Chapter 58

Lila’s POV

Two hours later, the yard behind the townhouses was humming like a lazy Sunday afternoon. A Bluetooth speaker bellowed indie pop tunes, drifting over to where Jared manned the grill like it was his rightful throne. Riley and half the guys were deep in a football skirmish, minus Damien—who, knowing him, was probably debating whether to join or just watch from the sidelines of his own thoughts. Meanwhile, I was sprawled out at a plastic picnic table, back against the bench and legs stretched so far out I nearly hit the grass. My jean shorts were dangerously short, which was exactly the point. Sunlight made my skin sparkle, and a gentle breeze kept me from turning into an unfortunate human roast.

I leaned closer to Jared, tongs in hand, inhaling the heavenly scent of sizzling steak. “So this guy you worked with—he really taught you to treat meat like an art form?”

Jared cracked a rare grin, smoke curling around his words. “Yeah. He’s a culinary wizar