She squeezes my arm as she passes me, her eyes twinkling. Narrowing my eyes, I try to figure out her angle. Our original plans were just to have dinner, but now we’re suddenly going dancing?
“I’ll pick you up in two hours. Be ready.”
Waving to indicate she heard me, she leaves out the back door.
With my safety net gone, I chew my lip as I try to think of something to say.
“Our incredible kiss was exactly what I hoped, and I can’t get it out of my head,” Thayer tells me quietly. “Why won’t you talk to me?”
Mute, my eyes drop to the carpet. I don’t know what to say. Lifting my eyes to his, I silently plead with him to let me have more time.
“Damn it, Kate. Just go.” His voice is hard as he tells me to leave.
Thankful for the reprieve, I head upstairs to the apartment to get ready. There are so many emotions that cloud the air between us. Too many. From hate to fear to colleagues to friends to that kiss. It’s all a swirl, and I need time to sort it out.
Pouring a glass of wine, I relax in the tub for a few minutes. Everything has been going so well the last two months. My relationship with Shaw, Lev, and Lowell is incredible. We are in love with each other. The happiness I’ve found with them is full of possibilities. Am I tempting fate to ask for more?
Could I ask to find love with one more person? Is that being too greedy? I don’t even know if he’s looking for anything serious. He could be reacting to the proximity of me in his life at work and home.
My phone pings, letting me know the ride share will be here in forty-five minutes. Shit! Pulling the stopper, I dive out of the tub. Slapping on some lotion, I hurriedly add makeup and drop a few curls into my hair. The tousled look will have to do tonight.
Stepping into the bedroom, I peruse the clothes in my closet. They’re all pretty boring. Searching for something sexy, I pull out a red lace bodysuit and pair of black skinny jeans. Paired with black stilettos and a few gold necklaces, I think it will work.
The driver sends me a text to let me know he’s arrived. Grabbing my clutch and phone, I slip out the door. We arrive at Sarah’s about twenty minutes later. She comes out wearing a black bodycon dress and jumps in the back seat with me.
“Damn, girl. That dress is sexy. Are you going to tell me what’s going on?”
“Thanks.” She pushes up the girls and smooths down the dress. “You look hot. Love that bodysuit.”
“Uh huh. Spill.”
“OK. Don’t be mad,” she pleads with me, biting her lip. “I found out today Remi is coming to town tonight, along with his friend. We’re meeting them at the club.”
“What? Are you trying to set me up with his friend?” Confused, I laugh. “I’ve got to tell you; I don’t need one more man right now. Seriously, I have more than my fair share.”
“No, I want you to meet him and tell me what you think. This man is driving me crazy. One minute he’s cold as ice, and the next he’s plastered up against me. I can’t tell what’s going on. Will you help me?” Giving me puppy dog eyes, she bats her eyelashes at me.
“Stop. Of course I’ll help. That doesn’t explain why you told Thayer our plans.” Raising my eyebrow, I cross my arms and wait for her to tell me.
“Well, everyone knows Thayer can’t keep a secret worth a damn. One or all of your men will show up before the night is through. Hopefully, we’ll both have ‘happy’ endings tonight.” Grinning mischievously, her fingers give air quotes to the word “happy.”
“Sneaky, my friend. OK, you’re forgiven. Maybe we should bet on which one will show up?” Knowing she can’t resist a good bet, I wait for her to take the bait.
“You’re on. If Thayer was his old self, I’d bet on him. But given the circumstance, I think it’s a toss-up between Lev and Shaw.” Tapping her finger on her lip, she thinks about it for a second. “I’m going with Shaw. He seems like he would be more possessive than Lev. Who do you think will show up?”
“What are we betting?”
“How about drinks tonight? Whoever wins pays the bar tab.”
“Deal. I’m betting Lowell shows up.”
“What? Lowell? Mr. Serious? No way.”
Shrugging, I simply smile. “That’s my bet. We’ll see who’s right.”
Pouting a bit, she throws up her hands. “If only Thayer and you were dating. He’d be a sure bet.”
“Thayer and I are not dating. We’ve only kissed.”
