** Poppy’s POV **
For a moment, none of us move. Jake stands frozen beside the sink, a dish towel hanging loosely from his hand. Leo leans against the counter beside him, arms crossed, watching me with that steady, unreadable focus that always makes me feel like he sees more than he says. They definitely heard something. The silence stretches just long enough to make my pulse start racing.
I almost go into full panic mode, but then I remember that I’m a pro at this by now. I’ve been fooling people for months that I’m fine.
“Well,” I say finally, forcing a small, casual shrug as I rest my elbow against the banister, “this is awkward.”
Jake blinks first.
“Were you… talking to someone?” he asks carefully.
He doesn’t sound accusing or suspicious, just cautious. Which makes me feel a litt
