Beside him, a voice piped up.
"What did you say?"
Jason nearly jumped out of his skin.
He spun around to find Bella standing not two feet away, her brown eyes wide and sparkling with curiosity. She looked like she had just caught him stealing cookies.
"Shoot!" Jason clutched his chest dramatically. "You scared me! When did you even appear?"
Bella's lips curved into an innocent smile. "I've been on this side for a while. And I heard you say something." She tilted her head, those bright eyes fixed on him. "What was it?"
Jason's brain scrambled for an escape. "Nothing. I said nothing. I was just clearing my throat. Allergies. Mountain air. Very… polleny."
Bella's smile widened. "You said 'lover boy.'"
"I did not."
"You definitely did."
"Evidence?"
"I have ears."
"Unreliable."
Bella laughed softly despite the chaos still unfolding behind them. "Jason, just tell me. Who were you talking about?"
