Page 78 of Covetous

“Fuck you over that balcony,” he says, his voice low and seductive.

A delicious warmth spreads between my legs at his words. I laugh, shocked but completely down for it.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

With a flick of her wrist, Novalee Brathwaite pops the cork off a bottle of champagne she brought to my new place. Victor and I picked up my keys from the building manager a couple of days ago, and today, Novalee’s here to help me unpack.

“Oops,” she giggles, her eyes sparkling with mischief as champagne sprays out of the bottle and over the sink.

“Look at us, being all fancy,” I tease with laughter on my lips.

“Right?” she agrees, pouring champagne into two plastic cups. “What do you think about your new apartment?”

“I love it.” I glance out the open window, taking in the vibrant streets of downtown Woodland Hills. The sounds of the city drift up to me—a mix of car engines, chatter, and music from nearby shops and cafés.

“I loved it too.” Novalee used to live in this building. She adored it so much that her hubby bought the entire complex for her as a birthday gift a few years back.

I turn from the window, smiling. Her freckled face glows with excitement, just like mine. But I can’t ignore the faint trace of pity in her eyes. She knows my secret—or sin—depending on how you look at it. “I’ve decided to reach out to Esme to see if we can work through everything.”

“I think that’s a great idea,” Novalee exclaims with a hopeful smile. “And even if she doesn’t respond right away, give her time. I think she’ll come around—when she’s ready. Trust me.”

I exhale a shaky breath. “What if we can’t move past it?”

“Then you respect her boundaries. But something tells me this isn’t the end of the story for you two.”

While we unpacked my kitchen earlier, Novalee didn’t probe; she simply listened as I told her everything, from my high school crush on Victor and his relationship with Esme to finding Ian and Esme together.

Although she heard Conner’s highlights shared by Victor, she didn’t know nearly as many details as I shared with her.

I toss back a large gulp of champagne, wishing it could numb my grief, but I know I’m not going to drink enough for that to happen. With a sigh, I look around my new place, taking in the shiny floors, the natural light, and the clean white walls and cabinets. “I’ve never lived alone before,” I admit.

Novalee sits on the windowsill, holding her cup of champagne. “Living alone has its perks, but it might take some getting used to—especially if you’re not a fan of quiet.”

“I don’t mind the quiet.” That used to be true, but lately, the quiet is loud.

“How are things with you and Victor?”

A genuine smile tugs at my lips, as it always does when I think about him. And my cheeks heat up as I remember how we christened the place last night. “Things are good. We’re planning a trip to Bora Bora this summer.”

Novalee nods, her expression neutral, but her tiny smile says a lot. I know she’s happy for us—she’s said as much. But she also hates what happened to my friendship with Esme because of it.

“Have you ever been?” I ask, wanting to steer her thoughts away from the mess of my relationship with my oldest friend.

“Once, with my parents.” She grins, and it looks like it worked. “You two will love it.”

“You’re not drinking?” I ask, noticing her untouched cup.

“I probably shouldn’t. I think I’m pregnant.”

My eyes flare in surprise. “What?”

Her grin widens, and she’s practically glowing with excitement at the thought of adding to their family. They already have three children—twin boys and a girl—whom I’ve babysat a time or two. “I’m not one hundred percent sure yet, but I’m late. I’ll take a test when Conner gets home tonight.”

“That’s awesome!”

“After this, I’m done.” She gives me a wry look. “But a sip won’t hurt, right?”

I laugh. “No. I don’t think so.”

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