Chapter 149

EMILIA

Chicago is—to absolutely no one’s surprise—not the friendship vacation we both needed.

Tessa’s already fanned herself with her hand at least five times before she groans, “Why’s it so fucking hot?”

“It’s nineteen degrees, Tess.”

“I’m Russian,” she mutters dramatically. “That’s nineteen degrees too high.”

“No one told you to wear a turtleneck and an overcoat.”

“That guy on the weather forecast better hope we never cross paths,” she grumbles, pulling at her collar. Then she checks her phone and pouts. “Where’s your friend? I’m going to have a heatstroke before she gets here.”

“Lacey will be here in a few minutes. You’re going to love her—she’s amazing.”

“I’ll pretend I didn’t get jealous when you said that.”

We’re standing outside the airport, and we only landed about thirty minutes ago. The city smells like rain and traffic and nostalgia, and all I can think about is getting back home—to our bed, Liam’s arm slung over me, s