Page 27 of When We Breathe
“I work here,” she says. She doesn’t look great. Billie is always so put together with flawless makeup and perfectly styled hair. But today, that hair is up in a messy bun, and even her makeup can’t hide the dark circles under her eyes.
“Are you okay, friend?” I set my coffee and bag down, then walk around the counter to hug her. “Dani called me last night. I’m so fucking sorry that happened, and so relieved that Connor was there to make sure you got somewhere safe.”
She clings to me for just a minute before backing away, blinking furiously to control her emotions.
“I’m okay,” she says. “Connor took care of me. I’m really tired today, and don’t feel fabulous, but I’m much better than yesterday.”
“You should probably be at home.”
Billie scrunches up her nose. “Not you too. Everyone has lectured me about working today.”
“Maybe you should listen toeveryone.” I grin and push a stray piece of hair behind her ear. “We love you. We want you to feel better.”
“I know.” Her voice is soft, and that’s so unlike her. “I love you, too. I’ll probably just work half the day today and then go home and rest.”
“Good. I like a compromise.” With a glance around, I decide to work in one of the big, cozy chairs by the front window. “Do you mind if I set up shop here for a few hours to get some work done?”
“Of course, I don’t mind. I got some new books in, too. What are you in the mood for?”
I lick my lips. “Maybe some why choose romance.”
Billie’s eyes brighten at that. “So it went well, then?”
“It wentverywell.” I waggle my eyebrows and laugh with her, then spend a few minutes choosing some new books. I grabTroubleby Brittanée Nicole,Unstitchby Elodie Hart, andGive Me Moreby Sara Cate, all why choose romance, and I’m so excited to dive in.
“Troubleshould be the next book club read,” Billie says with a grin. “I’ll put it on the schedule.”
“Love that idea. Okay, I’m going to go bury myself inwork for a bit, but if you need anything, just tell me, okay?”
“I think that’s my line,” Billie replies.
“No way. You’re one of my best friends, and someone fucked with you. If you need me, I’ll be right over there.”
Billie swallows hard, then nods, and I go find a spot to work.
“Jesus, did the devil move to Bitterroot Valley?” I ask out loud as I climb the steps to my apartment. The ten-minute walk from the bookstore to my place was excruciating, and I’m a sweaty mess.
I go ahead and open some windows to at least get some air moving, then get into a cold shower, wash my hair, and change into some thin, super-short yoga shorts that I only wear around the house, and a loose tank top over a bralette, trying to stay as cool as possible.
I pile my wet hair on my head, and when I sit down at my desk with my water tumbler full of ice and fresh water, I already have a sheen of sweat on my skin.
Today is just going to suck ass.
And I can pretty much guarantee that I won’t be able to sleep tonight.
I set my fan on the desk, directed right at me, and get back to work. I’ve been at it for about an hour when there’s a knock on my door.
When I open the door, I smile up at Gabe, but his eyes narrow and his jaw hardens.
“Fuck no, Alex.”
Chapter Eleven
GABE
Her beautiful blue eyes widen as I push into Alex’s apartment and feel rage fill my veins. It’s so fucking hot in here, I can barely pull a breath into my lungs.
“What do you mean,no?” she asks.
