Page 166 of Champagne Fizz

She smiles in thanks, and I can tell she’s taking this seriously.

“And Iwouldlike for you to be my friend again,” I say carefully. “Maybe that needs time to figure itself out. But in the very least, I need you to get over yourself when it comes to Kendall, because she’s not going anywhere.”

Arie stays quiet, before agreeing. “Yes,” she says. “I’ve been less than desirable. I promise to be better, and to give you space, and to apologize to your girlfriend.”

“Thank you.”

Arie flips through the pages silently, before a smile hitches her lip, and she looks up at me with that sassy-Arie-mischievousness. “Fuck, Simon, you have a girlfriend!”

“Don’t go there,” I warn.

“Okay, but can I send her some tarts?” she asks, wiggling her fingers in excitement. “Apology tarts with, say … penises on them?”

“The only person who likes penises on anything is Mason.”

“Ugh, Mason,” Arie rolls her eyes. “Why is our love for dick the one thing he and I have in common?”

“Because deep down you’re both assholes,” I sass back.

“Woah,” Arie mocks. “I thought we were trying to be friends again.”

“We are,” I say. “But you’re on thin ice, so be careful.”

“Dick tarts are funny,” Arie presses.

“No.” I point a finger at her. “And double no, when we’re talking about Kendall. Read the room.”

“Fine.” Arie picks up the prospectus and heads for the door, but then she turns back to me with a smirk. “You know I’m going to have Connor read all of this first, and then explain it to me naked.”

“If that helps your concentration,” I reply dryly.

Arie pretends to think on that statement. “Debatable.”

“Well, I wouldn’t ask you not to beyouanymore,” I say, and Arie smiles like that’s the nicest compliment I could have given her. “Thin ice!” I remind.

“No dick tarts,” she nods. “Yes, I got it. But Connor’s dick can—”

“Out of my office!” I yell, and she smiles. I have to admit, it feels good to joke again.

“Thanks for giving me a second chance,” Arie says seriously, as she stands in the door. “I promise I’ll be better and listen this time.”

“Good.” I nod. “Because there’s going to be lots of spreadsheets and math you’re going to have to read and sign off on.”

“Ugghh!” She grumbles, making me smile at how easy it was to bait her. “Thank God, I have Connor! I may have to institute naked staff meetings if we have to sit through any of your PowerPoint presentations—”

“Because that’s professional,” I chide.

“Fine,” Arie throws up her arms, “Connor and I willprofessionallysneak out of your presentations and lock ourselves in the bathroom.”

“No sex at Flambé!”

“No?” Arie gives me an innocent look. “Does that also apply to you and your girlfriend? Because I don’t have a problem with the two of you—”

“Out of my office!” I bellow again, and Arie smiles, giving me a look that says keeping my hands off my girlfriend may be harder than I think.

Who knows, maybe I’ll bend some of the rules.

49

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