Page 42 of Stalk Me

“Both!” I take a generous sip of the wine the server just delivered. “One minute, he’s sending me explicit texts while I’m with clients; the next, he’s buying million-dollar paintings just because he made me lose focus during a meeting.”

Tash’s eyes sparkle with amusement. “Possessive much?”

“You have no idea. He actually said, ‘No one else deserves your attention.’”

“And that makes you oh so excited for him, doesn’t it?” She smirks when I choke on my wine. “Oh honey, you’re so far gone.”

“I hate how well he reads me. How he knows exactly what I need before I do.” I drop my head in my hands. “What am I doing, Tash?”

“Finally, having mind-blowing sex with a dangerous, gorgeous man who’s obsessed with you?” She shrugs elegantly. “About time, if you ask me. You’ve been wound too tight since college.”

“You’re terrible.” But I can’t help laughing. This is why I love Tash because she always cuts through my overthinking with brutal honesty.

“That’s why you keep me around.” She raises her glass. “To finally let loose with a sexy Russian mobster.”

“Keep it down!” I hiss but can’t help laughing at Tash’s bluntness. A couple at the next table glances our way. “I swear, you’re going to get us kicked out of every restaurant in Boston.”

“Please, they love me here.” Tash waves to the maître d’, who gives her a warm smile.

I reach across and squeeze her hand. “How are you doing, really? You’ve been working crazy hours at the museum.”

“Ugh, this new exhibition is killing me.” She drains her martini. “The curator from the Louvre is a nightmare. Yesterday, she actually made an intern cry over the lighting placement.”

“You poor thing. Remember when we thought working in the art world would be glamorous?”

“Speak for yourself. I’m still glamorous.” She flips her hair dramatically, making me snort into my wine. “Though not as glamorous as your new activities.”

“Tash!”

“What? I’m living vicariously through your sex life since mine is currently deader than that mummy in basement storage.”

She always knows how to make me laugh, even when my world is spinning out of control. We’ve been there for each other through everything since college: bad breakups, career disasters, family drama. She’s the sister I never had.

“I’ve missed this,” I admit. “We need to do lunch more often.”

“Agreed. Next time, let’s skip the fancy place and get pizza. I’m tired of pretending to know what half these menu items are.”

“Sounds perfect. I could use some comfort food right now.” I signal the server to bring our actual lunch orders.

While Tash launches into a story about her latest museum drama, my phone stays suspiciously quiet. I know Nikolai’s playing with me after that barrage of messages earlier. The silence feels deliberate. He’s probably in some meeting, plotting his next move while I squirm.

“Earth to Sofia?” Tash waves her fork at me. “You just missed my entire rant about the incompetent lighting crew.”

“Sorry.” I push my salad around the plate. “I’m being terrible company.”

“You’re being someone in lust. There’s a difference.” She steals an olive from my plate. “Though I must admit, it’sentertaining watching you check your phone every thirty seconds.”

“I am not—” My phone buzzes, and I nearly knock over my wine, reaching for it.

Tash’s knowing laugh makes me flush. “You were saying?”

I ignore her, opening the message. It’s just a business email. Disappointment floods through me, which is ridiculous. I saw him this morning, and I’ll see him tonight. This neediness isn’t like me.

“The great Sofia Henley, brought low by a man.” Tash’s voice holds more affection than mockery. “Never thought I’d see the day.”

“Neither did I.” I take a long sip of wine. “He just gets under my skin. Makes me crazy.”

“In the best way, clearly.”

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