Page 8 of Alive At Night

That seemed to annoy Julian—which had definitely been the point. His jaw ticked twice before he took another drink and then pushed his empty bottle away. Blue eyes darted around, likely searching for a bartender before they came to rest on me again.

“I’m just saying…” He leaned back, slinging an arm over the back of Cameron’s empty chair. “You’ve got double the competition. So good luck.”

“Oh, so that’s it,” I said, catching his meaning. “You want him for yourself, then?”

The question was a little snarky on my lips, which always seemed to happen when Julian Briggs was involved. But it was genuine. I would immediately let go of my wedding date idea if it got between some friends-to-lovers destiny these two had going on.

“No.” Julian shook his head. His answer was as genuine as my question. “I’m just protective of my friends like I’m protective of everyone in my life.”

“Everyone in your life, huh? Does that include me?”

He looked away, eyes wandering again for the bartender—who was doing an awfully good job of serving everyone but us.

“Yes,” he eventually admitted, gaze bouncing back to mine. His eyelids were heavy, tired. “By association, that unfortunately includes you.”

Before I could utter a retort, Cameron slid back into his seat between us. And since I was still hoping to make a good impression on the handsome Mr. Bryant, I swallowed my sass.

“So, Cameron,” I started, nervously wiping my sweaty hands on my dress beneath the bar top. “I know you went to law school in Boston with Julian. Where were you before that?”

“New York,” Cameron answered with an easy grin. “That’s where my mom lives.”

“What part? I went to law school in New York City.”

Behind Cameron, Julian drew his lips into a firm line before he finally pounced on an approaching bartender for another drink.

“I need another fucking drink,” he muttered, interrupting Cameron’s answer. “Anyone else?”

“I’d love one,” I said, flashing him my brightest smile and hoping it masked my nervous sweat.

To no one’s surprise, he did not smile back.

CHAPTERTHREE

julian

ICAUGHT A FLASH of pink out of the corner of my eye and spun in my desk chair to see Juniper pause in the doorway to our office. In one hand, she held her phone, staring at it while gripping a bright pink box in the other. I wasn’t sure what the hell was so interesting on that phone of hers, but she sure as hell wasn’t going to spare me a glance.

That was fine. It was honestly better if we didn’t interact because that never seemed to lead to anything good. Never had. Never would.

Tipping my head back, I closed my eyes. I had a fucking headache. Probably from the overpowering cloud of floral perfume that I’d all but lived in since starting at Gardner. It seemed stronger than I remembered from when we were—

Heels clicked across the floor, drawing closer and cutting off my thoughts.

I was about to open my eyes when a weight settled on my lap. Slowly, tentatively.

Distractedly.

“What thehell, Daisy?”

I opened my eyes to find them covered by a sheet of brown, sweet-smelling hair. Juniper shrieked, startled as she tried to correct herself before sitting fully on my lap. But it was too late. With her hands full and her balance off-kilter, Juniper’s ass landed squarely on my crotch. And hell, that was not what I needed this morning.

“Oh my God, I thought this was—” She broke off, sounding out of breath as she tried to push herself up. But she failed, careening to the side when her ankle wobbled in those goddamn high heels of her. She fell back onto me for a second time, and I had to grab the arms of my chair to keep myself in check.

She seemed like she needed a little nudge. And while I’d love to give it to her, touching Juniper was an awful idea.

“Whatever you thought was wrong,” I groaned as she wiggled on top of me.

Goddamnit, I needed her ass to find a new place to sit, and I needed that now. Before things got even worse. For both of us.

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