I pour myself a glass.
For half a second I breathe.
This is what I wanted.
A night out.
No complicated thoughts.
No—
Damn it, why is Cohen Becker still in my head?
The last few days have been a carousel of frustration, desire, and lies I tell myself.
Yes, I shouldn’t think about him.
Yes, Olivia is the perfect candidate.
Yes, the program is finally working.
And I should be thrilled.
So why does it feel like I’m drowning in emotional Jell-O?
I settle onto the barstool and look around, trying to distract myself.
What is that smell?
Butter… rosemary… red wine?
“Oh my god, what is that?” I ask.
Sebastian glances up, a tiny smirk tugging at his mouth as he stirs something in a massive pot.
“Red wine braised beef,” he says. “With garlic mashed potatoes and kale chips.”
Lina whips a towel at him. “Don’t show off.”
“I’m answering a question, not showing off. You’re the one looking at me like I invented cooking.”
I hide a smile behind my glass.
If they don’t kill each other by December, those two areabsolutely ending up in bed.
Fifty-fifty odds.
Ahh, I love a good fiery love story! Enemies to Lovers?
Yes, Sloane Heart approves.
I take a long sip and feel my stomach melt.
Yes. I needed this.
Lina rests her chin on her arm, staring at me like she can read my soul.
“Okay. What’s going on with you?”
