m pretty sure finding out he was a babe would make it worse,” Fi agrees with a leer. “I mean, tell me you didn’t see him for the first time and think, ‘Holy hotness, Batman!’”

“I was…surprised.” I’d been floored. “But it’s not like I expected him to be ugly or anything.” And even if Gray had been less than attractive, it wouldn’t have mattered. He has charisma in spades.

“I nearly wet myself when I saw him,” Fi prattles on. “Jay-sus, he’s hot. And freaking huge. A veritable mountain of sexy.” She fans her face with exaggerated movements. “Seriously, Iv…You could climb him like Everest, make base camp at his cock, and tackle the rest in the morning.”

“Fi! Would you stop?” My cheeks burn at the image she put in my head.

“Why? It’s true. And I bet you agree.” She narrows her bloodshot eyes. “Don’t you.” It isn’t a question.

I hug a white, fuzzy throw pillow to my chest. “He’s my friend. I’m not thinking about him in that way.”

“Friend I’d like to fuck.”

I lurch up and turn to glare at her. “Don’t you even think about it.”

Fi’s expression is placid. “I was kidding. But it looks like someone’s already territorial.”