“Hi, Henry,” I say, my voice sweet and loud enough for everyone in the room to hear. I touch his shoulder briefly. “I’ve been looking for youallmorning.”
“Ew. What are you doing?” he whispers, recoiling slightly.
“Just go with it,” I murmur through my smile, flicking my eyes back to Louise and Max.
Max is watching us now, his interest split between Louise’s incessant chattering and whatever I’m saying to Henry. Our gazes collide for a split second and the heat in his glare sears through me like a brand.
He deliberately turns his body toward Louise.
Henry looks in Max’s direction before shifting his gaze back to me, horror dawning on his face. “Absolutely not. Don’t use me as a pawn in your little game.”
I ignore him and place my hand on his arm, letting it linger as I laugh at something he hasn’t said. I toss my hair back, making sure to angle my body so Max has a perfect view of my tits and waist.
Over Henry’s shoulder, I see Louise lean in closer to Max, whispering something in his ear. My blood boils when his lips move and she barks out another laugh.
I press my breasts into Henry’s biceps, his eyebrows shooting up to his hairline. “Wow, you’re really going for it, huh?” he asks. “Should I give you the Oscar now or wait until you’ve finished this riveting performance?”
“Shut up. Do me a solid and make him jealous,” I say through gritted teeth.
Louise’s hand is on Max’s chest now. Is this bitch serious? That has to violate workplace policy. Where is Chadwick Fuck-Face when I need him?
Henry releases a long exhale. “Gemma, I’m your boss. This is beyond petty and unprofessional.”
“I’ll buy you coffee for a week.”
He groans. “Goddammit, you know I’m a slut for Lance’s coffee.”
“Is that a yes?” I wiggle my eyebrows.
He sighs. “Fine, whatever.”
“Thank you,” I say, shifting even closer.
Henry’s eyes pierce through my soul and his brow twitches, just slightly. He looks like he might actually throw up. I would be offended if it weren’t for Max occupying every part of me that cares.
“Sorry, I can’t do this,” Henry says, trying to pull away. “My body is physically rejecting you.”
“Yes, you can!” I whisper-shout, pulling him back in. “Pretend I’m Nate.”
“Are you serious? Christ—I amsogay.”
“Henry! Be a team player,” I say, smacking his chest.
He rolls his eyes dramatically before wrapping an arm around my shoulders and leaning in, pretending to whisper in my ear without getting too close.
I risk another glance and lock eyes with Max again, and this time, his smile evaporates.
“Is he looking yet?” Henry mutters quietly.
“Yes.”
“Excellent. Now, care to tell me what this is all about? What happened last night after I left the bar?”
“Everything but penetration.”
Henry gags. “Please, for the sake of our friendship, don’t ever say the wordpenetrationagain.”
Louise laughs way too loudly at something Max says, but I can see it written all over his face—he isn’t into her. Not in the slightest. His spine’s gone rigid, his chin’s tilted. He’s on high alert, uncomfortable, awkward.Good.
