“Rude.” Briar catches it, tucking it against her side. “I’m ovulating. Let me be horny.”
Their banter is distraction enough to have a laugh slipping out of me.
“So, you know how the shower in the loft is broken?”
Sloane’s brows crinkle. “Didn’t you call the plumber like a week ago?”
“Yeah, about that . . . his wife just had a baby and the part he needs is on backorder. Plus, it didn’t seem like a big deal to share with Emmett.”
Briar points her stir stick at me. “I knew it! He’s a fucking weirdo. Did you catch him collecting the hair from your brush? Or using your toothbrush?”
“Oh. My. God. No!” I snort out a laugh. “You’re fucking unhinged.”
Genuine disappointment tugs on her lips. “I’m begging you to give me something juicy. I’m bored. Fainting goats can only keep me entertained for so long.”
“Give me the pillow, Aspen. She deserves another.” Sloane leans forward like she’s going to grab it.
“I’ll take my whack and thank you.” Briar cackles entirely undeterred. “You saw him in the garage. Don’t even lie and tell me you’re not dying to know what’s got Aspen’s panties in a twist.”
I nibble my lip. “Oh, I saw him all right.” I bring the glass to my lips, sucking an ice cube into my mouth. “In all his glory.”
My friend stare back at me, wide-eyed and with mouths agape.
I rush through my long shift and the coffee delivery, antsy to get to the part I need help unraveling. Their smiles turn to frowns when I mention the run-in with Jeremiah, but I hold up a hand, stopping the wave of angry questions.
“When I got here, Emmett was already in the shower and I planted my ass, about to pass out, when there was a crash.” My eyes find the door, checking to be sure he didn’t sneak in. “My head went to the worst-case scenario, and I rushed in there, thinking he was going to be passed out with his head split open.” My head falls into my hands, hiding my face. “Not a drop of blood . . . he was more than fine, actually.”
“Jesus Christ, Aspen.” Briar presses a hand to her chest. “And here I thought this story was about to take a turn.”
“Don’t be so eager, cause we’re talking about what’s going on with you next.”
That shuts her up.
“He wasn’t just taking a shower. He was . . . ” For some unknown reason, I gesture to my crotch, drawing everyone’s eyes there. “Taking care of himself.” Lowering my voice as if he might hear me from the garage, I add, “And he said my name.”
I leave out the part about the vibrator because I’ve got to draw the line somewhere.
“Because he saw you?” Harlowe asks.
I take a big gulp and shake my head. “Like he was thinking of me.”
“This issomuch better than anything I could’ve imagined.” Briar’s smile is wide and comical. She’s enjoying this far too much. “Tell me there was eye contact. Please.”
I blow out a breath. Sweat dots my spine. This is too much. “I came in at the end of his . . . um . . . session. But I didn’t exactly announce my entrance.” I can feel my cheeks glowing red.
“Holy hell.” Sloane cheeks are rosy. “You watched?”
I exhale a shaky laugh. “I did.”
“Did he catch you?” Harlowe asks, eyes wide.
“After the . . . um . . . finale. I tried to sneak out, but the door handle was wet.”
“I bet it wasn’t the only thing.”
“Jesus.” Harlowe shoves Briar’s head into the pillow. “You’re done.”
“After I fled, he came out. God, it was so awkward and . . . hot . . . but mostly mortifying.”
