Page 81 of Reconciling With the Rival

“Orgasms are always a pro,” Grant says, and I see Oliver gag.

“If someone at work finds out, we could get fired,” I tell them. “That’s a con.”

“But you’re not in a relationship, so why does it matter?” Hads asks me.

“We still work together, and any one of the assholes at my job would love to hold that above my head.” I wouldn't put it past any of them, especially Brody and Brad. They’ll probably sell me out to Imogen and pat Leo on the back.

Oh, the infamous double standards.

“Would him being Alissa’s brother be a pro or a con?” Paige asks the room.

“Con,” Hads says, and I agree.

“Lying to Alissa is not a pro. I already feel bad about lying to her now.”

“Yeah, and she almost caught you,” Grant says. “That would’ve been hilarious.”

I shake my head. “The word you’re looking for is horrifying.”

“Actually, I think Alissa would be okay with it,” Oliver says. “She said you two needed to hook up at the Halloween party while you two were fighting.”

“Yes, but she doesn't know we would be fucking. Therefore, I’d be lying to her.”

“Well, she would probably take it better than Hads did when she found out about Paige and Oliver,” Grant says, and Hads throws a marker at him. “What?”

“To be fair, I found out after Oliver had been arrested in front of me and I couldn't get ahold of my parents. I think I reacted well based on what the hell happened that day.”

“Agreed,” Paige says. “I was shocked you didn't smack me or something.”

Hads writes down another con on the board. “Well, I can’t say I didn't think about it.”

“At least it’s all good now,” Grant says.

“Agreed. Let’s never have anything like that happen again,” I say. That was a tough day for all of us. Not only was Oliver arrested and Hads pissed, but Paige almost got herself killed that night. My friends are certifiably fucking insane.

“Okay, so how many of each do we have?” I ask, wondering if this will help make my decision for me.

“Three cons and one pro.”

I throw my arms up in the air. “Well, there we go! I’m saying no tomorrow.” I only hear moans and groans come from my friends. “What?”

“Is that really the right answer?” Grant asks me.

“According to the board, yes,” I tell him.

Hads throws another marker at him. “Don’t question the chart, babe.”

“But why not sleep on it and then figure it out? Maybe a good night's sleep will help you firmly decide,” Paige says. I know she’s hoping I change my mind about this so Leo and I will somehow fall in love, which will never happen.

No matter how many times I dream about him, his stupid face, and dreamy eyes, it willneverhappen.

My heart is under a lock and key, and if I do end up saying yes to this ridiculous plan, Leo will never be granted access.

No matter how much I think about him every single fucking day.It’s only because he’s everywhere—work and home. And now, he’s even around my friends, since Oliver and Grant have taken a liking to him.

My feelings for Leo—however minute they are—are only because he’s fucking everywhere I turn. As soon as he moves out and I only have to deal with him at work, the sex dreams will stop, and the weird feelings I have when I see him every morning will too.

Leo Zimmerman and I will never be anything more than two people who work together.

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