I was halfway out the door, gym bag over my shoulder, when I glanced back at her. She was curled up on the couch, hair a mess, wearing my hoodie like it was made for her and eyes glued to some mindless reality show she swore she didn’t even like.

God, she was trouble.

“I’m heading out,” I called.

She lifted a hand in a lazy wave, not even looking away from the screen.

“Love you,” I added, because that’s just what I do. Always. It’s routine now, easy.

And without missing a beat, she goes, “Okay, have fun.”

I blinked. Wait, what?

I stood there for a second, thinking maybe she didn’t hear me properly. I took a step back, leaning against the doorframe.

“I said… love you.”

This time she glanced over, a smirk already forming on her lips. “Okay, have fun.”

I squinted. Oh, she was doing it on purpose.

I dropped my bag on the floor and crossed the room, standing right in front of her. She looked up at me like butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth.

“You wanna run that by me again?” I asked, trying not to grin.

She grinned up at me, playful as hell. “Okay, have fun.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Say it back, Trouble.”