Page 45 of Renegade

She grinned up at me, “Oh, he’s the hottest and he’s a cop!”

A cop?

Images of handcuffs and badges filled my mind and I felt giddy with anticipation. “Well, in that case, I’m glad I’m packing!” I reached into my purse and pulled out a roll of condoms and Elizabeth cracked up while fanning her eyes, trying to keep her makeup intact.

I was going to stop being so uptight about sex.

My heart started beating faster and I took a deep breath.

It was just sex.

If I would’ve been more open to it, then Jack and I might’ve ended up married by now.

I sighed.

I had to stop putting a man I met once up on a pedestal, otherwise no one else would ever measure up.

From now on, I was going to be open to finding love and not allow myself to remain hung up in the past.

Chapter Eight

May 2014

I rang the doorbell and drummed my fingers against the bricks.

David threw it open with a grin. “Hey, man. Glad you made it.”

He slapped me on the back as I surveyed the empty living room. “Hey—Where’s the talent for tonight? I didn’t sign up for a sausage fest—”

His smile faded and he rounded on me. “Look, tonight’s not a date.”

I pinched my gray button up between my fingers. “Then why the fuck am I dressed up? I’m not putting out for you now, asshole.”

David sighed, “It’s just that Lauren is Beth’s friend—and boss.”

I nodded, “And…what about her other friends? You said, and I quote,‘Mike, come out for a surprise anniversary blah blah with Beth and our friends.’Friends is plural and therefore implies more than one. So, where are the other ladies? The ones who aren’t off limits to me?”

“It’s just the four of us. There isn’t anyone else coming.”

I gave him a cocky grin. “Well, see, to me that sounds like a date. And I feel like Elizabeth has another friend. Hmm…” I tapped my index finger against my lips, enjoying the way the color drained from his face. “Now, who could I be thinking of?”

He glanced down the hallway before lowering his voice. “You know why Jess isn’t here. Don’t fucking bring it up again.”

“Then don’t fucking tell me who I can and can’t hit on.”

He turned away from me and yelled down the hall, “Beth, c’mon. We have to leave no later than seven. You have five minutes.”

“So, does Lauren know this is absolutely not a date? Because I’d hate for any of us here to be under any illusions that we’re going to have fun tonight.”

God forbid I actually get to make any decisions regarding my life.

David shot me another look. “It doesn’t matter. She’s off limits. End of story. And, so help me, if you—”

The sound of heels clicking against the wood floor stopped him mid-sentence and we both turned.

I felt like I’d been punched in the gut.

It was Charlotte.

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