“We’re spending the month together,” she told him. “I thought we could have more fun if we played. I know you like to play, Jack.”

He swore under his breath. “This isn’t like you, Meri.”

“How can you be sure? It’s been a long time. I’ve grown up.” She turned slowly. “Don’t you like the changes?”

“You look great. You know that. So what’s the point?”

The point was she wanted him desperate. She wanted him panting, begging, pleading. Then she would give in and walk away. It was her plan-it had always been her plan.

“I’m not going to sleep with you,” he said flatly. “You’re Hunter’s sister. I gave him my word I’d look after you. That means taking care of you, not sleeping with you.”

She’d meant to keep her temper. Honestly she’d even written it on her to-do list. But it was simply impossible.

“Take care of me? Is that what you call disappearing two seconds after Hunter’s funeral? All of you left-all of his friends. I expected it of them but not of you. Hunter told me you would always be there for me no matter what. But you weren’t. You were gone. I was seventeen, Jack. My father was a basket case, I was a total social outcast with no friends and you disappeared. Because that was easier than facing your responsibility.”

He put down his luggage. “Is that why you’re here? To tell me off?”

He had no idea, she thought, still furious and wishing she could breathe fire and burn him into a little stick figure, like in the cartoons.

“That’s only part of the fun.”

“Would it help if I said I was sorry?”

“No, it wouldn’t.” Nothing would change the fact that he’d abandoned her, just like everyone else she’d ever loved.

“Meri, I know we have some history. But if we’re stuck here for a month, we need to find a way to get along.”

“Be friends, you mean?” she said, remembering how he’d said he would always be her friend, right after rejecting her.