Page 26 of Tempting All The Way

“Mmmhmm, and why did you leave early? That’s not like you. You have the best work ethic of anyone I know,” she says.

I shrug again. “I wasn’t feeling well?”

“Are you asking me or telling me?” she questions.

“Telling.”

“You know, I really wouldn’t care if you were boning my brother. You’re my best friend, Shar. Nothing will ever come between us,” she says.

“I don’t know what’s happening. I can’t stand him, Lucy. He’s the most arrogant, egotistical ass I’ve ever met—sorry,” I add, remembering heisher brother.

“Don’t be. He is absolutely all of those things.” She laughs.

“But when I’m near him, it’s like there’s something pulling me towards him. Physically, he’s freaking hot. And, boy, does he know how to please a girl.” I can feel the blush creep up my neck as I recall just how talented he is.

“Okay, ew. I know I said I’m okay with you and Xav getting up close and personal, but save me the details. Please.” She covers her ears and pretends to gag.

I wait for her to drop her hands. “He has the nicest cock I’ve ever seen,” I rush out before she has a chance to block her ears again.

I fall off the couch laughing when she throws a cushion at me. “Gross. Never,pleasenever mention his man parts to me—just no,” she says, “But also… yay, good for you, girl!”

“Okay, I won’t mention it again. But seriously, Lucy, what am I meant to do? He’s my boss, and he’s your brother. This can only end in disaster,” I huff, sitting beside her on the couch.

“How do you know it won’t end with you walking down the aisle and us becoming sisters?” she asks.

“Did you miss the part about him being an ass?” I raise my eyebrows.

“Oh, yeah, well, there’s that.” Picking up the wine bottle, she refills both of our glasses. “I think you shouldn’t overthink it.”

Why does everyone keep saying that?

“For once, just do something that makes you feel good and go with it. If that’s Xav, then do it.” Her phone buzzes on the table in front of us. “But, for the love of God, call him back so he stops messaging me.”

“Mmm, I think I’ll leave him hanging. I’ll talk to him in the morning,” I tell her.

“Well, I’m going to put this on silent then.” She picks up her phone, silencing it before throwing it back down.

“Okay, what are we watching? I’ll get the popcorn.” I stand and head into Lucy’s kitchen. Her pantry is always stocked with the best snacks.

“Ah, hold up. What are you wearing?” she asks. “How am I only just noticing this?” She waves a hand over my body.

“What?” I ask, looking down at myself.

“That’s not one of the outfits we bought for your new work wardrobe. Where’d the dress come from?” she presses.

“Oh, Xavier had it delivered for me this morning.” Refusing to give her any further information, I walk into the kitchen.

“Why did Xavier buy you a dress this morning?”

“I may have stayed at his place last night, but not by choice. My building is closed for extermination or something. I didn’t know until he dropped me home. And before you ask, I slept in his guest room.”

“I wasn’t going to ask,” she says with a grin.

“Good.”

“I will, however, be asking him how he got his hands onthatthough.” She gestures to my outfit again. “I’ve been trying to get that for ages. It’s not available anywhere.”

“What?”

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