“For the record,” I say, “Taryn is a better piercer than I am, and I would refer anyone to her. But I would pierce your nipples if you wanted me to.” I meant it to come out like a playful offer, but it came out like an oath.

“You would?” she whispers.

I nod. And I am not thinking about how soft and round her breasts are and wanting to know what her skin feels like there and how that pretty pink nipple would pebble under my touch. And I’m not noticing how her hip is pressed against mine and everything is quiet except for our breathing. And how the little vein in her neck is pulsing fast and how her pupils are dilated. Or that she’s looking up at me, her face closer. Or how I seem to have leaned in as well.

The door to the apartment rattles and opens with high-pitched laughter and the jarring, clacking of footsteps on the concrete as Bex and Macy walk in the door, arms full of shopping bags.

CHAPTER 11

LIVVY

Noah immediately bolts up from the couch, stuffing his hands in his pockets and muttering something about needing to get ready to head into the shop. It’s hard to hear him over Bex and Macy’s conversation.

“You need to wear the red dress,” Bex says.

“I don’t look good in red. It clashes with my hair.”

“Redheads can wear red. That’s a myth.”

“How about black?”

“Black is boring. You’re going to be posting pictures from tonight, and everyone is going to see you. You need to look fabulous.”

“What’s happening tonight?” I ask.

“Spencer and I are going out to dinner to celebrate our anniversary. Six years.”

“Girl. He is definitely going to propose to you tonight,” Bex adds.

“Do you think?” Macy beams.

“He’s taking you to the fanciest restaurant downtown. He has to be. He’d be an idiot not to.”

“Who’s an idiot?” Wood walks in the front door in a loose-fitting tank, gym bag over his shoulder.

“Hopefully not Spencer,” Bex says.

Wood grunts.

“I can’t wait to see the ring!” Bex says and she and Macy both squeal. “Hey, Wood, keep us company while we get Macy ready for her big date!”

“Oh, no. I’ve got to go shower and get ready for a date myself.” He starts to head toward his room when Macy says his name and he stops in his tracks.

“I needed to ask you something,” she says. “It’s about the trip to your lake house over the fourth. Spencer and I were wondering if his brother could come along, as well? He just moved back after finishing med school at Stanford and doesn’t have any plans for the holiday.”

“Oh, I didn’t realize Spencer was able to come, too. He’s so busy being a surgeon, and all,” Wood says flatly.

“He was able to make it work,” Macy says, smiling.

“That’s great. Sure, his brother can come. Why not. The more the merrier.”

“Wood, hold up!” Bex calls as he turns again. “Real fast, we need a guy’s perspective.” She takes out two dresses from the bags on the floor. “Should she wear the red one or black one?”

“Green,” he says. “Macy’s color is green.” His gaze lingers on Macy for a second then he disappears down the hall.

“Well, that was no help,” Bex says, rolling her eyes.

“Hold still.”