Page 45 of Just a Number

“So, have you given in yet and fucked him again or what?” is Cassidy’s greeting as I open the door to her a few days later.

“Cassidy!” I admonish, but she’s remorseless, tilting her head to the side and waiting for my response. “No, I haven’t, and thanks for checking if my son was here to overhear before you speak.”

She has the good sense to look guilty as she cringes. “Sorry, Mel,” she whispers.

“It’s fine. He’s out, thank goodness.”

“I forget that you’re a bigger grown up than me with a full-grown kid and everything.”

“Me too, sometimes.” I grimace and show her through to the lounge. I grab her coat and hang it in the cupboard before there’s another knock at the door.

“Hey, Mel.” Abby is full of beans when I open it. She steps in carrying a bag in one hand and I hear the clang of glass as she hugs me.

“I said you didn’t need to bring anything.”

“I know, but I had a bottle of rosé already chilling in the fridge, so I thought I’d bring it.”

I raise my brows at her. “I didn’t have you down as a rosé drinker.”

“I’ll try anything once and more often if I enjoy it.” She gives me a saucy grin. “I recommend it. It’s a good way to live your life.”

I’m leading her through to the lounge now and Cassidy looks over her shoulder where she’s standing in front of my massive bookshelf.

“What’s a good way to live your life?”

“Trying anything, or anyone, once. And if it’s good, you go back for more.”

Cassidy lets loose a husky giggle, her eyes sliding to mine in amusement.

“I don’t know what I was thinking when I told you two that I’d slept with him.”

“You were doing your good friend duty of sharing tales of good dick. That’s what makes a friendship and you know it.” Abby pats me on the shoulder as she squeezes past to join Cassidy in front of the books. “Fucking hell, Mel, this is a huge amount of books.”

“It sure is, and I am super impressed with the ratio of porn to classic literature,” Cassidy says, her hands brushing along the shelves as she checks the titles and authors.

“I can’t help it. I think it’s an addiction. Especially with the special editions and bonus scenes.”

“I really need to release more of my backlist as special editions,” Cassidy says.

“So what kind of ratio have we got here? Of porn to literature?” Abby asks.

“Oooh, I reckon 80/20.” Cassidy lets out a breath.

“Only twenty per cent porn? I expected more from you, Mel.” Abby shoots me a look of disappointment.

“Oh no, the other way,” Cassidy answers. “Eighty per cent pure unadulterated smut. I’m proud to be your friend, Mel.” She has a massive grin on her face and we all chuckle together.

“What’s a divorcee to do? Gotta get my kicks somewhere,” I joke and then nearly groan out loud as they turn to face me in perfect synchronisation.

“Well, there’s somewhere pretty close by where you could get your kicks if you were so inclined,” Abby suggests while Cassidy gives a grave nod of agreement.

“Do we have to talk about this? You guys already dragged all the dirty details out of me after it happened.”

“And you can bet on your life that most of that will end up in one of my books, Mel,” Cassidy tells me. “The details were awesome. We are grateful you shared them with us. But tonight it’s about something else…” She pauses, giving Abby some side eye.

I wait for whatever plan it is they’ve concocted. Abby gives Cassidy a subtle shake of her head before stating, “Wine and book chat, of course. Where are the glasses?”

Chapter eighteen

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