Page 18 of Shadows in Bloom

As Fiona taps away, she speaks softly, “Please don’t give this to anyone else.”

“Of course.” I nod.

When she’s done, she hands me my phone with a small smile. It looks a bit wobbly, and I try to ignore it, but it’s such a sharp contrast to her normal smile, it’s hard to.

There’s a disconnect from her usual self and what I know about her. But it’s not the time, and I don’t have the right to invade her privacy.

After taking our dishes to the sink, I slip my wallet into my pocket and turn toward the door. I don’t want to leave, but I can’t stay either. “Thank you, Fi.”

That goddamned eyebrow. I want to lick it. The thought surprises me, and my eyes widen.

“For the sex or the food?” she quips.

I blush hotly, dropping my chin to my chest as I blow out a large breath before peering up through my hair. “Both?” I try to smirk, but I worry it comes across as more of a grimace.

Whatever Fiona sees must be good enough because she laughs loudly as she walks up to me and slips her arms around my waist. My eyelids flutter at her touch, and I drop my forehead to hers.

I like this… This is easy.

“Seriously, though. Thank you, Fiona. Last night was… incredible.” She grabs onto my nape and pulls my mouth to hers. I sigh as we kiss softly. Slowly. Soft lips and hot breath.

By the time she pulls away, I’m chasing her, stealing one last touch. And then, she’s stepping back to peer through the peephole before opening the door, eyes fixed on the hallway behind me.

“Go on.” She tilts her head. “I know you’ve gotta talk to Rhett.” I whirl around, feigning offense, which only makes her laugh harder.

After I step over the threshold, I lean back. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Uh-huh. Acting like you still don’t tell him absolutely everything.”

That makes me frown. “I actually don’t—since he moved.” Fiona’s face softens for a moment into one of understanding. And then, her lips curl as she smirks.

“Well, you’re about to.” She drags her tongue across her front teeth.

“Why do you…” I trail off, burning hot all over as vivid memories of her tongue on me make their way to the front of my mind. Fiona laughs as she pecks my lips, and with one last, lingering glance down the hallway on either side, she shoots me a wink and closes the door. I listen to the sound of the locks turning and sliding into place before I pull out my phone to call my best friend.

“What?” Rhett answers gruffly.

“Sorry to disturb your beauty… sleep.” I laugh at his grunt. “But I need a ride.”

“Why?” he asks, but I hear the sound of shuffling and a muted yelp.

“Why, what? I don’t have my car. I left it at Leo’s Pub last night.”

“Leo’s Pub?” he bellows. I pull the phone away from my ear with a wince.

“Don’t fucking yell. Yes, Leo’s Pub.”

It’s quiet for a very long minute. I can hear Dominik and Rhett whispering in the background, and I roll my eyes.

“Hellooo?”

“Where are you, Jamie?” This time it’s Dominik, tone purposefully pitched high.

“What am I, on fucking speakerphone?”

“Yes,” he answers quickly.

“This is too fucking much for me. I’m at Fiona’s. I’ll text you the address.” And before either of them can grill me, I hang up.

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