Page 44 of Happy Endings

“Of course.” His thumb caressed the back of her hand. Such soft skin, though not as soft as the skin between her folds.

“We tell no one. Not even Keisha. I don’t want to make things awkward when I’m here for the pop-ups.”

“She’ll figure it out the next time she sees us together.” He’d kept so many secrets about the restaurant’s financial state that he didn’t want to pile on more lies. “I’ll only tell her if she asks, but I don’t think she needs to know we used to date. She’s already trying to play matchmaker. I don’t want to give her more fuel for that.”

“Fine,” she conceded.

“What about your friends, the Boss Babes?”

“If you get to tell Keisha, then I’m telling the Boss Babes. We don’t keep secrets from each other.” She bit her lip and continued. “This is just sex. No relationship. No commitment. Just sex.”

“Just sex. Got it.” He gave a thumbs-up. Sex had turned him into a dork. “Every man’s fantasy: a hot friends-with-benefits situation.”

She tossed a gentle slap at his arm.

“If this friends-with-benefits affects my winning this contest, then it’s over. No hard feelings?”

He answered with another kiss. He had no plans to give her up so easily. When they came up for air, she pointed to her bags.

“Help me take them to the car?”

Andre had no idea what he’d gotten himself into. All he knew was that he had a chance of winning Trixie back. The more time they spent together—naked or clothed—the more opportunity for her to fall back in love with him.

Chapter 17

Ihave exciting news. After last night’s pop-up, I’m in first place!”

“Congrats!” Reina exclaimed.

“I knew you could do it!” Josie cheered. “I told you those spreadsheets would keep you on track.”

“I can’t believe I have a chance at winning this thing. This month, I’ll get bonus points for selling Whimsy, the new couples toy. I haven’t used it with anyone, but it’s gotten rave reviews online. This contest is in the bag!” Trixie almost pinched herself. After two years of coming in third place, she might actually take home the ten-grand prize!

“I’m so proud of you, Trixie.” Zoe enveloped Trixie in a hug. “You took a big risk with your pop-ups and it’s paying off.”

“Speaking of risks, I had the worst heckler last night.” Trixie told them about the woman in red and how Andre volunteered to help demonstrate the massage oil.

“I can’t believe you poured half a bottle of Pants-on-Fire on his arm!” Reina exclaimed.

“You should have seen the look on his face when he realized how hot it got!” Trixie gasped, trying to keep her laughter contained so she could recount the story. “I have never sold so manysets of Blow Me warming massage oil in Pants-on-Fire and Candy Apple flavors!”

The Boss Babes’ laughter echoed in the Vietnamese restaurant.

“I think it’s romantic,” said Zoe once the laughter had died down. “He came to your rescue. Your knight in shining armor.”

“Speaking of armor, that sculpted bustier you’re wearing is gorgeous. Is it part of your new cosplay line?” Trixie attempted to change the subject.

“Nice try,” Zoe deflected. “We’re talking about Andre and his armor.”

“Too bad his armor wasn’t heat proof,” shot Josie. They all cracked up again.

“Nah, Trixie doesn’t need rescuing,” said Reina. “She takes care of herself, don’t you, babe?”

“Actually, he did rescue me.”

Her friends froze, drinks in midair. They all started talking at the same time. Trixie smiled and snuck a fried shrimp chip off the green papaya salad. Finally, their leader held her hands up for silence.

“Did you just admit to needing help?” asked Josie, who’d become the de facto leader of the Boss Babes because she formed the group. It probably helped that she was the oldest of five kids and was used to bossing people around.

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