Page 36 of Curvy Love

How did I not know this?

I know she’s been flirting with me during our exchanges. After all of that, how did I not know she’s seeing someone?

“You have a boyfriend?” I ask, my voice comes out more gruff than intended.

“No, not a boyfriend.” Her gaze skitters away from mine, nervously as she smooths a hand down her hip. “But there is someone who I’m interested in.”

My heart calms because surely she’s talking about me. Well, the other me. Fuck, this is confusing. I reach into my pocket and pull out a card. I’ve been handing cards out all evening, but all of them have been my VP of Development’s and not mine. This one, however is mine.

“Here.” I hold it out to her. “If you change your mind, call me. I’d love to take you out.”

She takes the card and nods. “Thank you. I should probably return to the party before my friend sends out warning flares.”

I chuckle and step away from her. “Have a good evening, Paisley.”

“You too, Ezra.”

I wait until she walks back into the atrium before I turn back to Jefferson and Molly. I glare at him. “Not a single word.”

He holds his hands up in innocence.

“She obviously liked you,” Molly said.

“She turned me down.”

“What did she say?”

So I replay the story.

Molly doesn’t seem the least bit discouraged, but says brightly, “No, she just found your alter-ego first. She’s going to be thrilled when she figures out you’re the same person.” Molly squeals and jumps up and down and nearly trips on her own foot. She’s a walking disaster, but Jefferson gently grabs her and steadies her.

They’re so adorable together, so well-matched, it almost hurts to look at them. For so many years, Jefferson was distrustful and lonely. With Molly, he’s a totally different man

That’s what I want. What my friend has. My other half. Someone I can take care of and spoil and who will take care of me in return.

chapterfourteen

Paisley

@TheZMan: So how did it go tonight?

I can’t stop the smile that spreads when I see his message l light up my phone. I had planned to message him as soon as I got home, but I’m barely in the ride-share when I get his question.

@PsychedelicAlmond: Were you there?

@TheZMan: I had a work event tonight.

@PsychedelicAlmond: But you work there.

@TheZMan: Business meeting with a friend.

@PsychedelicAlmond: It went well. Great food. Free booze. Met your boss.

@TheZMan: Oh yeah? How did that go?

@PsychedelicAlmond: Better than I expected. I thought he’d be arrogant and boorish, but he was perfectly lovely.

@TheZMan:

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