Page 106 of Brazen Obsession

I toy with the straw in my water. I didn’t want to start drinking until everyone else got here. “What if it’s not the same?”

Dante’s cool eyes meet mine. “If what’s not the same?”

It’s not like I have the greatest track record when it comes to friends. In my heart I know Verity played her role perfectly, but she chose me for a reason. Madison, Hope, and Kayla aren’t Verity, but what if I’m wrong?

“How do I know they aren’t going to turn their backs on me?”

“Pip, you can’t let those girls in your past cloud your future. You aren’t that eighteen-year-old girl anymore.”

I let out a snort of disbelief.

He turns my chin so I look at him. “You’re stronger now. Even though you trusted the wrong person before, you’re still the loving, caring friend you’ve always been. You’re still you.”

My heart fills as his love shines through. Warmth floods my veins.

“They’re lucky to have you as a friend.” His thumb brushes the corner of my mouth. “We’re lucky to have your love.”

I wish the world would disappear like it used to, but I’m aware of every person in the bar. Where they are, how they’re moving, who they’re standing with. Things that used to be background noise seem to weigh heavily on my mind.

Dante rests his forehead against mine for a moment and I let him take over the vigilance, knowing he’ll keep me safe no matter what. My eyes close as his ocean scent sweeps over me.

He pulls away and the world rushes back in.

“Hope I’m not interrupting.” Madison’s voice is soft.

We both turn to look at her. Her blond hair is caught up in a bun and her outfit looks like she came straight from work. A pretty blouse and pencil skirt. Her blue eyes are filled with worry and relief.

I slip off the stool and she opens her arms as I step into her and hug her tight.

“I’m so glad they were able to resolve this without you getting hurt.” Madison’s words are said next to my ear.

“Me too.” I release my breath and pull away. “How have you been?”

Madison smiles softly. “Busy. Work is crazy right now. I had to promise I wouldn’t stay out too late tonight.”

Her cheeks flush pink as she smiles. I always knew what that meant, but I didn’t really appreciate it until I had my own guys. It’s Friday night and that means we’re all sleeping together in the big bed. When I meet Dante’s eyes, his smile is knowing.

My insides grow warm as I turn back to Madison. “Dante is going to stay until Hope gets here. I want to make sure Juliette has someone to translate for her.”

We take our stools at the bar. Dante nods to Madison when she smiles at him.

“How’s the mentorship going?” I ask.

“Deidre is amazing. I’m learning so much.” Madison stops to say Thank you as Jason slides a strawberry daiquiri in front of her. “And I’m still learning from our business as well. How’s your internship going with all that’s been happening?”

I blow out a breath and stare at the fairy lights around the bar. “I return to the office on Monday. They made me work from home until they could be sure nothing is going to happen at work.”

Madison nods and stirs her drink with her straw. “It took a while for the guys to feel safe with me in the office again. And our floor is practically a fortress. I hope next week goes well for you.”

“Me too. I’m ready to get on with the internship and get back to school to finish my degree.” My future is a little clearer than it was at the beginning of this summer.

“I’ve been talking with Deidre about you.” Madison lifts her gaze to mine. “And she thinks they might have a spot available for you in the accounting department when you graduate.”

My insides buzz. This is our goal. For all of us to work together and to have the necessary skills to start a business like Deidre’s.

“She knows you’ll have a master’s and she wants to have her CFO help mentor you starting this year if you have time.” Madison glances toward Dante before taking a sip of her drink.

I let that settle in. It’s a solid move. I glance back to Dante. He smiles and his thumb strokes along my back.