Page 52 of Bad Boy Crush

“It’ll be fun,” he said as she dissolved into laughter.

There was almost no fight left in her by the time they reached the shore. He put her on her feet, steadying her while her head spun. Then he held her hand and walked with her into the cool lake water—clothes on and everything.

Submerged, she wrapped her legs around his waist. He held her against him as she kissed his mouth and wondered if he might be able to talk her into anything.

* * *

On Friday night Lou parked in a visitor space at Lisa’s apartment complex. Ant had been busy working today. He’d called to tell her he’d be late and to go without him. Fine by her. Driving Lisa and May would give her a chance for some girl time. She wanted to tell them what had been going on with her and Ant.

Although, that particular feline had already escaped its sack. Elliott had spotted his truck in Lou’s driveway the morning after he’d spent the night. Elli had texted the loop a photo—the brat. Lisa had sent three confetti emojis and May demanded details. Lou had promised they’d talk on Friday.

Lisa and May exited the apartment. They’d discussed what to wear on that same loop, so each of them was in their own version of denim short shorts and sandals. Lou wore a sleeveless button-down shirt that knotted at the waist, May chose a halter top revealing her flat belly, and Lisa was in a silkscreen T-shirt that read: I am the boss.

Once everyone was buckled in, and compliments on outfits had been dispensed, Lou drove out of the complex. May started in on her before the car was on the main road.

“How is he in bed? Did he worship you? You don’t have to tell me everything but tell me something. I’m begging.”

Lou glanced over to the passenger seat where May had her hands folded into prayer pose. “I might be overstating it since I haven’t had any action in a while, but…damn.”

“I haven’t had a damn in a while,” May said wistfully.

“I have,” Lisa piped up from the backseat. “Fairly recently.”

“What?” Lou flicked an admonishing glance to the rearview mirror.

“Hold out on us, why don’t you.” May twisted around to look at Lisa. “Who?”

“Wanda’s great-nephew.” Lisa shrugged. “He was good, but he doesn’t live here. It’s not like we’re in the same social circles anyway.”

“You slept with the mayor’s great-nephew,” Lou reiterated, digesting that information.

“Yep. He was my damn sex. Sadly, he probably ruined me for all others. Lou, for your sake I hope Ant has not ruined you for all others.”

“What others?” May pulled down the visor and arranged her springy curls, a move that sent her bangle bracelets clanging. “Ant and Lou are going to get married and have babies. Mark my words.”

“No way. This is rebound sex,” Lisa patted Lou on the shoulder. “Enjoy it.”

“You don’t rebound with a friend you’ve had for five years,” May insisted. “This is serious.”

Lou swallowed thickly. She wasn’t sure she was ready for “serious.” Maybe she should have slept with someone else in between Ant and Liam. She and Ant hadn’t been navigating their new friendship for long. Diving headlong into a relationship—aka, serious territory—was risky.

Lou recognized the road sign rapidly approaching a beat too late. She slammed on the brakes and squealed the tires, barely making the right-hand turn in time.

May, her hand overhead wrapped around the oh-shit bar, craned an eyebrow. “Girl, you are positively distracted today. Did you have more sex than just the one night?”

“No.”

“You mean you are this off-kilter after one night of damn sex?”

Lisa burst out laughing. “Oh! That reminds me. I have a friend for you to meet, May. You could find your summer damn sex yet.”

“He’d better not be hot.”

“He’s attractive, but not hot.” Lisa held up a hand like she was swearing to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth. “He’s two years older than you, and a lawyer.”

“Prosecuting or defense?” Lou asked, relieved to have the spotlight off of her and Ant.

“Prosecuting.” Lisa went on to talk about William, detailing his looks and how “not hot” he was. As she rattled off his resume, Lou’s thoughts returned to Ant. Other than lunch midweek, they hadn’t seen each other. He’d been behind on a customer order, but she’d had a busy week of work too. Would it be awkward seeing him, touching him, kissing him in mixed company? What was protocol around their mutual friends?

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