Page 66 of Dirty Grovel

“Sutton did an amazing job.”

“Yeah, yeah. She can really plan a party.”

“Sure, that, too,” Artem acknowledges with a sneaky grin. “But I was talking about the job she did on you.”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“She’s really got you wrapped around her little finger, doesn’t she?”

“I did this for Teo. And Jesse.”

Artem laughs and shakes his head. “Right. Of course. What was I thinking?” He drops the suggestive smile and drapes his arm over my shoulder. I suspect I’m not the only one who’s had a few too many drinks. “What the fuck are you waiting for, man? She’s great. Stop wasting time and seal the deal already.”

“You’re drunk.” I duck from under his arm and move to the bar.

I’m pouring myself another drink when Sutton walks over, taking me off-guard with her sweet seductive smile.

“The dog was a stroke of genius,” she murmurs. “You did good.”

Her fingers brush against my arm. It’s the briefest of contact, but my skin sings at her touch.

When she walks away, I find myself wondering if Artem may be right.

What the fuckamI waiting for?

21

SUTTON

Little Bear whines at my feet, his paws roving backwards and forwards as though he’s running in his sleep.

Giggling, I give his ear a good scratch and he settles down but I’ll have to wake him again in fifteen minutes to go outside and pee.

Teo has been asleep for hours now. It’s closing in on midnight and there’s still no sign of Jesse.

Which, in my opinion, is a great sign.

I’m meandering around the kitchen, fixing myself a cup of tea, when my phone beeps. Bear gives a sleepy little bark and burrows further under the couch.

Laughing, I retrieve my phone.

JESSE:I’m so sorry, I’m leaving in like ten minutes. I didn’t mean for this dinner to go on so late.

SUTTON:Don’t be ridiculous. Take your time. I’m happy to stay as long as you need. Even into the next morning… *winky face emoji*

JESSE:I don’t put out on the first date.

SUTTON:Aha! So, you admit it’s a date?!

JESSE:It definitely seems that way. It’s just that we’ve been in the friend zone for so long, I didn’t dare think… Anyway let’s see how this ends. He’s in the powder room now.

SUTTON:Probably popping in a mint to cinch that end of the night kiss.

JESSE:I’m so nervous!

SUTTON:Don’t be. You looked stunning in that dress. If he doesn’t move out of the friend zone tonight, then he’s an idiot.

I can see Jesse texting back, but the thread is intercepted by an incoming message from my sister. I’ve been waiting to hear from her since the party two days ago.

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