“I feel like I have,” I mutter. A very tall, handsome ghost with hands like sin, and a penis that honestly might qualify as a deadly weapon.
“Late night, then?”
I huff. “Not intentionally.”
He quirks an eyebrow. “Oh. Was there a date involved?”
I roll my eyes. “Definedate.”
He grins. “Well, whatever it was, I hope he knows he’s a lucky bastard.”
“Believe me, I shouldn’t have gone there,” I deadpan.
His expression shifts, brow furrowing. “He didn’t hurt you, did he?”
My tone softens. “No, no. God, nothing like that. He’s just…” I trail off, unsure how to explain Max without sounding unhinged.
Lance leans forward. “Aye, I see. What’s his name?”
I hesitate. “Max.”
He nods, as if he’s already decided he likes the name. “Max. Max and Gemma. Got a nice ring to it.”
I shake my head. “Nope. Abort mission. This isnota good thing.”
He folds his arms, his voice teasing. “Why?”
“Because he’s Anna’s brother.”
“Your best friend Anna?”
“Ugh, please don’t say it out loud. It makes it worse.” I bury my head in my gloved hands.
He chuckles. “It’s all right, lass. These things happen.”
“Not tome, they don’t! And now I’ve got to see him every day. Atwork. I mean—what the hell was I thinking?”
Lance rests against the counter, his voice gentling. “Right, I’ll say this once.”
“Here we go.”
He points a finger at me. “Oi. I want you to really hear me for a wee second. I’m serious.”
“Fine.”
“Life’s too bloody short to spend it worrying about what other people think. Even Anna. I know she’s your friend, but if something feels good, if it feelsright—don’t run from it. Lean into it.” He tips his chin, all knowing and annoyingly wise. “Now, did it feel good?”
I squint at him. “You do realize you’re ancient and this conversation is wildly inappropriate, right?”
He waits, unmoved.
I sigh. “Yes.”
“Aye. There you are, then.”
I shake my head. “It isn’t that simple, Lance.”
“When you get to my age, believe me—it is.”
