Page 94 of The Last Close Call

“I love this outdoor space you guys have,” Rowan said, setting the pastry bag and the coffee cups on the table.

“Yeah, I sneak out here sometimes with my laptop when I need a break from my cave.”

“Who smokes?” Rowan asked, gesturing at the flowerpot filled with sand and cigarette butts near the back steps.

“Jessica. Drives me crazy. But at least she does it out here.”

They settled into chairs, and Rowan took a sip of her coffee as Dara unpacked two enormous cinnamon rolls.

“Oh my God. These are so sinful,” Dara said, pinching off a corner and popping it into her mouth. “So, what’s the occasion?”

“I hadn’t talked to you in a while, and I wanted to hear about Nick.”

A smile spread across Dara’s face. “He’s really great.”

“So I hear. Skyler said you spent another weekend at his place?”

Dara grinned.

“I’m getting a nonstop-hot-sex vibe,” Rowan said, smiling.

“Pretty much.” She pinched off another bit of roll. “I mean, we talk a lot, too, but... the rest is amazing.”

Rowan ignored the twinge of envy. Dara had been through a major low after her last breakup, and she deserved to be happy.

“So, when do I get to meet him?” Rowan asked.

“I’ll bring him around sometime. He wants to meet you, too. I told him you guys are like my surrogate family.”

Rowan watched Dara’s giddy expression. “Are you being careful?”

“Careful?

“Like, did you check him out and everything?”

“Skyler told you to ask that, didn’t she?”

“Maybe.”

She rolled her eyes. “What the hell is with her? She’s so paranoid!”

“We’re just worried about you.”

“Don’t. Nick is nothing like Trevor.”

Rowan watched her expression as she sipped her coffee.

“And anyway, yes, I checked him out. I’m not stupid. He has a computer science degree from UT. He’s never been married. Never been arrested. He’s smart and has a really good job.” A sly smile spread across her face. “And when we’re not working, it’s nonstop sex, like you said.”

Rowan smiled.

“But enough about me. How’s your man?”

“He’s not my man. We’re just working together.”

“Oh, BS. I saw the way he was with you.”

Rowan took another sip. “What do you mean?”

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