“It is not a big deal,” I say, waving her off.
James sneaks in, sauntering by at the worst moment, grabbing yet another beer from the fridge. How many are these guys putting away? We haven’t started eating yet.
“What’s not a big deal?” James asks.
“Gemma stayed at a guy’s house last night,” April blurts.
I release a tiresome exhale. Though, I’m really pleased she hasn’t disclosed mine and Max’s little arrangement to James.
Then again, I’m not surprised. She’s one of the most loyal people I know, but my pulse races as if I’m standing under a spotlight.
“Gemma,” James echoes, equally stunned. “That is a big deal.”
“It isnota big deal,” I hiss through gritted teeth.
“What’s not a big deal?” Anna’s voice cuts through our little huddle, causing all three of us to jump in surprise.
April freezes and glares at me. She doesn’t deal well under pressure and can’t think on the spot to save her life. She’s too innocent—too pure. Her eyes screamWhat do we do?while mine pleadAct normal, for the love of God.
The three of us turn to see Anna, Mason, and Max stroll in together.
My mouth instantly dries. Anna looks beautiful—she always does—butMax.Devastatingly handsome.
He’s wearing a crisp white button-down with the sleeves rolled to his elbows, revealing the perfect forearms that had me pinned to his mattress last night. Dark tailored slacks fit him perfectly, and his loafers probably cost more than my entire monthly salary.
The bastard looks like he just stepped off a runway while I look like I have a bad case of pink eye.
He casually slips his hands into his trouser pockets, and his eyes latch onto mine from across the room. Fire licks at my skin and I feel a faint blush creep up my neck.
Anna gasps in surprise and her eyes narrow on me. “What the fuck happened to your eyes?”
“I slept in my contacts,” I say.
“Oh, hon.” She leans in closer to inspect my face. “Your eyes are as red as the devil’s dick!”
“Gemma stayed at a guy’s house last night,” James announces with the subtlety of a foghorn.
I choke on my champagne, banging my fist against my chest to clear my throat.
Anna is wide-eyed. “Shit. Thatisa big deal,” she says, reaching across the island to cut herself a piece of cheese. “Who’s the lucky guy?” she asks around the mouthful. My blood pressure drops to zero becausethe guyhappens to be standing three feet away from us both.
I quickly turn my head to look at Max, who is doing a fabulous job at schooling his expression. I’m glad one of us is keeping their cool, because inside, I’m absolutely shitting myself.
“You don’t know him,” April rushes, jumping in to rescue me.
Anna’s brows pull together. “And you do?” she asks April, suspicion creeping into her tone.
April’s eyes bounce around the room like a ping-pong ball. Good Lord, this is hopeless. She’s the worst liar on the planet.
“N-No,” she stammers. Her voice isn’t convincingatall.
“Help yourself to some champagne,” I deflect, gesturing to the open bottle with my glass.
“Ooo!” Anna claps before pouring a flute of champagne.
My insides clench like I’m preparing for a punch as I divert my gaze, attempting to look anywhere but at Max. I suddenly find the side of April’s head fascinating. But my attempt at avoidance is squandered as Max invades my space, the scent of his smoky cologne wrapping around me. He leans down, his warm breath dusting against my ear as he whispers roughly, “You look beautiful.”
Three words spoken low enough that only I can hear them. I’m acutely aware that there are four other people in this kitchen, including his sister.
