Page 25 of French Martini

“Yeah.”

“Okay, so you’re worried because…?” Bane shrugs. “Still not following.”

“I get it,” Ridley says. “Your chemistry is amazing and obviously you get along. You’re worried because romance changes things. It opens the door to a lot of good shit, but that same door can lead to disaster. Am I right?”

I nod, feeling my cheeks turn pink. “My dating record is proof that this isn’t a good idea.”

“But Oakley is an adult.” Bane sets his bagel down. “He’s a good guy. I’d bet he totally understands how you feel.”

“But we had sex, Bane. I gave in. Now what?”

He shrugs. “More sex?”

“It could be like friends with benefits, yeah?” Ridley tries.

“I’m not a casual sex kind of guy. Besides, even when that’s what both people say they want, feelings always get involved. Unless you’re made of stone, which I’m not.”

“True,” Jerryn says softly. “Friends, the real ones, are much harder to find and keep than people you can fuck. It’s a lot of risk to cross the line, even if you want to.”

Bane’s attention turns to our friend, and even through my own chaos of emotions, I see his shining in his eyes. I’ve long wondered if there was more between them, and if I were going by Bane’s expression, I’d say absolutely. At least for him.

Jerryn glances at Bane, his gaze lingering for a second as he twists his fingers together. “Take your time, Low. Do what feels right.”

“I agree,” Bane says.

“I don’t,” Ridley says. “I say go all in. Too often we spend our lives afraid of getting hurt, but you miss out on experiences that way. You can get hurt by doing nothing too.”

His words sting a little. He’s probably right, but I’m not even close to ready to dig into that idea.

“I didn’t say he shouldn’t pursue Oakley,” Jerryn adds. “I just suggested he take the pressure off. If Oakley is the man we think he is, he’ll be patient if or until Lowen is ready for more.”

That statement lowers my hackles a bit, but there’s still the immediate problem. “Thanks, guys. I hear you, but I’m still worried about this week of events and how many lines are being completely obliterated.”

“Oakley knows it’s not real though,” Bane says.

But does my heart? I keep that part to myself. That’s my real fear, isn’t it? That I’ll fall for all his romantic ways. After the love desert I’ve been crawling through, his attention is a much-needed drink of water, and it’s too easy to forget this is all for show, especially when I’m on my knees with just him for an audience. Can’t exactly chalk that one up to appearances.

What I need to do is push all this drama aside and focus on the important things. I need to get through the next week, pick about six outfits to wear, and plan my commentary when the inevitable questions about my life pour in. I need to prep Oakley on handling the media, and somehow manage to stay off his dick during the process. No big deal.

Hours later,I glance at the clock on the computer, aware that it’s approaching lunchtime, which means I’ll probably see Oakley. He comes in almost every day. Usually I’m neutral about his presence unless I need work done, but I’m on pins and needles right now. How will he act after what we did last night?

I tap my fingers on the desk, trying to focus on the inventory lists Salem prepared, but I’m too distracted. Maybe this would be a good time to head into the city to my favorite boutique and see what they have for me.

I’ve long since admitted to myself that I find Oakley attractive. I mean, how could I not? He’s so sexy andcompetent. I love competence. But now I know what his kiss feels like, and how expertly his hands roam my body. I know the heat of his mouth on me, and fuck me, I know what his cum tastes like. How do I brush all that aside and get back to neutral?

“Ugh.” I stand and grab my phone. I need to get out of here for a bit to distract myself.

I pull my coat off the hook and open the door to find Oakley standing there with his hand raised to knock. A huge smile spreads across his handsome face.

“Hey, Low.”

“Hi. Can I help you?”

His eyebrow quirks, but he nods. “Got a second?”

“I was heading out for an errand in the city.”

“Mm-hmm.” He moves closer and I step back, my eyes following the motion as he closes the door. “I won’t be long.”

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