Page 40 of Pulse

“I will go to the barbecue.”

Talia glared, which resulted in her friend clearing her throat and cupping a hand around her ear. “I can’t hear you.”

“I will go to the barbecue,” she mumbled.

Margo nodded. “And I will smile and have fun.”

“And I will smile and have fun. Margo, this is stupid.”

The comment earned her a harsh glare.

“Yikes, no wonder your husband is terrified of you.”

Margo’s lips twitched, but she managed not to laugh. “I will talk to people and be friendly.”

“Hey, I’m friendly.”

Margo raised an eyebrow.

“I will talk to people and be friendly.”

“And I will tell at least two people something personal about myself that has nothing to do with my job.”

“And I will—” She froze as Margo’s words registered.

Her friend’s fierce glare transformed into an expression of patience.

Talia sighed. Her shoulders sagged. Why was this so hard for her? People meet other people and form relationships every day. They share stories, experiences, and even traumas. They become friends and intertwine their lives. Sometimes, those friendships become as close as family or turn intimate.

Why did the thought of it turn her blood to ice?

“And I’ll tell two people something personal about myself.”

“That…”

“That has nothing to do with work.”

“Good girl.” Margo hugged her. “Now go home and change into something cute before the barbecue.”

She glanced down at her olive, wide-legged slacks and camel-colored blazer. “This is cute. What’s wrong with my outfit?”

“Nothing at all if you’re at work. Everything if you’re at a barbecue full of bikers. Put on a cute pair of denim shorts and a tank top. A tight one.”

“But it’ll be dark around six. I’ll be chilly.”

Margo shrugged. “Guess you’ll have to find a biker to lend you a hoodie.” She tapped her lips. “Like maybe that sexy one you bailed out of jail the other night.”

“Margo! He’s a client.”

“He is also tall, dark, and handsome with a good job, a sexy voice, and those dark eyes that smolder.” She shivered and winked.

Yes, he was. He was all those things and more—protective, kind, and caring beneath a rough exterior.

Still a client.

“Yes, he’s a good guy.”

Margo snorted. “He’s more than a good guy, and you know it. Keep him in mind when you’re picking out an outfit. Make sure your top is tight. You’ve got great tits. No babies have destroyed them.”

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