With a short and stout body, Houdini continues to sit in close proximity to me. I try not to make any sudden movements so as not to scare him.
“What do you think, Houdini? Have I caught feelings for him? If it’s a yes, jump back into the lake. If you think this is a fling I’ll get over, stay perfectly still.”
I wait with bated breath, but then Houdini spots a bug of some sort and hops in the opposite direction of the lake.
“Great, you’re of no help to me.”
As much as I want to stay here, ignoring all my problems, I know I need to head to the café and help Billie.
“I’m sorry I’m late!”
I rush through the door and straight behind the counter,where Billie is preparing two hot chocolates. There was no time for a shower, just a quick outfit change into a pair of jeans and a wool blouse.
His scent lingers all over me.
My entire body aches, and when I reach up to grab a clean plate from the shelf, I let out a groan, unknowingly.
“You look…” Billie falls short of words, observing me with her lips curved. “How can I put this politely?”
“Like death?”
“Freshly screwed,” she blurts out.
“Billie!” I gasp, surprised by her choice of words since she isn’t vulgar like Maddy. “That’s very unlike you.”
She shrugs, her smile fading. “Yeah, well… I could use the distraction.”
“Is everything okay with your mom?” I ask, worried.
“For now.” Billie sighs heavily, then smiles. “Anyway, can we go back to your exciting love life?”
“Okay, listen… there is no love, so technically, no love life.”
“Sure. So, was this bestie’s older brother?” Billie waits with hopeful eyes. “It was, wasn’t it?”
I glance around, then pull Billie into the kitchen. “Yes, but please promise me you’ll say nothing to Maddy. I don’t want her getting involved, and I already feel guilty for having to lie to her.”
Billie holds up her pinkie finger. “I swear I won’t. Only if you promise not to tell anyone a hot surgeon gave me his number, and he’s possibly double my age.”
“Age gap?” I grin with a nod. “You go, girl.”
“It was a very McDreamy moment. I mean, age ain’t nothing but a number, right?” Billie shakes her head, then places her hands on my shoulders. “Tell me everything that happened last night with Aston.”
I start with Aston appearing at the jewelry store and then continue with the rest of the night. As the story progresses, her eyes widen with enthusiasm.
“This is the most exciting thing to happen to you in the time I’ve known you,” Billie is quick to tell me.
“Really, am I that boring?”
“I wouldn’t throw around the wordboring, more likepicky. You red-flag all men before they even have a chance to prove their worth in the bedroom. Now you’ve had, like, what, multiple orgasms with the hottest guy ever?”
“A lady never tells. But let’s say six for all intents and purposes.”
Billie purses her lips with a silent nod. “You’re falling for him.”
“No, I’m not.” I choke the words out quickly.
“I’m sorry. I will correct myself. You’vefallenfor him.”
