Page 58 of About Last Night

"We definitely need to talk,” he cut in. "Later.”

She nodded, then dropped to her belly and squeezed her way under the bed, giving thanks for her B-cup—a C would've rendered this particular hiding place impossible.

With her heart doing a tap dance against the parquet floor, she watched Derek's feet move toward the door. The foggy numbness of a panic attack encroached, but she forced herself to focus on breathing.Please, please, please,she begged the heavens.Get me out of this predicament, and I'll behave myself. Really, I will.

Inhale, exhale.No more men until I get the ring paid off.

Inhale, exhale.No more engagements unless I'm certain the man is right for me.

Inhale, exhale.And no more sex until marriage… wait—let me think on that one…

The door opened and Steve's Cole Haan loafers came into view. Janine bit her lip, certain she was about to be discovered.

"About time, man," Steve said, walking inside.

"Sorry," Derek said, and the door closed. "I was talking to... an important client. What are you doing here?"

"Haven't you heard? The quarantine's been lifted."

She closed her eyes in relief. At least she could get out of here. Away from Derek. Her chest tightened strangely, not surprising considering her present confinement. Inhale, exhale.

"I drove up as soon as I heard," Steve continued. "Here." A paper rattled. "This was sticking half under your door. It says you're a free man." He walked over to the window and flung open the curtains, spilling light over the wooden floor. "This place is like a tomb—it's almost ten o'clock. I thought you were an early riser, man."

Derek grunted. "These damn allergies have me all messed up."

"Are you taking anything for them?"

"Yeah, some over-the-counter stuff."

Steve laughed, a harsh sound. "If Janine were here, she'd be plying you with some cockamamie tea made from crabgrass or something."

She blinked, stung by the cutting sarcasm in his voice.

"Well," Derek said with a small laugh, "she's definitely not here."

"I wonder if she knows about the quarantine being lifted."

"Um, I suspect she does," Derek hedged.

The Cole Haan loafers came closer and closer to the bed, then suddenly, the box springs bounced down, slamming into her shoulder blades and momentarily knocking the breath out of her. While gasping for air, she realized Steve had dropped onto the bed.

"What the hell are you doing?" Derek's angry voice penetrated her wheezing fog.

"What?" Steve sounded confused.

"Take it easy, you'll break the bed!"

Steve laughed. "Relax, man, I'm sure this bed has seen its share of bouncing."

Janine winced. If he only knew.

A long-suffering sigh escaped Steve. "I guessmybed-bouncing days are over."

Janine frowned.

"Man, am I going to miss being single. I hate like hell to grow up."

Derek's laugh sounded forced. "I'm sure married life will suit you. From what I've seen of Janine—" he cleared his throat "—she seems like a great gal."

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