“Cici! Seriously, that’s not happening. Besides, I don’t want anyone else knowing, including Eli.”
“He’s friends with Braden. I wouldn’t be surprised if Braden already told him.” My eyes bug out of my head, but she waves me offand continues. “He won’t care regardless. Eli and I had our fun back in the day. He’d never judge you.”
“Still. It was a one-time thing. It won’t happen again.”
“Hm. If you say so, but I’ll hold off the search party if you don’t come home tonight.”
I hit her with a pillow as she squeals, before we’re laughing together. I feel lighter than I have in weeks, confirming my decision to tell her.
The rest of the afternoon is nice, spending time with Abby and taking a walk outside with her in the stroller. Lily joined us, so we didn’t go very far since she’s about to pop herself. It’s so cool that they’re having babies around the same time and that their kids will be cousins growing up next door to each other.
After dinner with Eli, who worked all day, Cici dragged me to her closet to pick out something to wear while Eli kept Abby. He’s an adorable dad. I’m so glad everything worked out for them. Even though he missed most of the pregnancy, he’s made up for it in spades.
The outfits she’s pulling out are making me cringe. She has some seriously sexy clothes, most of which didn’t make an appearance in Bozeman, but apparently, the dress code for this place is next level. I’m kind of excited to experience a real dance club with multiple floors and modern lighting.
Hanging out with Lucy will be fun too. What has me on edge is the sexual tension between Braden and me. Every innuendo he makes causes my insides to clench in desire, which is his intention, of course, and it’s becoming more of a challenge to hold back. I’m afraid Cici’s right and that it’s only a matter of time before I give in.
“I don’t think any of these will work. You seem to forget I’m not as endowed upstairs as you are. Plus, my ass is bigger.” I whine to Cici as she piles more choices on the bed.
“We’ll see. Strip, we have a lot to do, and your makeup will take a while.”
Oh boy.
When she’s finally through with me, I barely recognize myselfas we stand in front of the full-length mirror in her bathroom. She didn’t go over the top, but I look more… mature. And sexy as hell in this dress. If I went out at home like this, I might’ve already found someone. I seriously need to reevaluate my tactics.
“Braden’s definitely putting the moves on you tonight. I wouldn’t be surprised if you don’t make it out of the club before you get down and dirty.” She winks conspiratorially.
“I would never do anything in public.”
“Who said in public? There are plenty of hidden alcoves, especially in the VIP section. I would know since that’s where Eli and I became acquainted. Damn. Those were the days.” She wistfully sighs.
“We’ll be in VIP?” This is sounding cooler by the minute—a day in the life of Cici and her billionaire.
“Of course. All of Eli and Sebastian’s close friends have a standing table anytime they want. Now that everyone’s paired off and having babies, it’s not used as much, but Braden still goes quite a bit.”
“I’m sure he does.” I cringe internally at my petulance.
“Hey, that just means he’s better at pleasing a woman. Aren’t you glad your first time was with someone who knew what he was doing and not fumbling around? You should take advantage of his skills while you can.”
I shrug. “I guess you’re right. It’s just weird. I never saw myself being promiscuous.”
She doubles over laughing. “Poppy, you are the furthest thing from promiscuous. One guy doesn’t make you a slut. Hell, ten guys won’t. It’s your body, and you can do what you damn well please. When you settle down, it’ll be that much more special that you’ve chosen one person to share the rest of your life with. And you’ll bring experience to the table to boot. So don’t slut shame yourself. You’re young. Have some fun.” She nudges me with her shoulder, smirking.
And that’s why she’s my best friend, because that’s exactly what I needed to hear. A few more times and it might sink in, but it’ll have to wait, because Eli knocks on the bedroom door.
He cracks it open enough to speak through. “Hey, ladies, are you almost done? Braden got here a while ago and is getting impatient.”
“We’re just finishing up. We’ll be down in a sec. Tell him to hold his horses, beauty rushes for no one,” Cici shouts.
“I’ll pass on the message,” Eli says before shutting the door.
“I’m ready, we can go down,” I say.
“Nah, make him wait. It builds anticipation.”
“I’m not sure that’s wise. He’s already a force to be reckoned with.”
“Exactly, so this’ll seal the deal.”
