Page 20 of Bad Boy Crush

“I’m sorry about—”

“Not necessary, Lourdes.”

“But—”

“I mean it.” His stern glower said what he didn’t. Drop it. “We’ve wasted enough time talking about him.”

She smiled. Wasn’t that the truth. “I’m glad you’re here. Not only at my dining room table, but here. In my life. I didn’t realize how hard it’d be to navigate our friendship without Liam as a buffer, you know?”

Warm fingers dug into her leg muscle briefly before they relaxed. “We’ll figure it out.”

Her mind chewed on those four words. Now that Liam was out of the picture, she could do whatever she wanted. She and Ant could explore something.

Anything.

What would that look like? Her heart thrummed in her chest, half out of excitement and half out of terror. She’d been in a committed relationship, and not that long ago, that had ended in chaos. Her friendship with Ant was so fresh, so new, and so welcome, how could she possibly entertain any idea that would endanger it?

Simple. She couldn’t.

Since Liam had so roughly pulled the rug out from under her, she had fought to feel safe again. To trust not only the opposite sex, but her own heart. She’d slid into bed next to her husband during the months he was sleeping with another woman. She’d snuggled against him and had even slept with him on a few occasions. The entire time she hadn’t known she’d been sharing him with someone else. The truth had rocked her world. How had she overlooked what was so obvious to her now?

She honestly didn’t know if she was more disgusted with Liam or with herself for being so obtuse. It made her want to…well, it made her want to seek solace in another man’s arms. Bury her hurt and her desire in the man sitting next to her…

She needed to get a hold of herself. And usher Ant out of the house before she did something stupid.

On her laptop, she clicked the submit button for the form on the official website for the event. “Done!”

“That’s it?”

“That’s it.” She stood from her chair and clapped her hands together. “You’re all set. You only have a week to prep. Go home and…have a Rocky montage or something.”

He stood to his full height slowly. His eyebrows centered over his nose when he asked, “You okay?”

“Of course! I’m not the one competing against professional axe throwers.”

“Lou.”

“I’m fine.” Attentive Ant had picked up on the temperature change between them. A moment ago she’d been warm and cozy, and now she was approaching hot-flash territory.

“I’ll be rooting for you at the games,” she said as she walked him to the door.

“You’ll see me tomorrow. I’m going to move that tree so you can leave your garage. Lunch is on me, by the way. I owe you.”

“You don’t have to buy me lunch. I should be the one…” She trailed off when he cupped the back of her neck. Warm fingers slid into her hair, sending wayward tingles down her arms. Gently, ever so gently, he squeezed.

“Lunch. Tomorrow.” He nodded once and only once. Then he kissed her forehead and walked out of her house, leaving her speechless once again.

seven

Wednesday evening, Lou wore her favorite summer dress. It was mid-thigh with wide black and white stripes that accentuated her curves and outlined her ass. She accessorized with a short-waisted light blue denim jacket—air conditioning could be intense—and a narrow pair of pristine white sneakers. Her bag was slouchy, black, and Bohemian in style.

Girl’s night out was on.

At Salty Dog, she arrived at the same time as Lisa and May, who’d carpooled to the bar. Lisa was wearing a navy blue T-shirt that matched her eyes, paired with capri jeans and heeled sandals. May was cute and sassy as per her usual style in a mustard-yellow romper and flat sandals with big fabric knots.

“Cute shoes,” Lou told May as she gave her a hug. May remarked on Lou’s “darling dress” before Lisa did the same. Lou was sure to point out how much she liked Lisa’s tee—fitted, with the words Lake Mode screen-printed in large scrawling cursive across the front.

Inside the restaurant, Elliott waved from the bar. Hugs and compliments were exchanged, specifically to Elli, who looked amazing in her short white shorts and pink top, and then the hostess showed them to their table.

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