But for a split second, I swear I’m being … watched.
Whatever. It’s Lorewood. Being watched might as well be a local pastime.
After a minute of being my own mental hype woman, I send Jameson a text explaining who I am and how I got his number.
He responds almost immediately.
Okay, was he like, waiting by the phone?
We chat for the rest of the afternoon, under Eve’s watchful eye, and agree to meet for a date on Friday evening.
“Yes! You’re finally going out! I don’t have to feel terrible about all the good dick I get now!” Eve’s icy blue eyes shine brightly as we both burst into laughter.
“I’m not making any promises, but Jameson seems nice, and we have some things in common. Even if nothing romantic happens, it might be refreshing to make a new friend who isn’t chronically horny.”
Eve glares at me, then says, “Okay, he can be your friend if you don’t fuck, but he’ll never be your best friend. That title belongs to me, and I’ll fight anyone for it!”
What the hell would I do without her?
I’d be all kinds of fucked up if she wasn’t in my life to love me unconditionally.
I wrap my arms around Eve’s waist, but my mind’s already somewhere else—spinning between Ezra’s hungry breath on my skin and the unshakable memory ofCandy Mountain.
Because yeah, apparently, my brain can’t decide what’s more unsettling: an obsessive bookshop owner with a voice like smoke whisperingenyémin my ear, or a unicorn getting kidney-jacked in a 2008 internet video.
Aurora
I clock out early, then knock on Eve’s office door to let her know I’m heading to the bookshop.
“Have fun,” Eve says distractedly, “and I’m glad you’re talking to Thane about this online shop stuff, even though I’m still not convinced this is the direction I want to go. I know we’re like sisters, but this is my business. If this conversation helps you provide me with a clear path forward, then I’ll consider taking this route. Help me see the benefits of all of this, and give me numbers like profit projections, upfront costs, things like that. Then I can make an informed decision.”
Eve flashes me a shy smile. I know it’s difficult for her to pull off big boss energy, but she’s a phenomenal leader.
Plus, she’s finally outlined what she needs to decide.
“I’ve never created a business plan before, but Thane said he has one I can look at. Maybe it’ll give me some ideas. And I could look at businesses like yours that have done this successfully.”
I try to sound professional but can already feel the grin tugging at my mouth.
“Any message you want me to pass on to Thane while I’m over there?” I ask as I pack up my bag and waggle my eyebrows at her for once.
Eve laughs, then chews on her lip. “I’m not sure. Thane’s the first guy I’ve seen more than once in a long time. There’s a slight chance I feel a connection. Plus, the things he does to my body …” she trails off dreamily.
“Honestly? I’m afraid I’m going to fuck this up,” Eve confides, glancing down at her lap.
I’ve never seen Eve so twisted up over a guy before. I’m thrilled for her, especially since this thing with Thane is way outside of her own comfort zone.
“How about I don’t mention you unless he does? Besides, I saw the way he looked at you last night. He’s smitten, Eve, so I don’t think youcanfuck it up right now.”
“Yeah … okay. If you say so,” she says, sounding utterly unconvinced. “I think there’s a bigger issue, anyway.”
How many more issues will I have to deal with today?
A mischievous smile spreads across my best friend’s face.
“I wonder if Ezra will be there this afternoon. He certainly seemed … um … curious about you this morning. At least from where I was sitting.”
Curious, my ass.
