Page 32 of Exposed

“What’s up with you and Emmanuel?” I questioned.

She walked over and sat down on my bed.

“You can’t say anything, Lauren. I know your big mouth.”

“Tell me. I’ll keep it a secret.”

“Fine, I have a small crush on him. But don’t get all crazy on me and try to hook us up.”

“I can count on my hand how many guys you’ve dated. He seems sweet from the moments we’ve been around each other. What does it say about you?”

“Not much, he’s a workaholic, and we’ve only talked a few times. So, don’t go planning a wedding,” Novah joked.

“Well, Dominic and I are going to try dating. If you can call it dating, with everything going on.”

“He’s good for you. You need someone calm when you’re tense and need to be brought back down to earth.”

“I’m not that bad, girl. He’s worried about the age difference,” I said, pinching her arm.

“I thought he was killing you the way you two were screaming last night.”

“Novah, ahhh!! Shut up,” I screamed, bursting out in laughter, covering my eyes in embarrassment.

“A good man will do that to you,” she commented.

“Let me call April so she can come with some outfits for the party. You are too much,” I said, texting on my phone.

“We should go to the mall. I need a few things,” Novah said. I nodded as my phone rang, and her voicemail came on. I decided to leave a message instead.

“Hey, April, call me back; the party is still on, and I need your help. Bye!” Grabbing my keys and putting on some pants and shoes, we left to find Emmanuel sitting in his car.

“Ladies, how can I assist you today?” Emmanuel asked, leaning out of the driver’s seat.

“Shopping, please,” I begged, poking out my lips and making prayer hands.

“Let Dominic know, and we can go,” Emmanuel responded.

I sent Dominic a text once I was in the car and buckled.

Me: Heading to the mall with Emmanuel.

Dominic: See you later for dinner.

Me: You cooking?

Dominic: Only if I can eat it off you.

I cackled to myself.

Me: You’re nasty.

Dominic: Just for you, princess.

“Shit!” Emmanuel muttered lowly.

“What’s wrong?”

“Damn paparazzi. Just don’t pay attention to them, and you’ll be fine,” Emmanuel said.

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