Page 40 of Her Maine Risk

Maybe I’ll even be able to forget the feeling of me against Alex at some point, but I doubt it.

Chapter 7

My first week of work goes by in a blur, and when I stopped in the café today for coffee, Courtney said we should go out tonight to celebrate.

I told her it wasn’t necessary because we just celebrated my move last weekend, but she insisted. Not that it would have taken much to, because if I’m being honest, I want to see Alex. I’ve come to crave his eyes on me like I crave caffeine – morning, noon, and night. And all week I’ve resisted going back to The Rusty Anchor for dinner or drinks, and my body is almost buzzing with unfulfilled need.

I almost hoped he wasn’t joking when he said he was going to come in for a full body exam by the new nurse in town. I wouldn’t have minded in the slightest if I got to examine every inch of him – medically, of course.

HA. That’s a joke. I just want to see him gloriously naked.

Standing in front of the closet, I sift through my options of what to wear. Over the course of this week, I would wake up, sit out back with my coffee, go to work, and then come back and unpack some of my things before cooking dinner and relaxing with a book or watching TV. I unpacked the last of my things yesterday, so I feel like this place is officially mine now.

Pushing the hangers aside, I sort through my clothes, trying to find something good enough. I don’t want to look like I’m trying too hard, but I also don’t want to look like I could be sitting on my couch eating cookies and watching movies.

Alright, that’s an over exaggeration, but still, I want to look good.

Groaning, my phone starts ringing on the bed, and I see Ashley’s name flashing on the screen.

“Hey,” I answer.

“Hey, Mel, we’re here.”

“What? What time is it?”

“Seven.”

“Okay, get in here. I need help with my outfit.”

“Uh, okay…” She laughs, probably wondering why I would need her help.

Hanging up, I throw my phone back down on the bed and go to unlock the front door.

“Okay, Mel, what’s up?” Ally asks, pushing her way inside with Ashley.

“Nothing,” I say quickly. “I just need help picking out an outfit for tonight.”

“You never need our help.” Ash eyes me up and down, and then her eyes widen, a smile growing on her face.

Shit.

“Forget it. I’ll be ready soon. Just hang out here.”

“No, no, no. You’re not getting away that easily,” she says, following me into my room. “You want to look good for Alex.”

I never told them that I stayed the night with him last weekend. I don’t know why. I don’t even think they realize that they left me there by myself.

That night. That morning. It was mine to keep, and it was mine to think about for the past week – untainted by anyone else knowing about it.

“Mel, is that true?” Ally smiles. “Do you want to look sexy for Alex?”

“I hate you guys.”

“Oh my god, this is amazing.”

“Just shut up and help me.”

“Did something happen with you guys that you’re not telling us?”

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