Page 52 of I Could Be Yours

We lean in, tipping our heads. Our lips brush, once, twice, a third time.

But before I have a chance to kiss her, the door swings open.

We separate in a rush.

“Honey bear! Essie! Have you finally come to your senses? Realized I’m the one?”

“It’s still a no from me, Flip, but I applaud your tenacity.” Essie tucks her tablet back into her purse. “I should probably head out. I have an early morning.”

I scramble for a reason for her to stay. “Don’t we have a few more things to go over?”

“I’ll message if I have any questions.” She winks and pats my chest as she heads for the door.

I follow, seeing her out.

When she’s gone, I turn to Flip. “Seriously, dude, your timing is the worst.”

“You have a bedroom with a door. You could have taken her in there. Or didn’t you want her to see your serial-killer-level tidiness?”

“I don’t think you’ve ever hit the laundry basket. And that isn’t even the point. You could have warned me you were coming home early.”

“And you could have gone to Essie’s apartment, where she lives, on her own. But you didn’t, and that’s on you, isn’t it, honey bear?” He pats me on the shoulder. “I’m going to leave you and your sexual frustration to fester.”

His bedroom door closes with a quiet snick, cutting off his low chuckle.

Lesson learned, I guess.

CHAPTER 16

ESSIE

“How excited are you for an actual vacation?” Indigo, one of my colleagues, sips her lemon drop martini.

“With an entire hockey team,” Cosmo adds.

“Literally, you’re living the dream,” Tanvi sighs.

“It’ll be so fun,” I agree.

The hockey players are hot, but it’s the broody engineer I’m looking forward to spending time with naked. The hairs on the back of my neck stand on end as I glance over to find the very man who has been living rent free in my head since Vegas, walking through the door of the bar.

Cosmo’s gaze follows mine. “The hot nerd vibe is so strong.”

“Isn’t that the guy you were talking to last week? The one who chased off your creepy influencer stalker?”

“It is.” My heart rate spikes, and I turn back to my work friends. “Do I have anything in my teeth?”

“You are runway ready, girl,” Tanvi assures me.

I fluff out my hair, roll my shoulders back, and adopt a warm smile as he approaches. Other parts of me warm as his gaze finds mine. His friends head to the pool tables, but he crosses to me.

“Hey, Ess.” A smile curves his full mouth and his gaze roves over me on a slow sweep.

“Hi, Nate. Here for a little after work unwind?” I ask.

“Yeah. It’s our regular spot.”

“It’s becoming ours, too.” Cosmo extends their hand. “We’ve heard all about you. Good things, though.” They wink. “I’m Cosmo.”

---