Groaning, I cover my face with my hands. I can’t stop thinking about how my entire body came to life when Wade pulled me against him as a surge of excitement shot through me. How his lips felt—firm and commanding—over mine as he not only returned the kiss but took over like he owned me. And how much I liked every touch, every sensation. I’ve lost track of how many times I found myself staring at nothing, distracted at my desk while I relived every detail.
I pick up my phone again. I’ll suggest a girls’ night out and work it into the conversation organically. That’ll make it easier, right?
After putting down and picking up my phone two more times, I tap out a message to the group and hit send before I chicken out.
Bree: Feel like hanging out tonight?
Sophie: I’m always up for girl time!
Mia: And wine. Let’s not forget the wine. I’m in the mood to celebrate.
Lily: What are we celebrating?
Mia: It’s almost Thanksgiving, which means I get a break.
Lily: Sounds a little premature…
Mia: Trust me, it’s not.
Sophie: Mia, you love your job, and you know it.
Mia: Whatever
Bree: So, is that a yes?
Sophie: Definitely
Mia: Packing up to leave work now.
Sophie: It’s almost six on a Friday, and you’re still at school. See? You love your job.
Mia: So do you, but even you said you need a break from time to time.
Sophie: Touché
I admit, these women can go off the rails sometimes, but I’m desperate to get this weight off my chest in exchange for some perspective.
Bree: Can we finish this conversation at the TT?
Lily: On my way. I’ll get us a booth.
Sophie: Order hushpuppies.
Mia: And wine!
When I arrive, Lily’s already here. She waves at me from the same booth we sat in last time. Four long-stem glasses of white wine stand like soldiers, guarding a basket of golden hushpuppies and several mini tubs of creamy tartar sauce. I grab the closest glass and gulp down half of it. Probably should have eaten one of those fried balls of dough they like so much first, since I skipped lunch, but I need some serious liquid courage right now.
Lily’s brows shoot up. “That bad, huh?”
I nod, studying the varnished wood grain of the tabletop.
A distinctive giggle reaches us from the front of the restaurant. I spin around and watch Mia laugh over something Sophie said as they approach. Mia slides in next to me, and Sophie sits by Lily.
Like me, Mia grabs a glass and takes a gulp, then sets it down with a flourish and a sigh. “That’s better. The world can carry on now.”
Sophie rolls her eyes. “Good to know.”
All business, Lily points at me. “She’s in trouble.”
