Page 85 of A Love That Broke Us
I’m ecstatic for them. I’ve never seen Leo look happier. And holy hell, no one ever thought he’d settle down. But if he was going to, it makes sense that it’s with Vivian. She seems absolutely perfect for him.
Conversation flows easily. Michael and Jensen head to the bar together, and my heart could burst just watching them. They don’t know each other well. They’ve only met in person a handful of times, but it makes me so happy to see how easily they get along.
I ask Stella about the kids and her job, and Leo and Vivian fill me in on all things Isla—telling stories, showing pictures. Excitement bubbles in my chest at the thought of possibly being pregnant soon.
My last two periods were met with disappointment. I know it can take time, especially after stopping birth control—my body’s still trying to regulate. God, my last cycle lasted fifty days. I started to get hopeful, taking test after test, only to get nothing. I guess that’s normal too, though, post-pill.
Jensen’s still at the bar with Michael, but now Adam’s there too. We lock eyes across the room, and he smiles, lifting a hand in a wave.
I smile back, and lift my hand too.
Jensen spots me and waves me over, and before I know it, I’m clinking my water glass with Jensen, Michael, and Adam.
I’m at the bar,refilling my water when Vivian and Stella make their way over.
Stella grins. “Vivian has a fun game to play,” she says.
“What is it?” I ask, curiosity piqued.
Stella looks to Vivian, who laughs, and says. “Oh my God, they’re going to think I’m crazy.”
“Trust me, this game’s right up her alley.” She shoots me a grin. “No pun intended.”
“Ooh, now I have to know,” I reply.
Vivian hesitates, then exhales. “Fine. But please don’t judge me. Alley, you have ten seconds to find someone to take home tonight, and obviously it can’t be Jensen.”
I laugh. She’s right. This is totally my kind of game, even more Jensen’s. I already know the two of them would get along great. But also, shit. Is she serious? Because if I can’t pick Jensen, my next choice would be Adam. And I can’t pick Adam—that’s just a no. Leo’s hot as hell, but he’s Leo. He’s like a Kevin to me.
There are plenty of good-looking men in the room, though. No surprise, considering many of them are Leo’s friends. Which basically means: wealthy, well-dressed, confident-as-hell businessmen.
“Seven, six, five,” Vivian counts, and I scan the crowd like I’m on a mission. My gaze lands on a guy who looks mid-thirties. He’s got a decent build, dark hair, thick beard, tailored gray suit. Not my usual type, but he’s hot in a rugged, put-together kind of way.
“That guy over there, I guess. In the gray suit with the beard.”
Stella gives an approving nod, and Vivian grins. “Okay, yeah. I’m into it. Great beard.”
“Who has a great beard?” Jensen interjects, amusement dancing in his eyes.
“Great,” I blurt.
“Busted,” Stella laughs. “Alley wants to bang Beard Guy.”
My cheeks burn as I smack Stella’s arm. “I do not.” I turn to Jensen, laughing. “It’s a game. One you would’ve crushed, by the way. But I swear, you’re the only one I want.”
“Wow. Jesus, babe. I didn’t know you were into beards. Should I grow mine out?”
“No. Please don’t. I don’t think you have the genetics to pull off a thick beard like that anyway.”
He puts a hand over his chest, feigning offense. “Whoa. Questioning my beard-growing abilities? Harsh. I’m gonna have to prove you wrong.” He leans in, dropping his voice just for me. “Lola would like it against her soft skin.”
He chuckles against my neck, the heat of his breath and that voice sending shivers down my arm. I press my lips together, trying not to grin, then spin around and kiss him.
“Hey,” he murmurs against my lips, “you wanna get outta here?”
“Yes,” I whisper, biting back a smile. I know what ‘get outta here’ means. “But it’s not even midnight.”
“I know, but… I dunno.” He shrugs slightly. “I’d rather take you back to Michael and Stella’s and celebrate with you. You know, ravishing your body.”
