Page 41 of Role Play
“Maybe,” I answer.
Her mouth gapes dramatically. “As in, there’s a man in your bed right now? An actual human male? Not your vibrator with a face drawn on it?”
Before I can answer, a deep voice from the doorway says, “Guilty as charged.”
We both turn to see Forrest leaning casually against the doorframe, wearing only his tuxedo pants from the night before, riding low on his hips. His hair is artfully mussed, his chest still gloriously bare.
His amused smile widens when he meets my gaze. “You drew a face on your vibrator?”
I cross my arms. “I’m not dignifying that with a response.”
“All right, then. I’ll use my imagination.”
While I grumble in annoyance, Daphne’s jaw continues to stretch as she surveys Forrest. “Good grief,” she whispers, not even trying to be subtle.
“Forrest Hawkins,” he introduces himself, crossing the kitchen to extend a hand to my stunned friend. “You must be the best friend I’ve heard so much about.”
“Daphne Jones,” she manages, shaking his hand in a daze. “And I’ve heard absolutely nothing about you.”
Forrest chuckles, the sound warm and rich. “That’s my Sora. Always keeping the best parts of her life private.” He winks at me, and heat rushes into my cheeks.
“YourSora?” Daphne repeats, looking between us with growing delight. “So this is…a thing?”
“It’s new,” I interject hastily. “Very new. Which is why I hadn’t told you about it quite yet.”
“Babes, if you’re seeing someone, why didn’t you tell me you had birthday plans? After your mom canceled, I only dragged you to that lame wedding so you wouldn’t be alone. You could’ve been with your guy, instead.”
“He’s notmyguy…” I start, my lies already unraveling. Damn Daphne and her intelligence. She’s blond, but most certainly not clueless which isn’t working in my favor at the moment.
“I was working late,” Forrest adds, draping an arm around my shoulders and pulling me against his side. “Damn meetings I couldn’t get out of. But my last client canceled, so I dug up a tux and met Sora at the wedding.”
Daphne narrows her eyes. “That’s right…didn’t I see you there with a woman?—”
“My aunt? Celeste? Crazy coincidence. Actually, not really. She’s the epitome of Manhattan’s elite. Of course she was at the socialite wedding of the year. But yeah, her ex-husband wasbothering her, so I sat with her for a while to comfort her. She gets a little handsy when she’s drunk.”
“Ah,” Daphne says, gobbling up his story.
It shocks me how elegantly Forrest lies. He didn’t even flinch. I’m over here sweating so much I’ll be standing in a puddle soon.
“Well, based on the state of you two, I’m guessing your birthday didn’t end up too shitty, then?”
“It was unforgettable,” Forrest answers for me, squeezing my shoulder in a way that seems innocent to Daphne but feels like a private joke between us. “She’s a vixen. You would’ve thought it wasmybirthday last night the way she?—”
“Forrest!” I shriek, then proceed to choke on air. He softly pats my back.
“Easy there, tiger. Save your energy for round three,” he says to me before turning his attention back to Daphne. “She’s insatiable.”
I’m going to murder him. Slowly and painfully. Except Daphne is absolutely devouring this, her eyes sparkling with more joy than I’ve seen in months.
“Look at you, finally living a little,” she muses. “And here I thought I’d have to stage an intervention to get you to take a break from all that work stress.”
“Speaking of,” I say, trying to change the subject, “weren’t we supposed to be planning my next book today?”
Daphne waves her hand dismissively. “That can wait. I want to hear more about this,” she says, pointing between me and my fake new boyfriend. “So, what do you do, Forrest?”
“Financial consulting,” he answers smoothly, not missing a beat. “Mostly private clients.”
“How fascinating.” Daphne’s tone indicates it’s anything but. “Andhey, did Sora tell you about her big book signing next week? Not to brag, but I pulled some strings and got her in.Nothing says supportive boyfriend like showing up to cheer on your author girlfriend.”
