Page 86 of Love Without Demands

“Fingers and toes,” Artie added, and we each reached across the table to squeeze one of Nicolette’s hands.

“Hey, what are you wearing to the party?” Gianna asked down the phone line as I walked home from the restaurant.

“Oh, uh, hmmm.” To be honest, I’d forgotten Gia had invited me to a party tonight at Monty Bouvier’s apartment. Her brother-in-law had just moved into our building this week. “Not sure. Maybe my gold off-the-shoulder top?”

Which happens to be at the dry cleaner’s, I remembered, doing a U-turn in the middle of the sidewalk to go pick it up.

“Ooooh yes! That looks so pretty on you.”

“Should I wear a skirt or pants?” I asked, mentally flicking through my wardrobe.

“I’m wearing jeans. It’s really casual, mostly family.”

“Okay, gold top, jeans, and my gold gladiator sandals.”

“Sounds great,” she replied. “I think I’ll wear that red shirt with the little ruffles on the shoulders.”

“That would be cute with your red kitten heels.”

“Boom. Decided. Thanks, girl. I’ll see you tonight.”

“See ya.”

As I approached the dry cleaner’s, I remembered that I’d thrown out my gold sandals when one of the straps broke, so after picking up my top, I sought out a shoe store. Then I decided to pick up a housewarming gift for Monty, grabbing a bottle of wine before heading home.

I spent the rest of the day taking a long, hot bath to rid myself of the soreness from last night’s activities and primping myself for the party.

Because Cruz was good friends with Monty, and I was pretty sure he’d be there tonight.

Chapter 27

Kassie Ramirez greeted meat the door to Monty’s new apartment, which was a couple floors above mine. The gorgeous Latina woman was dressed in dark-wash jeans that fit her curves perfectly and a cream-colored asymmetrical-hem top that set off her dark hair and eyes.

I didn’t know all the details of hers and Monty’s past, but what I did know was tragic. My heart was so happy they’d reconnected and seemed to be getting their second chance at love.

Walking into the apartment, the first thing I noticed was the eggplant-colored sectional couch that took up half the living room. Or rather, the man that was standing from said couch with a shy smile on his face.

Our eyes locked, and it took all my strength not to blurt out something stupid in front of the entire party.Hey, Cruz. I’m so sorry I tied you to your bed last night when I snuck in and pretended you were my prisoner. I know when we started our sexual arrangement, you indicated that was a limit for you,and I apologize for crossing the line. I hope your fine ass still wants to fuck me because you’re, hands down, the best sex of my life. And also, I might be falling for you.

“Hi, Lehra,” he said, his gaze running up and down my body.

A blush rose to my cheeks. “Hi, Cruz.” And then I high tailed it after Kassie to put the wine in the kitchen, waving a hello at Monty as we passed him.

“You could have stayed out there and talked to your friend,” Kassie commented as we entered the kitchen. It was homey and modern, with dark-green countertops, fancy appliances, and frosted-glass-fronted cabinets.

“He’s not my friend,” I said quickly before amending that. “I mean, he is my friend, but only my friend. That’s all.”Yeah, that sounded convincing.

Gianna strolled into the room, wine glass in hand. “What’s up? Are we talking about why Cruz was literally panting after Lehra?”

“He was not!” I protested, and Gianna rolled her eyes toward the other woman for confirmation.

“Kassie?”

“Oh, he was definitely feeling you,” she said, grinning as she located the wine fridge on the counter and put the bottle on the top rack.

“Come on, Lehra, don’t you think Cruz is hot as fuck?” Gia cajoled.

I folded my lips between my teeth before finally admitting, “Okay, he’s nice to look at.” They teased me for a couple more minutes until I changed the subject. “Let’s talk about how Monty looked like he was about to gobble Kassie up in a single bite.”

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