Page 17 of Don't Fall For Your Best Friend

“Thank you. And I mean it. Let me know what evening you want to stop by.”

I nod, thanking him once more before saying our goodbyes and heading back to my Jeep. I don’t tell Hartford just yet that we’ve been invited for a night of kink at Club Greed. Maybe I’ll surprise her. Maybe I won’t bring her here at all. All I know is we need to find a remote-controlled vibrator, because my fingers are itching at the idea of controlling Hartford’s climax.

Chapter Seven

Hartford

Soft music plays from the stage in the back of Pour Some Sugar On Me coffee shop as I enjoy my latte. While I take another sip, I stare at my phone, contemplating my sanity. Paxton’s text feels like it’s screaming at me.

You’ve got a package.

It’s not just a package. It’s a vibrator that he is going to control while it’s on me.

“In public,” I whisper, covering my face with my hands.

“Hey, Hartford, you all right?”

I drop my hands and plaster on a smile. “Hey, February. Yes, I’m fine. This pistachio latte is delicious and the musician Harrison hired is amazing.”

February and Harrison opened this coffee and music shop just a few months ago. It’s become wildly popular in that short amount of time. The vibe is relaxing, comforting almost. I love coming here to clear my head.

Which is usually a lot easier when I’m not thinking of my best friend controlling a vibrator that is being held in my panties with a magnet.

“Thanks,” February says, tucking her dirty-blonde hair behind her ear. “Definitely the best decision I’ve ever made.” Even though she’s talking to me, her blue eyes linger on her boyfriend, Harrison.

Harrison’s a solid guy. We go way back to high school. Now, Magnolia Ridge and Magnolia Point are separate high schools, but back then, we all roamed the same halls.

Paxton and Harrison played football together and were good friends. They’ve stayed in touch all these years, but I hadn’t seen Harrison until he moved here a few months ago. You could see the love he has for February shining in his eyes. Made me a little jealous if I’m being honest. I’ve never seen anyone have that look when they talk about me.

After I met February, I understood. She’s so darn sweet and was excited to meet me. Apparently, Paxton talks about me to just about everyone and she couldn’t wait to put a face to the name.

The four of us have met up for drinks at Atta Boy Brewery a few times and it’s always a lot of fun.

“Seriously, are you all right?” she asks, bringing me back to the present.

“Yeah, I’m just focused on work.” It’s not a total lie.

“Would you like a refill?” she asks, smiling.

“No, but thank you. I need to get going. I wish I could hide out here all day, but research and articles wait for no one.”

She steps closer, picking up my empty cup. “What research are you doing?”

My entire body flushes with embarrassment as I scramble to think of a response. There’s no way I’m telling her I need to go home and try on the vibrator that Paxton ordered for me before he uses it on me.

What the hell am I doing?

“It’s not exciting enough to talk about,” I say with a noncommittal shrug. “Thanks for the latte. I’ll be back tomorrow for my daily caffeine boost.”

We say our goodbyes and I walk outside, closing my eyes as a sense of relief washes over me. I don’t like lying, especially to my friends, but if anyone knew what Paxton and I were doing, they wouldn’t understand. They would jump to the conclusion that we are dating or actually into BDSM.

My phone alerts me that I have a text and I pull it out as I start the short walk home.

I haven’t heard back from you. Do you not like it?

I’m on my way home now. I was out.

Are you visiting community munches without me, Hart?

---