THE FIRST TEST

I lingered in the entryway for a moment, steadying my breath as Mark and Nate disappeared into the kitchen. The weight of Nate's words sat heavy in my chest, but I forced myself to shake it off. He was testing me, seeing how I'd react.

Fine. Let him.

I inhaled, deciding that I wasn't going to let him rattle me.

Then I stepped into the kitchen, keeping my movements smooth and easy. Mark was already reaching for a bottle of whiskey from the sleek bar cart near the counter while Nate leaned against the island, watching him with an easygoing smirk. His gaze flickered to me as I entered, but I pretended not to notice as I slid onto one of the barstools, catching the tail end of whatever Nate had just said.

Mark glanced up. "Want a drink?"

I considered it for half a second. "One." I turned toward Nate with a small smile. "We still have some work to wrap up later."