Page 25 of Tempt

“Plus that night at the bar, you guys had enough chemistry to burn down a city,” Jules comments.

“Chemistry like oil and water. He couldn’t get away from me fast enough.”

I reach for the pitcher and pour myself half a glass. I can still get up in time for Andy.

Have I thought about the ways I’d seduce Daniel if I thought I had a shot?

Sure.

Slip into his bedroom after my shower.

Grab those broad shoulders when he’s changing.

Lean over and kiss the smile off his face.

But I need this job. And even if I thought he’d changed his mind since the night I hit on him, sleeping with the boss is a bad idea.

“Don’t you guys have any news?” I prompt to change the subject.

Jules tugs on her hair. “Things are good with Tess, but I’m still waiting for the other shoe to drop. Like if I fall asleep first at night, she’s going to lie awake coming up with reasons this was a bad idea.” She rolls her eyes as if she knows this line of thinking is destructive but can’t stop it. “This is what I wanted. But I miss you guys. I never have to worry you’re going to decide I’m not enough.”

Liv reaches across and squeezes Jules’ hand. “Never.”

“We’re ride or die, get it? Even if you and her aren’t forever, we are.”

She nods slowly. “How are things with Sawyer?”

Liv’s face scrunches up.

“He’s in New York for work this week and I miss him. It’s weird being in that house all alone. Strange how you come to depend on someone so fast. You get used to how they smell, their smile…but more than that, just having them in your space. When they’re gone there’s a big hole.”

“I’m sure there’s a big hole,” I say dryly.

Liv laughs. “You know what I mean. Maybe I’ll come over and hang out.”

“You should.”

“You know we’ll always be friends, right? No matter where we are or where we live or who we’re with.”

My chest aches. “I know.”

8

DANIEL

“Daniel, it’s Nina. Just checking that you’re still coming?”

“Coming?” I echo.

I’m struck with the sinking feeling I’ve shown up to a test without studying.

“We asked all chaperones to be here an hour early this morning. The bus leaves at ten.”

Shit.

Andy’s field trip.

I look up from my desk in my campus office, where I’ve been since seven thirty this morning to get some work done before my first class.

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