Page 58 of Playboy’s Purgatory

“Hi, Lara,” Riti’s voice is bright and welcoming.

It’s obvious they know each other, even if the only reason they do is because Riti has been a customer at the bakery.

“Hi, Riti. I haven’t seen you here before for one of my sessions, I guess we just keep missing each other,” Lara jokes.

I keep my grimace inside. Because I know something Lara doesn’t know. I won’t be telling her anytime soon. Hopefully, Riti keeps her mouth shut too, not that I’m asking her to hide it or lie to Lara for me.

Maybe it won’t come up.

“I’m just finishing cleaning up.” Riti glances at me with a coy smile on her face. “Then I’ll be out of your hair.”

“You’re totally fine,” Lara assures her.

I do not agree, but I don’t say anything. Instead, I press my lips together in a thin line.

The quiet settles around us for a moment before Riti straightens with a bright smile on her face and grabs her bag. “That’s it for me today. I’m out.”

When she turns her attention towards Lara, part of me wants to step between them. Not because Riti is a bad person; she’s wonderful. But because Riti is also a troublemaker and I recognize the glint in her eyes.

“I was talking to Opal a few days ago and she mentioned getting together for a night out at On Wasted Ridge. You in?” She poses it like a question, but I have the feeling it’s really not.

“That sounds like fun,” Lara admits before hedging, “but it’ll all depend on if I can get someone to watch Vanessa.”

“Don’t worry about that,” Riti waves her hand, “we can find someone. I bet Playboy would be willing to help.”

I would. I totally would. But if Lara is going to be out at a bar where there will be men and alcohol then you better fucking believe I’m going to be there too.

The thought of some guy putting his hands on her makes my vision turn red.

Still, I choke out, “Of course. Or Rumble would be more than willing as well. He could use it as a chance to take Vivi out on his bike.”

Lara’s mouth twists to one side like she’s considering my offer. Her tone is filled with challenge, “Don’t you need to ask him if he’s okay with it first?”

I chuckle and shake my head. “The man is part of your fan club now. Yours and Vanessa’s. I don’t need to ask him.”

“We just talked about sourdough,” Lara huffs a little like she doesn’t understand why something so simple would have such a significant impact.

I’m not surprised. She has no idea the effect she has on other people or how much people value her.

“We’ll figure out the details and make a plan,” Riti promises with a wave as she heads out the door.

As the rest of the world is closed out again, I turn toward Lara fully. I want to talk about the kiss we shared, but I’m petrified she’ll tell me it was all just some mistake.

I’m not too proud to admit that I wouldn’t be able to handle it if she said anything remotely close to that.

Has she been thinking about it as much as I have? I’ve been replaying it over and over again.

I kissed her. That’s not the amazing part.

She kissed me back.

Not talking about it seems like the right thing to do. At least the safest thing to do. Or maybe the easiest.

I clap my hands together and motion to the space in front of me. “Ready to get started?”

Lara makes a humming sound and then starts pulling her clothes off. Fuck me. Did I just die and go to fucking heaven?

She’s not undressing for me. I’m very aware of the distinction, but my cock isn’t.