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“You mean, does he know you two are banging?” Elle said, and Claire doubled over in a fit of laughter.
Tori felt her face heat.
“You’re blushing! So, you are banging Chris. I knew it! I don’t think I’ve ever seen you blush,” Elle commented with a grin.
Tori reached for her wine glass. “I’m not sure I have ever heard you say the wordbangingbefore.”
“So, does he?” Claire interrupted, looking at Elle. “Does Ryan know they’re banging?”
Tori shook her head before Elle could speak. “Surely not, or Chris would be dead by now.”
“What makes you think he’d be upset?” Elle asked as she studied Tori carefully.
“Ryan never wanted me dating his friends growing up. He was a total cockblock. Chris isn’t just his friend. He’s hisbestfriend.”
Elle gave her a small smile and squeezed her hand. “Why not talk to him? Tell him how you feel about Chris. I think he’ll be a lot more understanding than you are giving him credit for.”
Claire snorted. “That would require her to actually talk about her feelings.”
She shot Claire a look and then turned back to Elle. “You’re right. I know you’re right. I’ll talk to him.” She looked at Claire, who didn’t seem convinced. “After Friday night. I don’t want to risk anything messing up the fundraiser.”
“You won’t tell him before then, will you?” Tori pleaded.
“I promise I won’t say anything, but I have a terrible poker face, so you better hope he doesn’t ask me.”
Elle grabbed the wine bottle and filled their glasses. “Now tell me all about the banging.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
“How are youplanning on hiding this from Tori?” Chris asked as he watched ten of his best and fastest guys move Tori’s items from her office in preparation for the wall demo.
“Tape it off and put a sheet up. I don’t think she’ll get too curious as long as she thinks we’re just doing some work on the ceiling. Hell, I’ll tell her the ceiling leaked if I have to. I want it to be a surprise. I can’t wait to see her face. Are you sure you guys can get it done by Friday night?”
Chris nodded, confident in his men.
“Thanks, man. I appreciate it. I’m just about done here. Wanna grab a drink?”
“Nah, I think I’m gonna stay here in case they need me.”
Ryan smiled at him and crossed his arms over his chest.
“What?” Chris asked.
“You’re avoiding going home.”
Chris stared blankly at him and wondered if that was true. He hadn’t done it intentionally, but the idea of going to his house didn’t sound appealing either.
Ryan shook his head. “I don’t understand you two.”
Chris blew out a long breath. “You know, I think I’ll take you up on that drink after all.” He followed Ryan out the door, and they were soon on their way.
Cliff’s was quiet, only a few tables were taken; Chris and Ryan made their way to their usual spot.
“I called Jake. He might swing by before his shift.”
“You don’t have to do all this. I’m fine.” Chris was annoyed that he was being thrown a pity party — and even more annoyed that he did indeed feel pitiful.
“All what? Having a drink with my two best buddies? Maybe it’s about me, asshole,” he said and leaned back casually, stretching out his long legs and arms. “I don’t see near enough of the two of you anymore.”
