Hangry- The Girls,Volume 1- Lily Kate(ang.)

Table of Contents Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Chapter 25

Chapter 26 Chapter 27 Chapter 28 Chapter 29 Chapter 30 Chapter 31 Chapter 32 Chapter 33 Epilogue

Hangry The Girls, Volume 1 Lily Kate

Published by Lily Kate, 2017.

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental. HANGRY First edition. October 24, 2017. Copyright © 2017 Lily Kate. ISBN: 978-1386176046 Written by Lily Kate.

Table of Contents Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Hangry (The Girls, #1) Acknowledgments Synopsis Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8

Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24

Chapter 25 Chapter 26 Chapter 27 Chapter 28 Chapter 29 Chapter 30 Chapter 31 Chapter 32 Chapter 33 Epilogue Author’s Note DAD BOD Preorder now—$0.99 limited time price! Sign up for Lily Kate's Mailing List Further Reading: Delivery Girl

To my other half. For putting up with me when I'm Hangry.

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Acknowledgments W.A. for being the other half of my brain. Virginia for your sharp proofreading eyes. Franci for your beta reading skills. All of you, readers—beta readers, ARC readers, bloggers, and the entire book community—each and every one of you are fabulous! And, of course, to the very best of friends... you know who you are!

Synopsis LADIES & GENTS, I sold my soul for a hamburger. And I have no regrets. When a girl is trapped indefinitely in an elevator with a smoking hot burger and an empty stomach, even the strongest of women will crumble. The story goes like this: Bradley Hamilton, the most frustrating human alive, offered me half of his hamburger in exchange for a date. I took him up on the offer—while under duress—and now I’m stuck with the consequences. Specifically, the scorching kiss that has me drooling for more. However, there’s one whopper of a problem. This man has been a thorn in my side for the last twenty years—ever since he moved next door and became my older brother’s best friend. We’ve gone head to head for years, and now, he’s trying to buy out my restaurant to plop one of his big fat gyms there instead. I refuse to let him ruin my business. Unfortunately, Bradley Hamilton is like an order of french fries: you just can’t have one. It appears our lips are addicted to kissing. He’s alarmingly handsome. Deliciously confident. And worst of all? Underneath that salty exterior he’s starting to show signs of sweet.

Brad Hamilton is my guilty pleasure, my cheat meal, my greatest craving. Which is why he’ll be one habit that’s hard to kick.

Chapter 1 LEXI “How could you let me fall asleep here?” I fly to a sitting position, legs tangled in sheets as I glare across the room. “I have to work in an hour!” My oldest friend, my best friend, and my most irresponsible friend are all the same person—and she goes by the nickname Kitty. Her real name is Kathleen, and she hates it. Too formal, she says. “It’s only ten,” Kitty drawls, crossing a leg over her knee. She opens a window and lights up a cigarette. “We were up late. I thought you needed some rest, so I let you doze.” “I don’t need sleep, I need to work!” I scramble to my feet, adjust my outfit, and cringe. “Do I look like I’m headed on a walk of shame?” Kitty is an artist by trade, hence the reason she doesn’t need to be anywhere before noon. She eyes me from top to bottom, then nods. “Wild and crazy walk of shame.” “I wish.” I look down at the dilapidated excuse for a blanket at my feet. I nudge it with my toe. “It’d make a better story than this.” “Honey, why are you trying so hard to be domesticated?” Kitty stands, her long, lanky body the sort that drew stares from strangers. “It’s way more fun to be careless.”

“Yeah, maybe, but I can’t be careless because I have to pay the bills.” I swipe the scrap of fabric from the floor and study it. Looks something like a fish net. I scowl and wrap it over my arm before making my way toward the door. “Next time let’s try anything but knitting.” “How about we actually go dancing like we’d planned?” I make a face. “I’ll see you this weekend?” “Bye, doll.” I punch the button on the elevator, but it takes at least thirty seconds for the light to turn on. So, I forgo the elevator and choose the stairs, taking them two at a time until I curve around the landing and rush past her doorman. Kitty Catalain has a doorman. Kitty Catalain has boyfriends in seven different countries. Kitty Catalain has the body of a supermodel and the style of a Parisian designer. There’s absolutely no way to leave her place and feel like I have my shit together. I like to say I’m the ugly step-sister to her Cinderella life. Today is a perfect example. I’m twenty-seven, single, and struggling to remember where I parked my car. “Hey, George?” I poke my head back into the building and wave at the doorman. “Do you know where my car is? I could’ve sworn I got the front spot last night, but it’s not there...”

George, an older gentleman, clears his throat and glances over my shoulder. I turn, follow his line of sight, and curse when I read the words printed on the sign along the curb. STREET CLEANING. “Does that mean my car’s been towed?” I turn to ask him. “They really should warn you.” “The signs have been there for a week.” “Crap.” “I’m sure you can retrieve it from the impound lot.” “Right, but I don’t have time for that.” I run a hand through my hair, tapping my toe against the floor. “Or the money.” “Would you like me to call you a cab?” “A cab?” I look at him like he’s crazy. “I don’t have the time or the money for that either! Can you ring Kitty?” Thirty minutes later, Kitty’s dropping me off in her cute little Mazda, a sparkling new car that’s trendy and functional and just perfect. “I’m really sorry about that, honey,” she says, leaning over to give me a kiss on the cheek. “You know I don’t pay attention to the signs. Do you need me to find your car? I can call Roberto, my mechanic. He knows his way around a car...” She pauses to giggle. “Among other things.” “Your mechanic, too?”

“What can I say? He’s good with his hands. Nope—scratch that. Great.” I shake my head and smile at her. There’s nothing else to do, really. Kitty just loves to be alive, and somehow, that excuses her flaws. Also, she doesn’t care what anyone else thinks. “Thanks,” I say, climbing from the car. “I’ll pick it up later. I still have work today.” I enter my apartment building like a tornado. My hair is a disaster, my clothes look like I’ve spent the night on the grimy floor of an Italian discoteca, and my horrible attempt at knitting is draped around my neck, giving off the vibe of a fishnet scarf. I look like I’m wrecked from a wild and crazy night. However, all we actually did was spend the night drinking wine, trying out Kitty’s makeup samples, and cursing at How to Knit video tutorials. Regardless, there’s a very professional-looking woman who’s in the middle of moving her things into our apartment building. Rather, she’s standing around, instructing a band of moving guys, and none of them probably know my state of disarray has come from a night with knitting stick-things. This woman looks put together. She’s standing in way-high pumps with a tight little pencil skirt and beautiful bushy hair. Even her moving boxes look expensive. One glance at me, and she’s probably wondering if it’s too late to renege on her lease.

“Are you freaking kidding me?” I murmur, glancing at the elevators. There are two. The problem is that they’re both currently taken by very large things, and there’s no space for me to fit into any of them. Apparently, the woman moving into my building has more things than the Minnesota Institute of Art. It’s Sunday morning, and I need to get to the diner. It’s the only day of the week busy enough to require a full staff—and as the owner, I can’t be setting a bad example, showing up late looking like an out of work showgirl. “Do you need—” The woman has half a sentence out of her mouth, but I’m already hurtling down the front steps. There’s a secret entrance to my building, and nobody knows about it but me. Well, actually, me and Fred. Fred is the janitor who told me about it a few years back. On a day similar to this one, my parents had been waiting in this very lobby to pick me up. Meanwhile, I’d scrambled to my building, running late as always from Kitty’s birthday party, wearing a very tiny sequined dress. I’d run into Fred and asked him to distract my parents while I slipped into the elevator. He’d done me one better, and had taken pity on me, showing me to the back elevator so I could sneak into my

apartment and change before my very wholesome parents saw all-too-much cleavage. I’d owed him free coffee from the diner for a month. The only issue is that this elevator isn’t technically supposed to be in service. It’s an old service thing locked way, way in the back between the building and the garage. It’s in a cement corridor that’s damp, dark, and the perfect setting for a horror flick. In a pinch, however, it gets the job done. I punch the button and wait, ignoring the Out of Service signs and twiddling my thumbs. I pull out my phone and check the time. Just over twenty minutes to go until I’m officially late to work. I need a shower and a change of clothes... a change of hair, if that’s possible, and a few spritzes of perfume. With my luck, I’ll never make it on time. Reluctantly, I type out a text to my second in command at the restaurant. I warn Rick that I’m going to be late, and it causes me physical pain as I hit Send. “Well, look who we have here.” I recognize that voice, and I whirl around to face none other than Bradley Hamilton. He’s leveling his deep brown eyes on me, sending trembles across my body. My phone shakes as I force myself to remain calm. I raise my eyes to match his gaze. “What are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same thing.” “I’m taking the elevator.” Bradley’s eyes study me for a long moment, absorbing my frazzled look, including the outfit that should’ve been worn to a rave—not kept locked inside with a ball of yarn. “Am I witnessing the Lexi Monroe walk of shame?” I tilt my nose in the air. “I would never tell you.” “I take that as a yes.” Brad moves to stand next to me, which has my heart leaping into race mode. Nothing new there, seeing as he’s been getting my pulse racing since he moved in next door and declared my older brother, Lucas, his best friend. Bradley Hamilton is a bundle of confusion. He’s tall, hot as hell, and built to intimidate. The man runs a gym, so I suppose looking good is part of the job. Not that I’ll ever admit to his face that he looks good—not anymore. I tried that once, and it didn’t get me anywhere. Which made things awkward for the twenty odd years that he and my brother played on the same hockey team. They started together as baby hockey players, then grew into high school Varsity, college at the University of Minnesota, finally landing deals within weeks of each other with the Minnesota Stars, our state’s professional hockey team.

For three years, Bradley and Lucas played next to each other on the rink. Then Brad had gone and wrecked his knee—that’s the day he learned that he’d never play professional hockey again. That day had changed him. It’d changed us, and it’d changed any sort of relationship that’d formed between us. Brad and Lucas had fought, their argument ending in a legendary falling out between them. Then, Brad had pushed me away. For the last three years, we’d barely spoken. I’m not bitter anymore. Usually. Mostly, I’m just annoyed. I press the elevator button again, mumbling about it being the slowest machine on the face of the earth. Brad’s smirking; I can feel the smirk without looking at him. That’s how well I know the man. Even after three years, I can still read his mind. “What is that smell?” I snarl, my stomach growling as I turn to face him. “It’s giving me a headache.” He raises the brown paper bag in his hand. “Burger?” “Eat it already.” A fast food label is stamped on the side, and the clear scent of greasy deliciousness wafts up to me. I must moan aloud without realizing it because he raises an eyebrow, and this makes me snap. “Well? What are you waiting for?”

“Someone a little hungry?” “You might say that.” I let my hand clap against the cement wall as my body curls itself in half. After hours of drinking wine and having my hands busy with yarn, I’m just now realizing that it’s been hours since I ate anything. Too many hours. So many hours I can’t even remember, and that’s a problem. “I’m starving.” I run a diner; it’s a passion project. Food is more than my hobby, it’s my life. My deepest desire. My vice. My lover... especially when the rest of my love life has run dry. And when my stomach hits empty, it’s not a pretty sight. The elevator arrives, but I don’t move. I’m trying to hold my breath so I’m not tempted to steal his bag and run. “Can you please take a different elevator?” “Do you have a problem with me?” “No. I have a problem with your food.” “Just because you’re hangry, doesn’t mean you need to insult my burger.” “Bradley Hamilton, do not start with me. You’ve seen me hungry, you’ve seen me angry, but you ain’t seen hangry yet.” “I feel like we’re getting there.” He puts an arm out to hold the door and gestures for me to step through first. “A night of wild sex will give anyone an appetite.”

“Wild sex? Yep, that’ll give anyone a big appetite,” I reply as the doors close, and then I glance down at my attire. Running a hand through my gnarly hair, I try for smooth and seductive, but my fingers get stuck in a knot, and the illusion is ruined. “I’m probably having so much wild sex you wouldn’t even know what to do with it.” “Oh, Lex.” Bradley Hamilton steps into the elevator, jamming his finger against the door-close button. Once we’re locked inside, he brushes close to me, his delicious scent—probably a mixture of some manly-ass shampoo and a cologne infused with pheromones—washes over me. “You’re cute when you’re nervous.” “Yeah, well...” I pause, gasping for air. He’s so close to me I could loop my arms over his neck, press his lean, beautifully hard body against the elevator walls and kiss him senseless. I know we haven’t talked in three years, but it’s sort of been on my bucket list. Just before he’d gotten injured, we’d been on the verge of something...something beyond friendship. He’d kissed me on the cheek the night before the accident, and it’d sent me into a desperate spiral of lustful daydreams ever since. To say I have unresolved feelings for Bradley Hamilton would be an understatement. “So, I’m curious. With whom did this wild sex occur?”

“What?” “Last night. Your crazy adventures.” “Oh, Kitty. Wait. What? No. Forget it. Hunger is clouding my thoughts.” “I’d offer you a bite, but it’s my only cheat meal of the week and...” He inhales the beautiful scent of a fresh burger. “I was really looking forward to eating it all.” “It’s morning. Who eats burgers in the morning?” “Someone who’s been up for six hours and already hit the gym.” “Yeah, sure.” I roll my eyes. “Like you’d be out of bed before noon on a Sunday.” That’s when I take a better look at him and realize that probably, he’s not lying. The man is in incredible shape. It’s spring in Minnesota, and the temps have finally pushed into the high sixties, which is basically bathing suit weather. Brad’s taking advantage of these almost-balmy temperatures with low hanging shorts and a t-shirt, and his hair is wet and rumpled. If I had to guess, he’s just showered at the gym and is coming home for lunch. Exactly like he said. “Well, whatever. I already knitted today.” “Knitted?” He raises an eyebrow. “I didn’t take you for the domesticated type.” “Why? You think I need a man to be domesticated?”

“I didn’t say anything about a man.” “Well, you implied it.” “No, I just meant—” “You’re just jealous you don’t have this warm blanket to cuddle with.” I fist a hand through my oddly shaped blanket-scarf and brandish it in his face. “That’s right—I made this.” Bradley stares back at me. He’s got this whole chocolate brown hair, chocolate brown eyes thing going on, and it makes my hand slip right through one of the loops in my blanket. Not exactly snuggle material, I suppose. “Jealous?” I ask, rubbing it against my face. I struggle not to wince as it scratches my skin. “Because you should be.” “I am.” He bites his lip, watches me rub the blanket across my cheek, then directs his gaze toward the ceiling. He sounds a little strangled. I pull the blanket away from my face, not wanting to go down this road—especially when our elevator ride should be coming to an end any second now. “They really need to fix this elevator,” I babble. I’m not the sort of girl who sits in silence very well. It’s not that I want to be social, I just hate silence more than I hate talking to people. “We’re going to be in here all day, and I can’t afford—” The elevator groans to a stop, cutting off my sentence.

Chapter 2 LEXI “Well, that worked out well.” I give Bradley a smile and wait for the doors to slide open. “That was almost awkward.” I wait, and I wait a bit longer. I’m trying to be patient, but I’d really intended for that last comment to be a flippant dismissal before I stormed my sequined rear end down the hallway and far away from Bradley Hamilton. I reach over, press the door-open button. Tap my toes. Nothing. “What did you do?” I whirl to face Bradley. “Why aren’t these doors opening?” He’s got this odd sort of grimace on his face that’s torn between mild amusement and frustration. “What did I do? I’m not the one lighting up the button panel like a Christmas tree.” “Why aren’t the doors opening?” He raises a hand, points to the numbers. “We’re stuck between six and seven, sweetheart.” I’m stunned. Mostly by his use of the word sweetheart. He’s only called me that once before, and it was just before he almost kissed me. A long time ago. “Stuck? No, we can’t be stuck.”

“Fine,” he agrees. “We’re not stuck, we’re stalled.” I glare at the numbers on the elevator. “But I have to be at work like... twenty minutes ago.” “Tell them you’ll be late.” “I’m the boss—I can’t be late.” “The elevator is stuck. There’s not much you can do about it.” I pull out my phone, glance down reluctantly at the messages to see if there’s a reply from Rick. No reply—and that’s strange. He should be at the diner by now and calling me frantically to see why I haven’t arrived. That’s when I notice the angry red mark next to the text. A warning exclamation point that tells me the message never sent in the first place, probably thanks to these stupid cement walls blocking out all my service. I should’ve known; I drop calls every time I use the back entrance to our building. I let out a train of expletives that doesn’t stop until I’ve used every last one in the book. “It’s fine,” Bradley says, his voice even and cool. “We’ll just call for some help. Five minutes, max.” “Great. Does your phone have service? Mine doesn’t.” “Press the call button. That’s what it’s there for.”

“How’d you find out about this elevator, anyway?” I ask as my fingers depress the red button. “Fred. You?” “Freaking Fred,” I say. “He told me it was a secret.” “Fred keeps secrets like a sieve. Especially when a pretty girl is asking for help.” “A pretty...oh.” I blush at his implication. Then I press the button a hundred more times in rapid succession because I can’t meet his eyes. “Does it help to press it a million times?” Bradley asks. “Because it looks like it’s not working.” “It helps with my car and my computer,” I say through gritted teeth. “Do you have any better ideas?” I begin dialing on my phone, and thankfully, Bradley follows suit. We both stare at each other across the elevator as we pretend to make calls. After an extended minute of intense silence, I can’t handle it any longer. His gaze is searing into me, and my temperature is increasing by the second. The scent of his burger is wafting through the air, and I can’t decide what I want more—a rescuer to save the day, or a bite of that fast food. “Anything?” I ask, desperation clawing at my words. “I’ve got nothing.” “I’ve got a hamburger.”

Bradley, to my surprise, doesn’t look at all distraught that the elevator is firmly planted between floors. In fact, he leans against the wall, slides down to the floor, and kicks his feet out in front of him. “Don’t start relaxing! We need to get out of here. If you fall asleep, we might die.” “How do you figure?” “I’ll get bored and fall asleep, and then we’ll run out of oxygen.” “I don’t need to do anything,” he says. “I already worked today, put in my time at the gym, used the restroom and showered. I have my burger —I’ll be good in here for the next five hours.” “But I won’t!” I ram my fist against the door. “Help, anyone! I’m stuck in here with a lunatic!” Bradley’s eyebrows inch up, but he merely surveys his burger with a frown when I turn to face him. “Idiots.” “Excuse me?” “They forgot the pickles. I specifically asked for extra pickles.” “Are you really worried about pickles now?” I pound against the door some more, yelling for help and praying someone will hear. Surely there’s a janitor, or a handyman, or one of our fellow tenants that’ll hear the shouting. “Save me!” “Who are you expecting to swoop in? I think Superman sleeps in on Sundays.”

“At least I’m doing something.” “I’m doing something, too.” Bradley closes his eyes, takes a bite of the burger, and sighs. The picture on his face is one of pure bliss, and I want it, too. I want to be just like him—happily munching on a greasy hamburger with not a care in the world. Instead, I resume my pounding at an even more frantic pace. If I looked crazy before in all my sparkly getup, I now look downright nuts. I’m almost certain birds have nested in my hair, and my dress is in a state of disrepair as my strap chooses this moment to fall off my shoulder. I don’t even know how I managed to get a slight tear in the fabric around my thigh during my wild night. Who knew knitting could be so rough on clothes? There’s silence behind me when I stop the pounding. I harrumph, cross my arms, and whirl around to face my only companion. I catch him watching me, his mouth parted slightly, as if he’d meant to take a bite of the hamburger, and then forgot about it halfway to his mouth. I glance behind me, but sure enough, the doors are still frozen shut. “What are you staring at?” “Nothing.” He shakes his head and takes a massive bite of his burger. “It’s just... you’ve got...” My cheeks burn as I look down and find the back edge of my dress hiked up to my waist.

I must’ve flailed so thoroughly during my pounding that my dress went all out of whack and ended up inching its way to reveal my lacy underthings. It’s enough of a reason to start planning my funeral. I’m dead. Death by mortification. That’s what my tombstone will read. “Stop staring!” I yank my skirt down over my thighs. “At least I’m doing something.” “Yes, you are.” He sounds pained as he sets the burger in his bag and brings his head to rest in his hands. “You most certainly are.” “Oh, sorry, don’t let me stop you from enjoying a meal while I’m over here trying to save our lives. We could die in here. What if I starve to death? What if we run out of air, like I mentioned five minutes ago? What if we—” Bradley moves like lightning. He’s on his feet, his hands landing on my shoulders as he eases me, gently, back against the wall. His eyes have a serious gleam in them, and it takes my breath away. The sheer closeness of him has my eye twitching. “You are stealing all of my oxygen,” he says with measured breaths. “And if you don’t calm down, you’re going to get me all riled up, too.” “What does that mean?” Bradley’s hand inches up, testing the water. He moves it from my shoulder to my neck, cupping me

there. Then his thumb brushes over my lips and sends tingles to the tips of my toes. When his fingers slide into my hair, curling tight to bring the strands taut against my head, my eyes fall shut. The moan this time has nothing to do with the hamburger and everything to do with the feel of Bradley’s hands on me. I try to convince myself that it’s only because I haven’t been touched in this way for so long by a man—any man—but that’s a lie. I’ve had plenty of first dates in the last few years, and nothing about those dates sizzled like this moment. Bradley drops his hand like he’s been burned. “You keep making noises like that, and I’ll make sure this is a walk of shame.” My eyes fly open. “Are you threatening me?” “Oh, sweetheart. It’s not a threat.” “What would you call it?” “An offer.” “I have plenty of offers, thank you very much.” “Mmm.” He lets his fingers trail over my shoulders, down to the blanket that’s still slung around my neck like a scarf. “Well, then, if you’re not interested, I’ll just leave you alone.” He drops his hands, moves across the elevator, and sits down next to his brown paper bag. Whatever he just did—it’s not fair. My cheeks are on fire and my chest is all flushed and blotchy. I can’t quite catch my breath.

“Life’s not fair, is it?” he asks, raising his eyebrows. For a moment, I’m convinced he’s a mind reader who can tell that he has me all hot and bothered, my mind wandering to unladylike places. Then I watch as he takes another gigantic bite of his burger, and I’m all too aware he’s talking about food. My stomach growls. I rest a hand on it and whimper some. “Please take pity on me.” “No mercy here. Sorry.” “But—” “I can give you a bite, but it’ll cost you.” “Cost me?” I quickly run through a list of things I have in my purse that might be an acceptable trade. I find, in no particular order: a tampon, a stick of broken open gum, a receipt for my last pair of shoes, and my checkbook. Breathing a sigh of relief, I pull it out. “How much is it gonna cost me?” “I don’t want your money.” “Do you want my...” I hesitate and quickly finger my belongings. He’s definitely not interested in the tampon, and probably not interested in the dirty piece of gum. The receipt is so old I can barely read the label on it. I itch underneath my scarf-blanket as I struggle to come up with another option.

“You’ll figure it out,” he says evenly. “I’ll give you a minute.” “The masterpiece I created last night!” I unwrap the blanket from my neck. “I’m learning how to knit, and I’ll trade you my first blanket for a bite of your burger. It’s gonna be worth money someday.” “So, you were knitting last night?” “Fine, you caught me. Yes. No walk of shame, no wild nights—are you happy?” He breaks into a grin which answers that. “I’ll have you know that just because Kitty and I stayed in for one night doesn’t mean we’re barren old maids or—” “Oh, I know that much.” Bradley’s voice comes out all growly and deep, and it seems he’s forgotten the hamburger again. He’s got that possessive, hungry look going on right now, sort of like a wolf. Or like me, Lexi Monroe. Then again, I’m very hungry, so maybe I’m just projecting. “Do I get a bite?” I ask, trying for politeness this time around. “One teensy nibble?” “I don’t want your blanket full of holes.” I give him my most offended expression. “It’s not full of holes, it’s a loose weave. Fine, then, don’t take it. Sit there and freeze.” “Freeze?” He holds out a hand, as if testing the temperature.

It’s warm enough that we’re both just about sweating. With another harrumph of frustration, I ease against the opposite wall, stick my legs straight out in front, and cover myself with the blanket. It’s about as effective as trying to catch water with a strainer, but that’s okay. If it were wool, I’d be dead from overheating. “I’m very warm and cozy,” I tell him, as one of my heels pokes through a watermelon-sized hole. “What about you?” “I’m full and happy.” He leans back against the wall, an arm coming to rest over his head as he takes another bite. The hamburger is dwindling close to only half left, and my heart speeds up at its rapid disappearance. I need to get myself a bite of that meat. “What’s it going to take?” I cross my arms. “A date.” “Excuse me?” Bradley sizes up his burger, stares between the bun like it’s the next Mona Lisa. “You heard me. I’ll give you half of my burger if you agree to a date with me.” I’m floored. Flabbergasted, maybe. I’d expected many things, but I’d not expected a date to be laid on the table. If I’d had to guess, I would’ve expected him to make me wash his car,

clean his apartment, or deliver him food for a month. Anything but a date. “Do I have to pay?” I ask. “Do you have a wedding and you need a plus one? I’m looking for the catch here. Help me out.” “There is no catch.” “Bradley Hamilton, why on earth would you want a date with me? We’ve barely talked in three years.” “I have my reasons.” “And I’m trying to figure out what they are.” I squint at him. “Are you trying to get into my pants? Because a date is not codeword for sex. Even if I agree to a date, that doesn’t mean anything—I’m not even promising a kiss.” “I know that.” I tap my finger against my lips. We’ve been trapped a solid fifteen minutes already, and my stomach has begun to eat itself. It feels like it’s on the verge of collapse. Pretty soon it’ll move on and eat my lungs and my liver, and I’ll be left shriveled up and dead all because I didn’t agree to a date with Bradley Hamilton. “How long do you think we’re going to be stuck here?” I’m weighing my options. A date with Bradley sounds equal parts exciting and disastrous. But I can’t figure out the catch. I can’t figure out why he’d choose a date with me

when he could’ve just taken home my beautiful knitted blanket and called it a day. “I’d say that’s impossible to determine.” He glances at his phone. “We have no service, nobody heard your screaming, and this elevator is technically not even supposed to be functioning. If you think anybody’s coming for us, you’re wrong.” My chest constricts and my breath begins to speed up. “Omigod. I’m going to die in here. I’m going to die without knowing how to knit. I’ll never become domesticated. I’ll never—” “Lexi—” “We’re going to die, Brad! I lied to you earlier, I’ve never had wild sex. It’s been all this boring vanilla crap, and I don’t understand all the hype about one-night stands.” My eyes fix on him with renewed fear. “What if I die an un-domesticated, un-sexed twenty-something? I don’t even have a car today.” The information is too much for Bradley to process. His face isn’t quite working. His mouth opens and closes, and he searches for something to say, but he doesn’t find it. “The car was impounded,” I say as an explanation. “Kitty dropped me off this morning after our knitting date. I know, I’m a mess.” “You’ve never had good sex?” “That?” I raise my hands in frustration. “That’s all you pulled out of this?”

“Christ, Lexi. Why didn’t you say something? We could’ve fixed that a long time ago.” “When, Bradley?” I lean on his name. “Sometime between you very nearly kissing me, and then never speaking to me again?” Bradley takes an even breath. Extends his hand with half the burger. “It’s yours for a date.” “No. I’ll starve.” He takes a gigantic bite in response, and I whimper. My liver slides dangerously close to my stomach-eating insides. At least, that’s what it feels like. He swallows, then takes another bite, polishing off the burger. “Sorry. You didn’t seem interested.” “You’re cruel.” “Have you reconsidered?” “I don’t understand you.” I pull myself to my feet, stomp back and forth across the elevator floor. “You don’t talk to me for years—” “We’ve talked. I live across the hall from you.” “Good morning and... I got your mail? That doesn’t count as a conversation.” “Then let’s talk now.” “Now you’re offering to take me on a date, amongst other things.” I wave my hands, unable to repeat his offers. “You push me up against the wall, and make me all hot and heart-poundy, and—” “Hot and heart-poundy?” He looks impressed with himself. “That doesn’t sound so bad.”

“You know what I mean!” I stomp my foot, well aware I look like a child. “Plus, you already polished off the burger. So, you can take your offer of a date to someone who cares. Someone who’s not me.” “What if I told you I had another burger, and that I’d throw in a ride to the impound lot with it?” “Another burger?” There’s a reverence in my voice. “You have had another burger this whole time, and you’ve been holding out on me?” He peeks in his bag. “Look at that. They didn’t even forget pickles.” I ease to the floor, scoot across the elevator until I’m seated next to him. I peek in the bag. “That smells good.” “It can be all yours with the promise of one date. One evening together.” “You promise there are no tricks, there’s no catch, I’m not going to be appearing at some wedding or whatever like a high-class escort?” “High class?” He looks at my ripped dress. “Oh, shut it, mister.” He grins. “I promise. You and me. A private evening. Food if you like, and maybe something to drink. No pressure.” “Really?” He hands over the burger bag. I feel the warmth against my hands and bask in the heavenly scent. I take my time peeling back the

brown paper bag and inhale deeply with every breath I take. “That look you have on your face right now?” Bradley is struggling to hold back a smile. “That’s the look of great sex.” “Who needs great sex when you have great food?” He makes another strangled noise in his throat. “Oh, you pretend like you’re so good at sex.” I throw a glance over at him. “I don’t buy it.” “Fine.” I inch the burger out, still too distracted by the beautiful patty staring back at me to really think about what I’m saying. “Are you good at it?” “What?” “Sex.” For once, Bradley appears speechless. “Uhm —” “Never mind.” “You could find out.” “I already told you, I’m not interested in kissing you. When we try to be more than friends, it only ends in...” I pause, not wanting to say heartbreak. To admit that would be saying too much. “It ends awkwardly. Sorry, it’s not happening. So, don’t try anything.” “I’m not going to try anything.” Bradley watches me, his eyes melting to the color of gooey

chocolate chips. “Here’s what’s going to happen, Lexi Monroe.” I frown as he reaches out a hand, lowers the burger from my mouth. When he speaks, his voice is hoarse and sturdy. It steals my attention from the burger, which is next to miraculous. “I’m going to take you out on a date, and it is going to be the date to end all dates. The best date you could ever imagine, and then more,” he says, his eyes locked on mine. There’s a heaviness in the air, a weightiness that tells me he’s deadly serious. “I’ll be patient, and I’ll wait. Until you’re ready, and until you come to me. I’ll have you, Lexi Monroe, but only when you ask for it.” My heart thumps against my chest. He’s too close to me, too intense with his gaze. Almost as if he’s been thinking about this moment for ages, just biding his time. I’m just about to tell him how cocky that speech sounded when the elevator jars to a start, and we ascend the rest of the way to floor seven. The doors spring open to reveal a series of firemen looking in with concern. Two of them are fat older men, one of them bald, the other quite red-headed, but the third is probably just older than me. Young and quite handsome, the latter steps through the doors and extends a hand toward me.

“Alright, ma’am?” the studly young fireman asks, helping me to my feet. “Apologies for the delay in response. This old elevator turned out to be finicky.” I stand, my gaze still torn between this new handsome fireman, and the words hanging in the air between Bradley and myself. Then I look down at my hands and realize the burger is still there. “You’re kidding me,” I grumble. “All that effort and I didn’t even get to eat the burger.” “A deal’s a deal,” Bradley says from the floor. “I’ll let you know a time and date later.” “Ma’am?” The fireman looks between Bradley and myself. “Is everything okay?” “Everything’s fine,” Bradley says, sweeping crumbs off his shorts as he brushes past us in the elevator. He turns, nods at the fireman, then winks at me. “Guess Superman didn’t get the day off.” Bradley disappears down the hall, and I turn to finally face my rescuer. “Sorry, everything’s fine. Just a neighbor dispute.” “Neighbor?” “Just a neighbor,” I say firmly. “We, uh, don’t really get along.” The fireman reaches behind me, scoops up my purse and blanket from the floor. “These belong to you?” I hurriedly gather the things into my arms before he pays too much attention to my craft

project. “Thank you.” “Is it too forward of me to ask your name?” “Lexi.” I smile, shake his hand. “Lexi Monroe. And you are?” As Cole Anderson introduces himself, I catch a glimpse of Bradley over my shoulder. He’s frozen, one foot inside of his apartment, the other outside, and a look of murder on his face. I let Cole walk me to my apartment, but when he asks for my number, I apologize and tell him I don’t give it out the first time I meet someone. “Well,” he says with a smile. “Then I hope we meet again, Miss Monroe.” I let myself into the apartment, give him a wave, and lock the door behind me. The burger is still warm in my hand. Moving to the kitchen, I toss it onto a plate, plop down on my kitchen stool, and stare at it. “This is all your fault,” I tell the burger. “You’d better taste damn good, my friend.”

Chapter 3 LEXI My apartment is located in downtown St. Paul in a rather primo location. The rent for a one bedroom is just barely affordable on my salary, but for the last few years I’ve made it work. I’d even managed to save something here and there. Business isn’t particularly booming at the diner, but we have a steady stream of fiercely loyal customers. Margaret and Howard come for their daily waffles, Stuart for his late-night pie slices and bottomless decaf. Lou, the out of work actor reads lines at the table all day and mostly doesn’t buy anything. Then there’s Barb, my first customer ever— who makes sure everyone knows it. We even have our fair share of regular policemen and firefighters stopping by since its location is directly between the firehouse, police station, and just about everything else. I briefly wonder if I’ve ever seen Cole there before, and then realize that no, I definitely would’ve remembered. I sink my teeth into another bite of the burger as I hurriedly reply to Rick’s worried texts. He’s my right-hand man at Minnie’s, and is probably having a stroke at the moment. My message about being late never sent, and I click re-send furiously before

he sends the SWAT team after me. I’m never late to the diner if I can help it. I love it there. I love my work, I love the people. It’s not an incredibly high margin business, but it’s always felt good, always felt right. During my reckless, post-college drifting phase, I’d decided to take a chance and open my own business. Every penny, every bucket of blood, sweat, and syrup that I could scrounge up had gone into making Minnie’s a success. For the last three years, it’d been paying my bills and keeping me satisfied and fed, but I’m not living a life of luxury by any means. We still have tight months now and again, and recent months have been tighter than I would’ve liked. I inhale another bite of the burger at my kitchen table, and that’s when I notice the noise. A distinct breathing coming from behind me. Human breathing. All thought flies out the window as I whirl around and face the living room. “What’d you have to do to get that burger?” A groggy male voice calls across the room. “You’re savoring it like it’s cloaked in gold.” “Lucas?” I stare open-mouthed at my brother. Only seconds later do I realize I’m still chewing a full bite of burger. “What are you doing here?” “What are you doing with that burger?” Lucas squints at the clock behind me. “Shouldn’t you be at work?”

Now, I’m turning from startled single woman at home alone into the annoyed little sister. “Hold on, you broke into my apartment, made yourself at home, and now you’re chastising me? Nope. Not happening.” “Thank you for letting me crash here.” He runs a hand through his hair, and it looks like he’s had a much harder night than me. His button-up shirt is missing a few buttons, and his pants are rumpled. “It got late, and I wasn’t in shape to drive home.” “No kidding. Why my place?” “I went out with Andi and Ryan to that new bar...” He snaps his finger trying to think, and I fill in the gap. “TANGO.” “Yes!” “And?” “And we had a few drinks. I didn’t want to drive home, so I came here.” “Through my window, or...?” I glance skeptically around my apartment. “Just curious in case next time, it’s not my brother I find sneaking in and sleeping on my couch.” My apartment is old but well maintained. It used to be some sort of warehouse, but they updated it in a housing boom some years ago, leaving trendy exposed brick and lots of wood. The ceilings are lofted and sunlight has a tendency to

splash all over the rooms, sometimes earlier than I’d prefer. Lucas pulls out a key, waves it around. “Where’d you get that?” A guilty expression slides over his face. “You didn’t.” I cross my arms. “Really? This doesn’t qualify for the apocalypse stash.” When I’d first rented this apartment, it’d been a group effort. Lucas had moved in next door, and Bradley across the hallway. Some people might think it odd that the three of us stayed so close, but it’d been that way for so many years it just didn’t seem right to move away from one another. Especially since the boys had been playing hockey together at the time, and my diner wasn’t far away. This place was moderately affordable, convenient, and everything we’d needed. We’d also created an ultimate emergency stash upon our move into the building. I didn’t think anyone had accessed it in years; I’m surprised Lucas even remembered it. “It was still there after all this time?” I’d almost forgotten about the stash. I slide across the room to examine the key. “Was it still behind that loose brick out back?” “The one and only.” His face clouds for a moment, as it often does when we get too close to the topic of Bradley. “Ah, well, it was a good choice of hiding spot.”

“So, I should be going.” “Yeah, I’m running late for work.” “Speaking of late nights, where were you last night?” Lucas waggles his eyebrows. “I happen to know you didn’t come home.” I pick up the stupid knitting project and throw it at him. “I stayed at Kitty’s.” “How’s Kitty?” “She’s fine. Didn’t ask about you,” I say. My brother’s had a crush on her for forever. They’ll never work out, so I feel it’s my duty to make sure his hopes never get raised. “We tried to be domestic. Failed. Drank copious amounts of wine instead.” “If Kitty needs someone to help her become domestic...” “Shut up.” “Understood.” Lucas reaches for his wallet and keys. “I think I left my car somewhere downtown. I suppose I should find it.” “What a guy,” I say, walking him to the door. I’m just about to open it when there’s a knock. Lucas frowns at the door, then looks at me. “Expecting company?” he asks. When I shake my head no, he opens the door. “Hey, we’re just leaving...oh.” The door opens to reveal Bradley Hamilton standing there in all of his glory. He’s changed since the elevator and is now dressed eerily similar to my

brother. Khakis and a button-up shirt. He could be ready for church, while I’m still looking like a lady of the night. This just goes to show how long it’s been since I’ve seen Bradley for any length of time—he’d never have worn something like that years ago. He, like my brother, had lived in hockey gear—sweats, jeans, and boy things. This person standing before me is a man. A gorgeous man at that, and it takes everything I can do not to stare at the cut lines of his jaw, or the way his dark hair rolls gently away from his face. I notice the second his warm chocolate eyes harden, and that’s the second he recognizes my brother. “I’ll come back—” he says at the same time that my brother yells for me. “Lucas. I’m right here,” I say from a step behind him. “Thanks, I’ve got this.” “Are you sure?” Lucas opens the door wider, then eyes his old friend with disdain. “What’s he doing here?” “What are you, four years old? Go away for a minute. Out or in,” I tell him. “Choose.” My brother chooses to retreat to the couch. He doesn’t even pretend not to eavesdrop. “Hello, Bradley,” I say, just now realizing my fingers are still clamped down on the burger. “Can I do something for you?” “Never mind.”

“What? You came over here and knocked on my door. Don’t pretend it was to tell me never mind.” Brad’s eyes flash over my shoulder and land on my brother. “It can wait.” I raise a hand, and it inadvertently comes to rest on his chest. The feel there, beneath my fingers, is solid. He’s like a source of heat, sending spirals of warmth all through me as I gently push him into the hallway and follow him there. I pull the door shut behind me. “What do you need?” “Call in sick.” “Excuse me?” “Call in sick,” he says again. “You’re already late to work. Just explain to them that you got stuck in the elevator and need the day off.” “You’re right—I’m already late and getting later by the second. Why would I need the day off?” “I don’t have anything going on, so I figured we might as well make good on our deal.” I suck in a breath. “The date? You want to do our date right now?” “I was talking about driving you to the impound lot, but sure. We can have our date today if you’d like.” “No! No, I wouldn’t like that. I have to go... sorry. I have to work.”

“Fine. When do you want to get your car?” “Look, you don’t have to take me. I’ll figure it out; that stuff in the elevator was a joke.” “A joke?” I raise the burger. “My stomach was talking for me. I was hangry. You can’t trust anything that comes out of my mouth when I’m hungry, angry, or somewhere in between.” “You’re reneging on our deal?” “No, I’m...” I sigh. “Thank you for the offer, Bradley. I’ll find my own way to pick up the car. If you still want to do the date thing, I’m game.” “When would you like to do our date thing?” “You have my number,” I say. “Feel free to call me and set something up... like a date.” “Next weekend?” “I’m out of town.” “Weekend after?” “Working.” He sighs. “I’ll call you.” “Bye.” I turn, resting a hand on the doorknob to go back inside. Before I twist it, however, I pause and watch him walk across the hallway to his place. “Hey, Bradley.” He turns and leans against the doorframe. “Yeah?” I swallow my surprise at the shape his body has taken over these last few years. He might’ve wrecked his knee and ruined his hockey career, but

his body has taken on all sorts of muscles that weren’t there before. Curves and dips, tone and strength that make me wonder how I hadn’t noticed before. “It’s really good to see you again,” I say. “I hope you do call.” He smiles, the kind of smile that lights up his whole face. It makes me all sorts of happy as I turn and let myself into the apartment. The boys might have their stupid feud going, but I’d let myself get caught in the middle for too long without making enough effort to right the situation. As I step through the door and find myself facing my brother, I tell myself all over again that my new effort to repair past ties is because I value Bradley as a friend. As a buddy. A pal. Not because he’s turned into some sex on a stick man who looks at me like I’m his cheat meal, and definitely not because it’s been months since I’ve had any sort of relationship worth writing home about. “What was that all about?” Lucas asks. “I didn’t know you two were talking.” “As a matter of fact, Bradley asked me out on a date.” “Bradley?” I started calling him Bradley in my head after my brother and he had a falling out. It just seemed... easier that way. To separate the guy

who’d been one of my closest friends—Brad—and this new, distant person. Bradley. More formal, more controlled. “Yes, Bradley,” I say. “And I told him yes.” “Is that how you got the burger?” “What?” “You don’t buy fast food. Where’d you get the burger?” “Traded my soul for it. What’s it to you, anyway? I never bother you about your dates.” “Because I’m not dating your former best friend.” “Oh, come on. You drool every time Kitty walks into the room.” “Why was he at the door?” Lucas scowls. “Early start on date night?” “He offered to give me a ride to pick up my car.” “Because your car is...?” “Impounded.” “Ah. I’ll take you.” “How do you know I turned down his offer?” “I don’t care if you turned it down.” Lucas pulls his things into his arms. “Let’s go. I have to find my car, and then I’ll drop you off.” “You need to give me five minutes to shower and get out of these clothes.” Lucas surveys my outfit. “Take ten minutes. Fifteen.”

I scrunch my nose up at him. “Then, we need to swing by the diner.” “Great. You can buy me a coffee.”

Chapter 4 LEXI “I’m sorry!” I rush through the front door of my diner. “I’m so, so, so sorry.” My second in command looks up from his post behind the counter. Rick is a busy and sweet dad of four who seems to love his job. I can’t figure out if it’s the diner he loves, or the temporary escape from a house with four little children in it, but I’ll take it. He’s a fantastic employee. “No problem.” Rick grins as I skid around the counter and shove on an apron. “But I was worried sick about you! Why didn’t you answer your phone sooner? I was about to send the SWAT team when your text came through.” I quickly explain about the impound, the elevator, and everything else. As I’m talking, I glance around at the diner. “Is it quiet in here today?” Rick gives a one shoulder shrug. “We had the typical after church crew come and go. Lunch... yeah, lunch has been quiet.” “Huh.” My diner is named Minnie’s. We’re located on a tiny corner lot, a shoebox in the scheme of city plots. Inside, however, you’d never know it. We’ve played up the old-school, retro vibe and went hard

core on the diner-themed decorations. It’s cozy and familiar, and I’ve heard Barb, my first-ever customer, say that walking in the door feels like a second home. Being that my brother plays for the Stars, my dad’s a coach, and my mother is a full-fledged hockey mom, we also have lots of hockey paraphernalia. Photographs of the Stars going back to their first year as a team line all the walls, along with a few random license plates, Minnesota themed posters, and staff pictures. It’s a jumble of local goodness, and we’ve earned our way onto a few ‘Things to do in Minnesota’ lists. On top of décor, there’s the heavenly smell. Bits of syrup and melting butter mix with freshly ground coffee beans, forming a scent that’s nothing short of delectable. We have a pretty standard menu, which the regulars have memorized, and I’m proud of it. I’ve heard more than one person say it’s the best chocolate chip waffle they’ve eaten in the state. “Oh, sweetie, that sounds horrible.” Rick lays a hand on my shoulder and squeezes. “Is your brother waiting outside?” I nod. “Go get your car. We’ll hold down the fort here.” “Are you sure?”

Rick nods. His hair is graying, his eyes a gentle blue. He’s older than me by about ten years, and I can’t decide if he’s more of a father figure, a brother, or simply a friend. Whatever he is, he’s the best second-in-command I could’ve dreamed up. “Go get your car,” he says. “It won’t be long before the night shift gets here. Sunday nights are pretty low key after the bridge club leaves.” “Thank you, Rick. So sorry I didn’t call sooner —the service was impossible in the elevator, and —” “Go on,” he says. “Even the boss is allowed off now and again.” I shoot him a grateful smile and make my way back out to the car with two to-go mugs of coffee. I hand one to Lucas and take a cautious sip of the other. It’s piping hot and dark, just the way I like it. “It’s quiet in there today,” I say, as Lucas pulls away from the curb. “I wonder why.” “Nice day out.” Lucas squints into the May sunlight. “Maybe people are outside.” “Maybe.” He glances over. “Are you worried?” “It’s not exactly a get rich quick sort of business. It’s not even a get rich slow business. If it stays this quiet for much longer, I won’t be able to afford rent.” Lucas’s face turns into a mask of sympathy. “I’m so sorry, Lex. What can I do?”

“Nothing, I’m just whining.” “You’re not whining! What you’ve done is incredible. Managed to turn a profit within three years. Most businesses fail in one. All businesses have soft months—it’s natural. You just need to find a way to get customers back in there.” “If only it were that easy.” “Maybe it is,” Lucas says. “Think about it. You’re smart; I know you’ll come up with a solution.” I offer him a smile, then curb my whining and focus on the warmth of the sun hitting my face as we cruise through town to the impound lot. The sunshine, the coffee, the conversation with my brother—it’s a surprisingly pleasant Sunday drive. “You’re not really going on a date with him, are you?” Lucas finally asks, once we’ve skirted the topic for long enough. “Come on, Lexi.” “I have to. Fair is fair.” “What do you mean by that? You don’t have to do anything.” “He gave me his burger if I agreed to a date.” “He bribed you?” “He bribed my stomach,” I correct. Then laugh at my brother’s expression. “Give me a break. I wouldn’t go if I really didn’t want to. Who knows? Maybe it’ll be a good thing. Repair some of the damages from before.”

“You really don’t think things can go back to the way they were before, do you?” “Call me a dreamer, but I’d like to try.” “Lex—” “Maybe if you actually told me what happened between the two of you, I’d understand more. But you’ll have to imagine from my point of view—it looks like Bradley ruined his knee, and then magically the two of you stopped talking. What happened?” “Nothing. Forget it.” “My point is proven.” “Couldn’t you repair damages without dating him?” “What’s it to you? You still never answered the question.” “I just feel like... he’s not the right one for you.” I fall silent, mostly because I feel the same way about my brother and Kitty. So, if he feels this way, maybe there’s something to it. My brother throws a hand up. “I mean, he’s Brad! Our friend. Friends don’t date each other.” “Is he your friend?” I slide out of the car. “Because friends actually talk. Thanks for the ride.” “Lex—” I wait for him to expand, but he doesn’t.

Instead, he flings his hands up in the air before white-knuckle gripping the steering wheel. He shakes his head and sighs. “Just be careful.”

Chapter 5 LEXI “Here you are, my dear.” Sasha gingerly sets a tray of freshly baked sweets on the counter. “Ten cinnamon rolls, two dozen cookies, and three pies. Think that’ll hold you over for tomorrow?” I’m at Minnie’s, and my friend Sasha, owner and baker extraordinaire of Sasha’s Sweets next door, has made her way over to the diner on her usual break. She has a sample of her wares on the counter, and is grinning at me. I stop in the middle of pouring myself a cup of coffee and wander over to the tray, inhaling deeply as the scents of sugar and sweet wind their way up toward me. The cookies are still warm, fresh out of the oven, and I nab one straight off the platter. “You’re supposed to sell those, you know.” Sasha eases onto the bar stool. Reaching across the counter, she swipes my cup of coffee and takes a sip. “What do you rate them?” I close my eyes, take a bite, and savor the oozing warm chocolate. “Stop making that face with those sounds, or people are going to get the wrong idea about your restaurant.” Kitty returns from the bathroom, just as I give Sasha my approval with a huge groan. “And while we’re on the subject, you should really

think about getting laid. From something other than a cookie. Preferably someone, probably a man.” “What about the one from the elevator?” Sasha asks. “I thought y’all were supposed to have a date, anyway.” I shake my head, surveying my friends from my vantage point behind the counter. It’s a Monday morning exactly one month and one day since the elevator incident with Bradley Hamilton. I’ve gone over the play by play of that moment hundreds of times. I’ve explained it to Kitty and Sasha until they can tell the story better than me. Kitty, as usual, has nowhere to be on a Monday morning. Hence the reason she invites herself down to the diner and pretends to work on inspiration for her next piece while downing cup after cup of coffee. Not that I mind, seeing as Monday’s are pretty slow after ten thirty. Barb and the water aerobics team, consisting of ten women all over the age of ninety, swing by for a cup of coffee and doughnuts after their morning practice, but they clear out by ten-twenty-nine on the dot. The bridge club doesn’t come in for lunch until eleven thirty, so we have an hour in between when the diner is virtually dead. Sasha Temple, my other best friend, does have somewhere to be on a Monday morning. However, it happens to be next door at Sasha’s Sweets. Sasha and I were born within a month of one another, and

we’d bought adjoining stores within a week of each other. In some parallel universe, we were likely sisters. Where some folks would’ve tried to compete— a sweet shop and a diner on the same block?—we made a friendly deal. I provide her with freshly made sandwiches every day while she brings over a few piping hot desserts. Usually, she’ll swing over for a cup of coffee when she brings the desserts and leave her assistant in charge. “Yeah, I must have screwed something up,” I say, taking another bite of my cookie. “I’ve barely talked to him all month.” “Have you seen him?” Kitty steals Sasha’s mug, which was formerly mine, and takes a sip. “Maybe he’s out of town.” I grab two additional mugs from behind the counter and pour out enough coffee for all three of us. “Oh, I’ve seen him. We’ve made all sorts of awkward eye contact.” Sasha looks at Kitty, who shrugs. “What does all sorts of awkward eye contact even mean?” “You know.” I make a weird gesture with my hands. “Like we’ll both open our doors at the same time, and his eyes will meet mine. It’s weird.” “Then what?” Kitty asks. “Most normal people would say hello and move along with their day.” “I’m not a normal person.”

“Don’t tell me you slam the door shut and wait until he leaves.” Sasha eyes me over the batch of sweets. “C’mon, Lexi. The guy clearly has it bad for you; give him a little bone. You have to show him a tiny sign of friendliness.” “No! Absolutely not. If he wanted to hang out with me, he could make good on the date I already agreed to. I’m waiting for him to call.” “You live with him,” Kitty argues. “If you keep slamming the door in his face, the poor guy will never ask you out on a date. His little penis is probably shriveling up in fear at the mere thought of it. Boys are sensitive creatures underneath their tough exteriors.” “It’s not little,” I say under my breath. Both girls halt immediately. “What?” My cheeks flush at the implication. “I mean, I’ve never seen it, but... I imagine it’s uh, plenty sizeable.” Sasha giggles and looks over at Kitty. “Clearly she’s been thinking about it.” “Daydreaming about Bradley,” Kitty agrees. “Was it good? You know, in your mind?” “You guys are horrible!” I’m thoroughly embarrassed now, which is rare for me. Especially around Kitty and Sasha—we tell each other everything. And I mean everything. “You’re not supposed to withhold from us!” Sasha cried. “You agreed!”

“Customers are here! Keep it down or you’ll scare them away,” I huff, storming around the edge of the bar to bring menus to two men in business suits who’ve wandered through the door looking a little lost. “Can I help you?” I ask them. “Table for two?” “Yes, thank you. Preferably by the window.” I lead the men to one of the best tables with a view of the Mississippi River. It’s obscured only slightly by the hustle and bustle of downtown St. Paul, and the ambiance is peaceful. In addition, I had gotten more than a little lucky with my lease. It’s cheap, my landlord is flexible, and the location is perfect. “Hold on a minute,” the second man says. He’s probably in his forties, balding, and a little paunchy around the middle. “Are you...?” I smile as he points to the picture of my face on the back of the menu. Rick put it there without my knowing, so days before we opened, it’d been a complete surprise when the menus arrived with a small photo and biography of Lexi Monroe at the bottom. I hadn’t had the time or the money to change it and, thankfully, not many people notice. In an odd way, I had been flattered he’d cared so much to think of me. “That’s me,” I say. “Lexi Monroe.”

The man nods as he scans over the menu. “So how long have you been in this space?” “Just over three years. Got the lease four years ago or so, but it took some time to renovate.” “Great, great,” he murmurs. “Any plans to expand?” “Not in the near future. I’ve got a lot on my plate, and I enjoy keeping things small. Can I get you something to drink?” “Coffee, please,” the first man says. The second nods in agreement. “I’ll give you a minute to look over the menu,” I say with a bright smile. “Then I’ll send the server over. I highly recommend the chocolate chip waffles if you haven’t had them yet.” “First time here,” the second man says. “We’ll try the waffles.” “Both of you?” The other man nods, having barely looked at the menu. “Sounds great.” “Cookies are fresh, too,” I say. “Can I start you with one? I’ll have it come out with the coffee. Complimentary.” “Can’t say no to that.” I retrieve their menus and head back toward the bar. I begin preparing two cookies while Sasha and Kitty stare me down. I finally acknowledge them with a groan. “Why are you staring?”

“You huffed away all annoyed, and now you’re grabbing cookies,” Kitty says. “Binge eating is not the answer.” “They’re for the customers.” “Are you giving them away again?” Sasha sighs while Kitty shakes her head. “You know I don’t care what you do with the sweets, but you have to sell products to make money.” “But they’re delicious, and everyone should try them.” I put the cookies on plates and napkins and pour out more coffees. “It’s their first time here; I have to make a good impression.” “Right. Which is why you’re bringing food to the tables.” Kitty looks around the restaurant. “Don’t you have a server on the clock? Where is he?” I haven’t actually seen Theo in over an hour. I’m fairly sure he went into the alley to take a phone call awhile ago and never came back. “I enjoy doing it.” I stomp the tray back across the room and turn a smile on as I reach the customers. “Hope you two enjoy. They’re from Sasha’s Sweets next door. I also highly recommend them if you’re ever in need of a latte.” “What’s the square footage of this joint?” The first man asks before I can turn back. “It’s way larger inside than outside lets on.” “You know, I don’t remember off hand. But it’s just the right size for us.” I scan the picture laden

walls, and the coziness of the chairs and tables tucked neatly in rows. “Enjoy the cookies.” I’m a little confused as I march back to the bar. Never in three years have I been asked the square footage of my diner. Glancing around again, I take stock: there’s the bar, which hosts fourteen stools around the curved counter. Another twenty tables and booths line the outer windows and walls. I can fit six small tables outside on the sidewalk patio when the weather’s nice. It’s plenty big for us without being too large. “Who do you think those guys are?” I lower my voice as I punch in an order for two sets of waffles. “They seem odd. Something is off about them.” “How do you figure?” Sasha asks, peering into the mirror behind the bar to catch a better glimpse of them. “The questions they’re asking. Plus, they didn’t even look at the menu.” “Gasp,” Kitty says. “Maybe they knew what they wanted.” “It’s their first time here.” “Huh. Well, I can certainly find out for you.” “What is she doing?” I ask Sasha as Kitty stands, preens, and heads to the bathroom. Sasha shakes her head. “Working her magic.” I poke my head into the kitchen to check on the waffles. “Almost done,” Luis confirms.

He’s a mind reader, as well as an excellent chef. Without him, my business would be far more difficult to run. I manage cooking often enough on the stove behind the counter, but during the busy hours, it’s nice to have a helping hand. I thank him, but before I can leave, he waves me over. “Where’s Theo? I haven’t seen him in an hour.” “I’ll run the order this time,” I say. When Luis frowns, I add quickly. “Just this once. I promise I’ll talk to him after about his phone calls.” “You always say you’ll talk to him after,” Sasha says as I return to the counter. “Yes, I’m allowed to eavesdrop if you discuss these things in front of me. Why haven’t you talked to Theo yet?” I shrug. “I like running the food.” “You’re his boss. You’re paying him,” Sasha says. “You can tell him to shape up and get his act together if he’s sitting on the phone for half of his shift.” “But—” “No buts!” Sasha raises her eyebrows. “Before Theo, it was Allison. Before Allison, it was Domino. Before Domino—” “I get it,” I groan. “Why can’t I find someone as reliable as Callie?” Sasha sighs. “Callie wasn’t always reliable. She came late to her first three shifts. I hired her as a freshman in college at Sasha’s, and now she’s the

best employee ever, but it’s not an accident. I had to have a few talks with her.” “Really? She seems so nice.” “She is nice, but being nice has nothing to do with being a good employee—or at least, not all of it.” Sasha leans against the counter. “It’s a job, and these kids have to take it seriously. You’re a businesswoman. Sit down and talk to Theo. Stop doing his job for him. It’ll only benefit you both.” “Fine!” “Look, I know it’s difficult to make everything connect,” Sasha says. “This is a low margin business. I get it. I own the place next door, if you haven’t heard.” I offer a reluctant smile, then lean against the counter. “Business has been quiet these last few weeks.” Sasha gives a tense shake of her head. “I know. A few new coffee shops popped up downtown, and I’m feeling it, too. That’s all the more reason you can’t have dead weight hanging around. If Theo’s not doing his job, cut him loose.” “I don’t want to fire Theo. He’s saving up to go on spring break.” “Saving up by talking on the phone in the alley!” “He and his girlfriend are having problems.” “Tell them to have problems off the clock,” Sasha says. “You can’t keep breaking your back for

people who aren’t working hard. Come on, girlfriend. I have confidence in you.” “I know, but—” “I’m not yelling at you,” she says, more gently. “I’m not trying to chastise you. I know you run a great business, and you care a lot. Maybe it’s just me being worried and frazzled, and I’m taking it out on you.” “No. You’re right. We’re barely making rent as it is,” I confess. “I’ve been here almost twelve hours a day the last few weeks, and it’s wearing on me.” “It sucks.” “Yeah. I’m trying to find a way to bring customers back. I’ve tried specials and deals, weekly treats, everything. I’m running out of ideas.” “If I knew, I’d tell you. The only thing keeping us afloat is a cheaper lease and low overhead. It’s just me and Callie. You have Rick, Theo, the janitors, the... I don’t even know.” “Well, we’ve gotta figure out something. Otherwise, Minnie’s will get... even more mini. Until it disappears.” “Don’t say that.” Sasha reaches across the counter and squeezes my hand. “We’ll figure it out. We always do.” “Waffles are ready,” Luis calls from the stove. “Get ‘em while they’re hot.”

I reach for the proffered tray, ignoring Luis as he mouths Theo to me over and over again. Instead, I make my way across the room and check on the two businessmen who’ve taken out phones and appear to be studying them in great detail. “Waffles are ready. How’d you like the cookies?” I set the plates on the table. The cookies are gone and their coffees are halfway empty. “Delicious,” the first man says. “Finished the thing in one bite.” “I’ll take a refill,” the second man says. “Best coffee I’ve had in a long while.” I grab the carafe, return to the table, and top both of their mugs off. “Did you two say what brings you in here today?” “A friend recommended it,” the second man says. “A good one,” the first man agrees. “We’ll most certainly be back.” It’s at this moment that Kitty returns from the bathroom, sidling up next to me at the table. “Hello, gentlemen,” she purrs in a French accent. “Those waffles look incredible. Mind if I join you for un caffé?” Somehow, Kitty has transformed. She showed up here in a boho-chic skirt, a tank top, and sandals that complimented the beautiful spring day outside. While in the bathroom, she’d added red lipstick,

mascara, and a French accent to make her a stunning seductress. I roll my eyes and leave her to her work, returning to Sasha at the counter. “She’s nuts,” Sasha says as I grab Kitty’s mug of coffee. “Which accent did she choose this time?” “French. How does she do it?” The men at the table, whoever they are, have gone gaga over her. They’ve even argued over which side of the table had more room so that Kitty wouldn’t feel constricted as she joined them. I drop off the coffee and back away silently. Kitty doesn’t even look up, listening raptly to whatever the man is saying. It sounds boring, business-like, and I’m willing to bet that Kitty’s ripping her hair out on the inside. There’s nothing she hates more than dull conversation. I stand at the counter with Sasha as Kitty daintily adds cream to her coffee, then drops a sugar cube straight onto her tongue. “That girl is something else,” Sasha says. “If Kitty gave up being an artist and decided to pursue acting, she’d be famous in a second.” “Yet she would still want to paint,” I say. “Go figure. Better that way, though, otherwise she’d move to Hollywood and leave us small people behind.”

Sasha snorts with laughter. “She looks like she’s about to die.” “I’m getting the vibe they’re not regaling her with lovely and interesting tales about their travels around the world.” I tap my fingers against the counter. “I give her five minutes.” “Three,” Sasha says. “What are we betting?” “If I win, I want a dozen cookies for personal use.” Sasha nods. “If I win, you’re coming over this Friday and fixing waffles for ladies’ night.” “Am I invited to ladies’ night even if I win?” “This is your invitation,” she says with a wink. “Bring Kitty as your plus one.” “My last ladies’ night with Kitty didn’t go well,” I say. “We tried to knit.” Sasha scrunches up her nose. “I express my craftiness through baking. My ladies’ nights are for movies, wine, and food.” “Deal.” I shake her hand, but we’re not even finished with the shake when Kitty returns to the table. I glance at Sasha. “Neither of us win. That couldn’t have been more than a minute. What happens now?” “Were you betting on me again?” Kitty frowns over us. “I told you not to underestimate me. What were the guesses?” “Three minutes,” Sasha said quickly. “But Lexi guessed five.”

“Five minutes of conversation with them, and I would’ve killed myself,” Kitty says with a dramatic flourish. “They’re in real estate. How boring.” “Real estate?” A chill goes down my spine. “Why were they asking all sorts of questions about my space?” “Don’t worry, they had a client that’s looking to expand their business. They were considering this space, but I convinced them it’s utterly horrible,” Kitty says. “Broken pipes, weird smells, homeless people outside.” “None of that’s true,” I say. “Except the homeless people, sometimes. And the weird smell was from the one time Theo forgot an egg in his backpack.” “I don’t want to know,” Kitty says, raising a hand. “I did my job, and now you have nothing to worry about.” “Nothing to worry about?!” I look at Sasha. “What if Chris is looking to sell?” “He is getting old,” Sasha says. “Do you think he’d do that?” “What would happen to us?” I blink, panic sliding into my stomach. “They could shut us down. Not right away, but eventually.” “Aren’t there laws about that?” Kitty asks. “Can they really just kick you out?” “I’m sure there are ways,” I say. “Chris cut us a great deal, and now we’re locked in. If the new

owner wants to bump the rent up even a little...” Sasha’s knuckles tighten around her cup of coffee. “We don’t know that’s what they’re doing for sure. Maybe they were trying to impress Kitty.” Kitty sprawls on the stool. “They’re still in the research phase, no offers yet. I wouldn’t worry if I were you.” “Famous last words,” I say. “I’ll call Chris tonight and find out. Right now, I have to locate Theo.” “Don’t stress,” Sasha says, eyeing me with concern. “It’ll all work out. It always does.” I nod while I print out the bill for the two real estate men. I bring it to the table and drop it off. “Thanks for stopping in today.” One of them hands over his credit card, offering me a polite smile. “The waffles were delicious. I’m sure we’ll be seeing you again, Miss Monroe.” If it’d been anyone else, I would’ve been thrilled to have a repeat customer. But this time, somehow, the words ring with a hint of foreboding. I run the credit card, drop off the bill for a signature, and storm out to the alley behind the diner. “Theo!” I call. “Break’s over!” The twenty-something college student looks up with a guilty expression, murmurs a good bye, then snaps his phone shut. “Sorry about that, I had an, uh, issue with...”

“Right,” I say, interrupting him. “I like you a lot, Theo, but some things are going to change if you want to keep working here. No more hour-long phone calls, please. I don’t want to be the mean boss, but I need your help inside.” “Okay.” He moves sheepishly past me. “Sorry, boss.” “Great!” I throw my hands up and move to the front of the counter where I rejoin Kitty and Sasha. “Now I feel like a cranky asshole boss, I have a twitchy eyelid, and I’ve eaten three cookies this morning.” “Sounds like you need a way to let off steam,” Sasha says with a sly look at Kitty. “I know one way to do that.” “Knock on his door,” Kitty says. “Wear your sexiest robe and ask Bradley Hamilton to help you blow off some steam.” “I’m not having sex with my neighbor and best friend as stress relief,” I say. Then correct myself. “Former best friend.” “Fine.” Sasha stands to leave, taking the coffee mug with her. “Then die young from chronic stress.” “There’s got to be another way. What do normal people do?” Kitty stands to leave, too. “You know our solution. I’m telling you—you need endorphins.”

I sigh, exhale an expletive, and get back to work. There’s got to be a way to burn off stress that doesn’t involve getting naked. Not that I’m opposed to getting naked with the right person, but Bradley Hamilton is all sorts of wrong for me. If he’d been right, we’d already have gone on a date together. He wouldn’t have waited a month to ask me out; he would’ve called me the next day. It’s been a month and a day, and now I’m the desperate one counting the hours. Suddenly, I’m angry at him. Angry at Bradley for making me wait. For getting my hopes up, and then ruining me all over again. Is that what this whole thing was about? Him getting some sort of twisted revenge on me? “Luis, I’m leaving for lunch,” I tell him. “Rick should be in any minute. I’ll be back in an hour.” I stomp out of the diner. “Where are you going?” Sasha calls after me from her shop. Kitty has meandered over to the sweet shop, and is now sneaking a latte from Sasha’s counter. “Bradley freaking Hamilton,” I yell over my shoulder. “The man’s gonna answer a few of my questions.” “You’re not thinking straight,” Kitty says. “Maybe wait until you’ve calmed down?” I turn, unlock my car, and climb into the front seat. “Actually, this can’t wait.”

Chapter 6 BRADLEY I’m staring at the coffee table in my apartment. There are two piles of paper in front of me, and my eyes shift between them. First one, then the other. I size them both up, debating which problem to tackle first. It feels a bit like The Matrix. Except instead of choosing between the red and the blue, I have to take care of both. I pull one stack closer to me and skim it over. It’s depressing as hell. Over the last few months, my business partner, Leo, has been growing more and more distant. He’s scheduling shifts opposite mine and canceling catch up meetings that used to be mandatory. Little by little he’s been slipping away, but now, it’s too much to not notice. Most recently, he showed up to work in a new car. That was the kicker. We make the same amount of money—or at least we should be, since we started off with the same amount of money— and I know he sure as hell can’t afford the Lamborghini he’s driving. I could barely afford it, and I have years of prohockey money behind my back. When we started our gym, Leo put every last penny of his into it, and more. He hasn’t earned enough to buy a quarter-

million dollar car with our business, and as far as I know, he doesn’t have a side hustle. So, the stack of papers is a line item spreadsheet of all our costs, expenses, and revenue, and I’m bound and determined to find out what’s happening. If Leo’s extra cash is coming from the gym... if I find out he’s skimming from me, there will be hell to pay. After all, this gym isn’t just my job, it’s not my hobby, it’s not my passion—it’s all of them, together. When my knee blew out during the last game I played on the ice, I threw myself into the gym with everything I had. It’s all I have now. I’d never thought Leo to be a fool or a crook— ruthless, maybe, and sharp. But to try and steal from me would be foolhardy and stupid. Let’s hope Leo’s not stupid. For everyone’s sake. But just in case, I’ve been looking around. I even talked to a real estate buddy of mine to see if there’s any new space for a gym near here. Even if nothing’s wrong, it might be time for a split. I don’t half-ass my business, and lately, it’s been feeling like Leo’s got other priorities. Maybe it’s time to step out on my own. A few minutes of combing through the numbers and my head is starting to spin. Back when I was supposed to be learning math, I was for more interested in hockey, girls, and hockey. Emphasis on the hockey.

There’d been a few girls along the way, but only one had ever meant anything to me. The one who’s been there all along. Lexi Monroe. And now, she hates my guts. I exhale with a whoosh and turn to the second stack which, speak of the devil, has her name scrawled across the top of it. Underneath it is a book called The Best Restaurants of the Cities, a pamphlet called Taste the Cities, and a print out of Yelp’s top ten eateries in the local area. They all suck. I’ve been tearing my hair out for a month trying to find a place just right for us. For her. None of them are good enough. I’ve got one shot to make things right with Lexi, and I’ll be pissed if I blow it because the food tastes like butt cheek. I see the way she’s been avoiding me this past month. I’ve been trying my damndest to run into her—hell, I’ve been late to work for the last three days because I know her schedule by now and try to time my trips into the hallway. But every time there’s the threat of her running into me, she slams the door in my face and pretends she’s forgotten her purse inside. Now a month has gone by, and she’s probably thinking I’ve forgotten all about our date, when the fact of the matter is that it’s the polar opposite. I’ve been thinking of her while at the gym, at home, in

the shower, before I fall asleep at night... and I’ve been thinking about the restaurants, too. “Lexi Monroe,” I mumble, scrolling through the list of restaurants again. “Where the hell would you like to eat?” My musings are interrupted by a furious pounding on the door. It’s not a knock, it’s not a light tap, it’s hardly even a pound. This is a thunderstorm annihilating my door. I leap to my feet, glance down, and discover I’m still shirtless. I’ve got jeans on and was previously debating going to the grocery store, but hadn’t made it off the couch yet. Instead, I ordered pizza. Maybe that’s the pizza. If it’s the pizza, my delivery guy sounds pissed. I check the peephole, just to be safe, and discover that it’s no pizza man standing out there— it’s Lexi Monroe. I briefly wonder whether she’ll appear every time I mutter her name. Could be convenient, depending on how things go between us. It’s like magic. “Hello?” I pull the door open so quickly she falls partway through it. “Is everything okay? What’s wrong?” “How do you blow off steam?!” “Excuse me?” Lexi storms through my apartment, moving all hunched over and furious like a werewolf. She goes

straight to my refrigerator, yanks the door open and looks inside, then closes it with a frown. “Are you hangry again?” I ask. “I have a pizza on the way.” She gives me the death stare. “Sorry,” I mutter. “Didn’t mean it.” Next up for scrutiny is my dish drying rack, which contains nothing except for a mug and a bowl used for cereal this morning. She gives up, turning her rampage toward the living room. Her eyes land on the coffee table at the same moment as mine. I leap for the stacks of paper. She leaps faster. It’s a good thing I’m bigger. She snaps up the stacks in her hand first, but I’m right there next to her. Lexi brings the papers around her back, but that only gives me a reason to put my hands there, too. “What do you think you’re doing?” I’m pressed against her, my arms resting over hers, keeping her fingers clasped tight so she can’t get a glimpse of her name scrawled all over my papers. She remains quiet, but her breathing is heavy. Little puffs of air hit me in the chest, and I’m struck by how petite she is. Maybe not in the general world of women—she must be just over five and a half feet or so—but next to my six foot three frame, she’s tiny.

“Lexi.” I gently tease the papers away from her, but this sets off a chain reaction. I move closer, our bodies aligning one another from head to toe. I could kiss her now, if I wanted to. God help me, I want to kiss her, but I don’t want a slap across the cheek, so I refrain. “What are you doing here?” Her shoulders slump, and to my surprise, she leans against me. She forfeits the papers and her hands fall to her sides. It’s an odd, one-sided sort of hug, and I’m stuck patting her on the back because I don’t know what else to do. “I’m sorry.” She straightens, but her hands come up to clutch at my arms. Her head rests against my bare chest, and I decide to forego my concern with the papers. If I’m not mistaken, she’s on the verge of tears. I drop the stacks onto the couch. “Hey, talk to me.” My hands come up and rest on her shoulders, and it’s almost like no time has passed at all. “Don’t you remember when Jimmy Schroeder dumped you in seventh grade? You cried to me for hours about it. What’s so different now?” “What is so different?” she asks, her eyes shining as she looks up at me. “Why are things different between us?” I raise a hand, brush a thumb over her cheek. “They don’t have to be.” Apparently, this is the wrong thing to say because her back straightens, she stands up taller,

and steps back. “Yes, apparently they do.” “Why’d you come here today?” She blinks, as if the question is a confusing one. “I don’t know.” I move around her, gather the papers, and shove them under the couch cushion. Then I sit on the couch, daring her to reach for the papers. She would have to go through me to get to them. Let her try. “You get angry, or upset, or nervous, right?” Lexi’s clearly back onto this whole burning off steam thing that’s bothering her. “How do you get rid of that? You know, decompress from your stress?” “How do I burn off steam?” “Yeah.” “I go to the gym.” “I hate the gym,” she says. “The only time you can plan on seeing me running is if I’m being chased. Or if there’s coffee. I might run for the right latte.” I stifle a smile at her blatant honesty. I don’t know how the woman manages to look the way she does without the gym. Despite her petite frame, there are plenty of curves to make a man go wild. I should know—I’m a man, and I’m looking at her now. We’re alone in my apartment, and if this conversation were going any differently, I’d be looking to take things into the bedroom real fast. Or

the couch. Or the dining room table. Whatever she preferred. “I work out in the gym,” I clarify. “But if you don’t like getting a workout in the gym, I can think of other ways to get your heart rate up.” I wink at her, my point coming across. I’m sure she gets it because she lets out a groan, as if it’s a bad joke. “Besides sex,” she says. “I need something else.” “What’s wrong with sex?” “Uh, besides the fact it’s best with another person? Nothing.” “There are ways to take care of yourself. Please tell me you know this.” Her jaw is hanging so far open that it nearly hits her chest. “Of course I know how to give myself an orgasm. That’s not the point. I’m trying to prove to Sasha and Kitty that there are other ways of releasing stress.” I lost the second half of what she said because I’m too focused on the word orgasm. Her mouth puckered into the cutest little ‘o’, her voice rising along with her frustration. A pinkish tinge lands on her cheeks as she works herself into a tizzy. She’s not the only one losing control, though. It’s a good thing I’ve got on real pants because if not, we’d have an awkward situation on our hands.

“You’re not even listening to me!” She crosses her arms. “You’re thinking about sex.” “No, I’m not.” “Fine. You’re no help. I’m leaving.” “Wait—” I rise, reaching for Lexi’s hand. I catch it before she can take a step toward the door, and she rebounds so quickly she curls right into my arms. I hold her for a second, my hands grasping her shoulders, her curvy waist pressed against me. She inhales a sharp gasp, but she doesn’t look away. “Why’d you really come here today?” I lean close to her, my breath teasing across her ear. “You came here to ask about blowing off steam and dismissed the gym. You blush, or get all defensive, the second I mention sex.” “Because I didn’t come here to sleep with you. I came here to—” “Spy on my fridge?” “Sorry.” She has the decency to cringe and look sheepish. “I was in a rage.” “My poor fridge. I swear it’s not always empty.” “It’s not empty. I definitely saw a bottle of ketchup.” “To be fair, the bottle of ketchup is empty.” She smiles and eases from the battle, if just slightly. Then, with a second punch, she hits me when I’m not ready. “Why haven’t you called me?”

“I, uh—” “Did I do something so horrible that you changed your mind from the elevator until now? It’s been a month, Bradley.” At first I’m stunned. With her words, I realize I’m not the only one counting the days. Then, I realize how ridiculous this whole situation is. I throw my head back and laugh. Her piercing green eyes land on me, sharp and clever, and I know there’s no hope in my lying to her. So, I shut up and stop laughing. The problem is that I don’t know what to say, or how to tell her that I’ve been thinking about her nonstop for a month—hell, I’ve been thinking about this moment since the day I moved in across the hall from her—and the pressure is astronomical to make our date right. But if I tell her all that, I’ll sound like a lunatic and blow my chance with her before we even get started. “Listen,” I say, finally finding her gaze. She didn’t laugh with me—probably because she doesn’t get the joke. Which is my fault since she’s not a mind reader. A flash of hurt appears in her eyes, and I immediately feel worse. “Forget it,” she says, taking a step toward the door. “I shouldn’t have come. Sorry about everything.” “Sit,” I instruct.

To my surprise, she listens. Maybe it came out sharper than intended because she also goes quiet. “I’m really sorry,” I say, and at least that part is honest. “I’ve been busy.” “Ah. I see.” “I mean it, Lex.” I sit down on the couch opposite her. “I still do want to take you out on a date. I promise.” “You don’t have to say that. I can handle it if you’ve lost interest.” “No, that’s not it at all. I’m very interested.” I fight back the awkwardness at how forward that is, but she doesn’t seem to notice. “Trust me. You’re still up for it?” “A deal’s a deal.” “You don’t have to follow through if you don’t want to.” I lean against the couch, slightly horrified at myself. I’d suggested the deal in the first place as a joke, a light-hearted way to get Lexi Monroe back in my life. I’d never imagined she’d take it like...well, like a threat. These last three years have been too long, and I’m afraid too much time has passed to bring things back to the way they were. But I’d regret it until the day I died if I didn’t give it a try. She may not want to date me, and that’s fine—maybe we can settle for friends. After all, that worked for us for the past several decades, why not the next few?

She runs a hand through her hair and starts to worry me until she offers a shy smile through her frustration. “No, I... I think I’d like to go.” It’s difficult to control the urges running through me at her words, her smile. I want to swipe the coffee table out of the way and go to her. Kiss her, taste her, help her burn off some steam... if she’s interested. “But!” She raises a finger, then points it toward me. “There’s an expiration date. You have another month, or the deal’s off.” “Understood.” “Unless—shit. Is everything okay?” Her eyes widen, then darken with concern. “We can postpone if you need, or if you have something going on. I swear I’m not a monster despite my nutso rampage in here today. Are your parents fine?” “My parents are fine, but my poor fridge will never be the same.” Her next smile leads us to an almost pleasant moment, a truce of sorts. I’m reminded of old times, but again, there are threads of something else in this room. I’m suddenly self-conscious about how I look. I still have no shirt on, and my hair’s a mess. Since when have I cared about my idiotic hair? After all, Lexi has seen me in far worse—pretty damn close to nothing. We popped our skinny-

dipping cherries together during her freshmen year of high school, and the night is seared into my memory as the night I realized Lexi was female. Who knew she had boobs? Nice ones, too, if I remember correctly. I had tried not to look at her differently after my epiphany about her being a woman. I’d looked at her butt shortly thereafter, however, and her brother had caught my wandering eyes. Lucas had made me pay for it with a fist to the mouth, and I’d given up any hopes of ever trying that again. Damn it. Now my eyes are beginning to stray. They’re straying right back to her shirt, a bright blue, pretty thing that’s almost glued to her body. The end of the v-neck falls gently over her chest confirming that yes, she’s still a woman. And yes, she’s even more beautiful than ever before. “Are you checking me out?” she asks, a sly smile creeping over her face. “I never thought I’d have to tell you this, Bradley Hamilton, but my face is up here.” I’m not shy by nature, but I want to crawl into a hole when she thumbs at her eyeballs. Talk about needing to blow off steam—I’ll be at the gym for the next six hours trying to undo the last five minutes. “No, you have... something on your shirt. Why did you come here today?”

“Excellent change in subject. You’re just as smooth as ever.” “I don’t think you’re in any position to talk. What’d my fridge do to you?” Lexi glances guiltily at the kitchen. “I’m sorry. My diner’s not doing as well as I’d like it to, and I freaked out.” A small chunk of my happiness deflates, pops like a balloon and fizzles to nothing. Here I was thinking that I’d been the entire reason for her rage. That she cares so much about our date and my lack of communication she worked herself into a fit of rage and stormed my apartment. I couldn’t have been further from the truth. I feel like an idiot with my lists, my daydreams, the way I can’t seem to get her out of my mind. Clearly, it’s a one-sided relationship. I’m not used to being the infatuated one— during my golden years with the Stars, Lucas and I had our choice of ladies. Every night of the week, if we wanted. I never wanted that, and I didn’t take those women up on their offers, but it had been nice to know I was in demand. Over these last few years, my demand has plummeted, and it’s done a number on my ego. Now, I’m the idiot who’s fantasizing over a relationship that’ll never happen. There’s a reason it hasn’t happened between Lexi and I yet—we’ve

had every opportunity to make it work. We went to prom together, and most of our high school dances... as friends. If she’d ever wanted something more, I would’ve known by now. I do my best to shake off the sting, to sweep the problem under the rug like I do best. I put on a sympathetic expression and do what friends do—I listen. Lexi’s already gotten started explaining, and because of my wandering brain, I’ve missed half of it. “...going to raise rent, and—” “Why are they raising your rent again? Sorry, I was thinking.” She blinks, as if debating whether or not she should be offended I missed the conversation. “I don’t know it for a fact—I’m going to call my landlord tonight and try to find out what’s going on. I’m worried because today there were two people at the diner who are in real estate, and they were asking questions about my place.” “How’d you know they were in real estate?” “Kitty seduced them and forced them to tell her.” “Ah.” I’ve never quite understood the appeal of Kitty, but she works for most men. Even Lucas has had a thing for her ever since Lexi brought her home for Thanksgiving.

No, Kitty doesn’t do it for me. My ‘thing’ looks a lot like Lexi Monroe, and if I know what’s good for me, I’ll do my best to change that. If I don’t, I’ll go insane being her male best friend for life. “She didn’t seduce them, just... had coffee with them.” Lexi shakes her head as if the entire situation is alien to her. “I don’t get how she does it. Maybe if I was more like her, my business wouldn’t be going under.” “No.” “What?” The word came out before I could think, and now I’m stuck trying to backtrack and make sense of it. “No... that wouldn’t help anything. I think you’re great just the way you are.” She squints at me, as if it’s a trick. Finally, she adds a cautious question. “Really?” “Really.” I turn back to business because it’s the only safe zone at the moment. “You’ve got an excellent sense of business, and you run a tight ship. Can you imagine if Kitty ran a business? The hours would fluctuate daily... on the days she felt like showing up. It’d be a disaster.” Her face falls a little, and I feel like shoving my foot in my mouth. I thought that’d be a compliment, but I guess I offended her and her friend. Any chance of our date being a success is slipping away, carried further and further downwind with each passing word.

“Right. Business. But if I looked like Kitty, maybe people would come back,” she says. “She just draws people to her. I must repel them.” “Nope, no. I can say for a fact that you don’t do that.” “You can’t talk, Bradley!” She crosses her arms. “You haven’t spoken to me for three years.” “It’s a two-way street. You could’ve knocked on my damn door any one of those days, and I would’ve answered it.” “You’re the one who pushed everyone away after your injury. I tried to talk to you. I tried my best.” “Did you?” I’m lost in the fight, the words pouring out of me. “Did you ever stop to think I lashed out because I was injured and fucking pissed? In one day, I lost my passion, my career, and my best friends.” “You didn’t have to lose your best friends. You withdrew until we couldn’t get through to you anymore.” “I’m sorry, then. This is all my fault.” “No, Bradley, I’m sorry. I didn’t come over here to yell at you today.” Her hand reaches out, tentative, and takes mine in it. “I went into panic mode because I thought I might be losing my business. I came over here because... I didn’t know anywhere else to go. Kitty and Sasha are great, but I just needed...”

I want her to finish the sentence, to say she needed me. To talk to me, to run things past me like we used to do. Before all this. “I’m sorry,” she says instead. “I should’ve been more sensitive. Here I am complaining about losing my business when you already lost your career.” “It’s fine,” I growl. “What happened between us?” I shrug. “It doesn’t matter now. It’s in the past.” “Sure it does.” “That’s not what this is about. Do you think your landlord will sell?” She’s startled by the change in subject; I can see it in her eyes. But she swallows, moves forward, and we ignore the past once more. “He’s getting older, nearing retirement. I think the chances are high.” “How much of a rent increase can you afford?” “Zero.” She wrings her hands, the root of the problem finally weaseling its way out. “We’ve been short on customers the last few months. Can’t seem to retain them, and I don’t know why. Our prices are cheap, food is good—and I mean it; I’m not just saying that. We’re rated five stars on Yelp.” “I know,” I tell her. “I mean, I know the food is good.” “How can you know? You’ve never stepped foot in the place.”

I bite my lip at this. I’ve driven by Minnie’s a hundred times, each time more difficult than the last. I’ve stopped in front of it twenty times over the last few years and tried to convince my feet to walk over the threshold and to the counter. To offer two simple words. An apology, and then a breakfast order. Each time, though, I caught a glimpse of her face just before I stepped foot through that door. She’s always looked so peaceful, so at home there. Smiling pleasantly at her customers, laughing with her staff. The image looked so wonderful, I couldn’t bear to ruin it—and if she’d seen me, there’s no doubt the smile would’ve crumbled from her lips, and her eyes would’ve filled with hurt. That’s why I left, time and time again. My heart pulled me inside, yet my brain walked me away. Probably best to listen to the brain. Less complicated than matters of the heart. “It doesn’t matter,” she says, sparing me an answer with the shake of her head. “I know our food is good. Our staff is friendly, usually. Except when I turn into the monster boss.” “You’re not a monster boss.” “I yelled at my employee today.” I raise an eyebrow. “Why?” “He skips half his shifts because he’s talking on the phone in the alley.”

“First of all, I doubt you yelled.” I smile at her, trying to offer a burst of lightness to the moment. “You saved all of your yelling for me. Now if we could just work out this burning off steam thing together, we could really make for a great team.” “Are you talking about sex again?” “I was talking about the gym, but sex could be arranged.” She wrinkles her nose, but her eyes are teasing. “Lex, listen. I haven’t been to your diner yet, but that doesn’t matter. First of all, your employee is lucky you talked to him and didn’t fire his ass.” We’re sitting so close to each other on the couch now that I can’t focus anywhere else except her eyes. Bright green gemstones watching me, waiting for the words that’ll make everything better. “I highly doubt you yelled at him. Probably asked him to go back to work?” “Yeah, sort of, with a bit of a raised voice. I was stressed.” “Fair.” “I’m a horrible boss, and my business is just barely making money, and—” “And you love what you do,” I finish. This stops her in her tracks. “What does that have to do with anything?” “Everything.” I rest my hands on my legs, otherwise I’ll be too tempted to reach out and touch her. Hold her hand, kiss her lips, all of those

other things that shouldn’t be crossing my mind at the moment. “It’s not a job for you, and that’s why you’re a great boss. You run a great business. Most people fail in their first business ventures. Three years in and you’re turning a profit. I’d say that’s not too bad.” She sits back, lips parted. “You think?” “I know. In fact, I’m so positive, I’ll come tomorrow and try the food just to prove my point.” “You can’t say it’s good just to make me feel better.” I raise my hands. “Not a chance. I take my food seriously.” “You really don’t have to do that.” “I’m three years overdue. It’s about time I try those chocolate chip waffles.” “But how—” “I looked up the menu,” I say with a wink. “I’ve been drooling over the photos.” A conflicted look crosses her face. “But why...” she shakes her head. “Never mind.” “Why didn’t I stop in?” I watch as she bites her lips, nods. “The truth is—” Her phone rings, startling both of us. She jumps, pulls it from her pocket, and gives me an apologetic look. “I’m sorry, it’s Rick.” “Rick.” “My second in command at the diner—work, sorry.”

I wave her away, watching as she moves toward the door, her heels clicking. She must’ve come straight from the restaurant because she’s got on slim-fitting jeans, heels, and that blue V-neck with Minnie’s printed just over her breast. I know because I looked. Twice. She turns, offers me one last wave at the door, her eyes filled with regret, and then shuts it behind her. I follow, lock the door, and hear a screech from the hallway. “Are you serious? I’m coming in right now. Sorry, Rick. Dammit, Theo!” I rest a hand against the door, tempted to open it and ask if there’s anything I can do to help. Then her door slams, and she’s gone, locked away inside. I get the feeling that knocking wouldn’t help anything. She’s on a mission, and I’d just be interrupting. Instead, I return to the couch, fish out the two stacks of paper, and survey them both. It’s better this way, I think, as I hear Lexi stomp down the hall and call the elevator a few seconds later. This afternoon, we talked more in one day than we have for the last three years. Sliding the paperwork from the gym to the other side of the table, I pull the restaurant list closer to me and study it with renewed vigor.

If I learned anything today, it’s that there’s something between us. I can feel it, and I hope damn well that she feels it too. If I screw this date up, I’m not sure I’ll be able to forgive myself. I’ve already screwed up my career and most of my relationships. If there’s even a sliver of hope that I haven’t botched things with Lexi entirely, I’m going to fix it.

Chapter 7 LEXI “He quit.” I pour myself a glass of wine, survey it, then decide it’s a fill to the tippy-top sort of night and add another splash of cabernet before turning back to my phone call. “I asked him to limit his phone time on the job, and he quit in the middle of his shift.” “How full is your glass of wine?” Kitty asks. “You know, regular.” “Tippy top?” “Maybe.” “I’m on my way over,” she says. “I’ll bring the other bottle.” “But—” “Listen to me, darling. We’re having a glam night.” “Kitty, I’m not in the mood.” “Put them on.” Kitty’s voice is a bit raspy, and I picture her finishing up a cigarette. “Now. Then, I’m going to need you to call that place—what’s the one?—with all the pepperonis. Order a large pizza. I’ll get Sasha over. She can bring the products this time.” “I’m not feeling very glamorous tonight.” “That’s exactly why you need a glam night,” Kitty says. “Now get ready, and if there’s no pizza

and pajamas when I show up, I will not be happy.” Kitty hangs up without leaving time for a rebuttal, and I can’t help but smile. I take a sip of wine, call the pizza place, and put in my order for a large garbage pizza. I try not to think about the good old days, but it’s impossible every time I order from Mavericks. When Lucas lived here, he, Bradley, and I would each order a five-dollar small pizza. I’d order the garbage, Lucas would order the extra, extra cheese, and Bradley would order the Meat Lover’s Delight. Then we’d each trade a third of our pizzas so we had three different slices. Like a glorious, perfect ying yang of cheese and sauce. The last few years, I’ve had to settle for one style. Hence the one with everything on it. They charge extra to split the pizza, and these days, I’m in the business of conserving money. “Do you want this out with the other one?” Marcello asks. “Your friend just called. It’s been awhile.” “What?” I lean against the counter. Marcello and I go way back. He’s been taking my orders since the days of the five dollar small pizzas. “No, it’s just me.” “I have two orders going to your address,” Marcello says. “You don’t know the other guy?” My heart thumps. “What’s his name?” “You’re messing with me.”

“Marcello!” “Brad Hamilton. What, are you two not talking lately? I’ve been wondering what’s up. He orders, you order, but never together. Not like you used to.” “Yeah, I’m well aware,” I mumble. “Thanks for the reminder.” “Sensitive topic? Sorry. I always did think the two of you made a cute pair.” “We were never dating.” “You’re messing with me again.” “Marcello!” “Why the hell did you guys spend so much time together?” he asks. “Back when I was just the delivery guy, you’d always be in each other’s apartments.” “Slow night at the pizza shop, huh?” I retort. “Now that you’re not a delivery guy anymore and are all promoted to a fancy title, it’s none of your business.” “Fine, I was just offering my two cents.” “Don’t want it, I just want the pizza.” “Twenty minutes, lovebug. It’ll be right over.” I skulk into my room, wondering why the hell Bradley is still ordering from Marcello. Marcello is mine. I found him first. He should’ve known that in the event of a break in friendship, I inherited the pizza guy.

Then again, not all that much about Bradley is logical. I should hate the guy for turning his back on us, especially when he needed us the most. I had tried to visit him, tried to help, and he’d pushed us away so many times I’d finally stopped bouncing back. If he wanted to be all surly and alone, I couldn’t force myself on him. It had hurt to watch him wallow, but I’d done everything I could think of at the time. Maybe it hadn’t been enough, though. Maybe... My thoughts trail off as I remembered the conversation earlier today, the words that’d been on the tip of his tongue. If only my stupid phone hadn’t rung then, alerting me that Theo had quit mid-shift and left Rick high and dry, maybe we could’ve finally hashed a few things out. A good shouting match between us is well overdue. Even more, however, there’d been the way he looked at me. I’d called him out for checking on my cleavage, but to my own great surprise, I hadn’t been upset at all. If anything, he looks at me differently now, like a woman, and I sort of like it. It only took him twenty some years to discover that I have a vagina and breasts, but better late than never, I suppose. If anything, the way he’d bit his lip ever so slightly, his eyes turning into glittering brown gemstones had warmed me in ways I haven’t warmed in years.

I open my drawers, glancing down at the top one. According to Kitty, every woman needs a few things to make her feel glamorous in life. A big glass of wine, some fancy facial products, and a pair of expensive silk pajamas, specifically. After a trip to France to visit her latest boyfriend, she’d brought back pajama sets and distributed a pair to me and Sasha for Christmas last year. Sasha had gotten a pale pink set that made her look even more adorable and brought out the blush in her cheeks. For my far less adorable person, Kitty had smartly selected black silk fringed with white lace. A matching tank top, shorts, and a robe. I might’ve scoffed at the gift initially, telling her my old cotton shorts and holey t-shirt did the trick just fine for pajamas. Then, I’d slipped into these bad boys, and I’d never gone back. Glam nights had started shortly after. Glam nights consist of the three of us getting together to drink wine, watch movies, eat pizza, and generally pretend we live in a villa in France instead of an apartment in snowy Minnesota. I thought it was silly until I tried it. Now, my only regret is that glam nights hadn’t arrived sooner. I slide into my pajamas, wrap the robe around me, and gather my glass of wine. This alone,

combined with a shower after work, have made me feel like a new woman. I flop onto the couch, nurse my red wine, and flick through a few episodes of reality TV before settling on a British cooking show. If I’m pretending to live in Europe tonight, I might as well have the background noise for it. One and a half glasses of wine later, I’m feeling great. My stomach is growling, pizza is on the way, and my friends should be arriving any moment. I top off the glass, finishing the bottle I’d started yesterday. Before I return to the couch, there’s a knock, and I hide my squeal of excitement as I open the door to find the pizza guy. Thankfully, the robe has three-quarter length sleeves, ties at the waist, and goes down to my knees. Save for the whole ‘fine silk’ thing, it’s a perfectly acceptable garment in which to retrieve pizza. My work t-shirt shows more skin. “Hello, I have one large pizza for you,” the delivery guy says. “Anything else?” I pay him, leave a good tip, and try not to feel old. I’m now at the age where twenty-year-old delivery boys look like babies. I sigh, shut the door, and retreat to my kitchen. Nothing a little more wine can’t solve. I open the pizza box half an inch. Just to peek. I wouldn’t start without my friends. Not unless I was

in danger of turning hangry again. As evidenced by the situation in the elevator, a hangry Lexi makes some very regrettable decisions, namely agreeing to a date with Bradley Hamilton. It’s not the date that is regrettable. In fact, I’m quite looking forward to it. It’s that the promise of a date is dredging up all sorts of feelings that have no place being here. Especially not now, after all these years. If there were something between us, surely he would’ve made a move years ago. For example, he might’ve actually asked me to prom as a date, not as a “friend”. His message had come through loud and clear. In response, I’d attempted to shut off all the extra feelings for him and focus on the platonic ones. It hadn’t worked, though it’d been a valiant effort. And now the attraction is back in full force. The scariest part is that we’re both willing and able adults, and there’s nothing stopping us from getting together in any sort of way. If he comes over and offers to blow off some steam with me one more time, then touches my shoulder or my cheek like he did earlier, I won’t be able to say no. I’ll be as weak as I was in the elevator at the sight of his burger. I love smoking hot, delectable things, and Bradley Hamilton all grown up is looking mighty delicious.

My half inch peek turns into a one inch peek at the pizza, which eventually turns into me throwing the box completely open. I stand, staring at it, flabbergasted. “Oh, hold on!” I yell, running toward the door. I have the pizza box in one hand as I fling it open. “This isn’t a garbage pizza!” I stop, coming to an abrupt halt as the door across the hall swings open and Bradley Hamilton rushes into the hallway looking just as distraught. He’s also got a pizza box in his hands, and he’s shouting about a garbage pizza. He doesn’t see me at first, so I have a few extra seconds to process what’s happening. The new guy switched our order. Either that, or Marcello is trying to play matchmaker and did this on purpose. Bradley slowly realizes the same thing, and he turns on a heel to face me. We survey each other over the smoking hot boxes, and at the same time, we both growl. “Marcello.” “Idiot,” I say. “What a jerk.” “He’s...” Bradley’s insult is either too complicated to say aloud, or he’s gotten distracted mid-sentence. When the pizza box flops toward the floor, I realize it’s the latter. “Don’t drop it!” I leap toward him, startling him to attention. “That’s my pizza.”

He makes the grab in record time, but as he manages to stand himself upright and avoid the pizza on the floor, his jaw doesn’t follow. It practically clunks as it hits the carpet. “What are you wearing?” I look down, horrified to see that my lunge to save the pizza has unbelted my robe in the process. It’s swinging wide open, so everything else is visible. By everything, I mean the dainty straps of the tank top, the tufts of lace that line my breasts. The shorts that go just far enough below my rear end to call them shorts instead of underwear. “Why are you looking?” I snap. “Give me my pizza.” A slow, gorgeous smile turns Bradley’s face into all sorts of sunshine. It’s beautiful, quite frankly, and I’m suddenly struck by the fact that I haven’t seen him smile in three years. A shame because he has a gorgeous smile. He used to use it all the time. Same with his sunny laugh, the twinkling in his eyes. I’m sliced straight through to realize his accident took away even more from him than I’d anticipated. It not only stole his career and passion, it took from other bits of his life too. Confidence, maybe, and lightness. He’s more guarded now, more protective. His laugh comes slower, it seems, and more reserved.

This new Bradley isn’t better or worse, just different. I’m beginning to discover that we’re getting reacquainted all over again. Falling back into friendship, or...whatever this is. “You look...” he clears his throat, tries to sound dignified. “You look great.” “Thank you.” “I mean it.” His eyes can’t seem to veer from my clothes, my body. “You are...” I’m waiting with baited breath for whatever he’s about to say when the elevator door dings, and Kitty steps out at the end of the hall. Brad’s eyes lock on mine, and a glance passes between us. One of frustration on so many levels. So many interruptions. What might be the start of sexual tension. Or desperate desire for the correct pizza. Meanwhile, Kitty’s intent on ruining the moment. She’s waving two bottles of champagne in the air. Her sunglasses are nearly twice the size of her face, and she’s got on the teensy tiniest slip that makes her look like some fashion model. It’s not until she’s halfway down the hall that she realizes she’s interrupted something. “Oops,” she says, covering her mouth. “Sorry, carry on.” She lets herself into my apartment and slams the door.

“So,” I venture, once the hall is silent again. “Wanna trade pizzas back?” “I have a better idea,” he says, then beckons for me to follow him into his apartment. “Do you remember how we used to do this?” I assume he’s talking about the pizza swap, but his hand says otherwise. It lands on my lower back, and I’m occupied by all sorts of other, far dirtier, thoughts. “Uh—” “Relax,” he says. “It’s just pizza.”

Chapter 8 BRADLEY Just pizza my ass. The woman is not dressed to eat pizza. She’s dressed to turn a man’s mind inside out, drive him wild with a desire to get his hands on her. My fingers itch to run themselves over the silky black fabric, trail down the lace bits along the edges, and then finally, deliciously sweep onto that soft-looking skin. I can’t seem to pull my head out of my ass to formulate a full sentence, so it’s a good thing we’re okay with silence. When she steps through the door to my apartment, I leave it open an inch because— let’s face it—dressed like that, she won’t be here long. For a moment, a small stretch of time there, I’d been annoyed at myself. A flash of white hot jealousy had stricken me at the sight of her standing in the hallway, holding a large pizza while dressed like every man’s fantasy woman. I’d suspected, not unreasonably, that she’d been waiting for someone else. Most likely a man. Therefore, when Kitty had danced her way down the hallway, my body, some parts more than others, had practically wept with relief.

Somehow, even over all these years of tense existence next to one another, I hadn’t been able to relinquish my possessiveness over Lexi. A problem that had started the very first day I moved to the neighborhood. Dylan Jones stole her kickball that day. He subsequently lost his front tooth, luckily only the baby one. Maybe I’ve always been a bit irrational over her, but then again, it’s Lexi who brings it out. I’ve dated other women and felt completely at ease with their independence. Yet with Lexi, my subconscious turns into a caveman. “Bradley,” she says, loud enough to make me think it’s not the first, probably not even the second time she’s said my name. “Are you okay?” I realize I’m standing in the doorway with her trapped between me and the frame. I’m also staring because her robe has fallen open, and there’s a hint of skin between the waistband of her shorts and her tank top. A swatch of pale, tender-looking skin just begging for my lips to press there. “Oh, yeah, right,” I say. “Pizza.” She blinks up at me, hiding a smirk. “The kitchen?” “Right.” I move into the apartment. My hand has better things to do, namely disobey my every wish and act only on my desires. The desires of Bradley Hamilton and his penis.

Because instead of walking into the kitchen by myself, I rest a hand against Lexi’s lower back. I’m guiding her toward the counter as if there’s any possible way she could get lost. It’s a large one bedroom—with one bedroom being the key word. Lexi stills the second my fingers rest on her skin, and I almost trip over her as I keep moving. The result is a disastrous moment where I nearly bowl her over with my forward momentum. In an attempt to recover, I reach out, my arm wrapping around her as she stumbles and lunges for the pizza. I lunge too, but I’ve got a pizza in one hand, and the other wrapped around her waist. This time, the result is far weirder than the first go around. She straightens, runs a free hand through her hair, and turns awkwardly to face me. My hands are still firmly gripping her waist. “I think I’m okay,” she says, glancing down. “I can stand on my own, thanks.” “Right, of course. Almost lost the pizza there.” My fingers still don’t move. The softness of her fabric, the curviness of her hips is holding me captive. I can’t possibly let her go. I’ve touched the forbidden fruit, and now I need a taste. Her gaze, formerly joking, now turns to me with a hint of confusion. Instead of pulling away, however, she merely reaches beyond me and sets both pizza boxes on the countertop.

Hands finally free, my thumbs make small circles just above her hips, just below her ribs, and she squirms under it, her mouth forming a circle in surprise. “Bradley,” she says, quieter. “What are you doing?” “Nothing.” I look down at my hands, as if they’re attached to someone else. A robot, maybe, or an alien. “You...you’re so soft.” “I’m soft?” “Your clothes,” I correct. “So smooth and silky.” She hesitates a moment, debating the proper reaction, and then she tilts her head back and laughs. It’s like a sunburst in the room, enlivening the place in seconds. “Kitty did tell me these worked magic on men.” Lexi leans in, playfully walking her fingers up my chest. “Are they working their magic on you, Bradley Hamilton?” I nod. It’s instinctual. Only after the fact do I catch myself and grimace. “No, it’s just...so interesting. The fabric, I mean.” “It’s from France.” “So classy.” She laughs again. “I like to pretend.” “You are,” I say, my gaze finally leaving my fingers to land on her face. “They are perfect for you.”

Her laugh freezes, and she falls quiet. The silence takes over, bringing the moment to more of a standoff, and yet somehow, I’m still stuck here. My thumbs make one more circle—to feel the fabric, I tell myself. Not because every time I make that circle, Lexi’s eyelids flutter and her lips pucker. A flush of pink goes to her cheeks, and she inches a step closer. That’s not why at all. But she does all those things, and this time, we’re standing near enough to one another that if I simply leaned forward, we could kiss. It’s not the first time I’ve stood in this position. It’s not the first time I’ve wanted to kiss her. All those years spent slow dancing with her as “just friends” at every freaking dance have built up a lifetime of tolerance for moments like this. I’d spent most of those evenings beating back the urge to tell her I wanted to be more than friends. Eventually, it became second nature. This time, however, things have changed. My tolerance for her is at an all-time low. Three years without being this close to her has brought me into a drought. I’m the cactus, and she’s a summer rain. I’ve gone three years without a taste of water, and now I’m powerless against it. My defenses have gone, and it turns out that without defenses, she’s easing her way back into

my life hard and fast. Pretty soon, I won’t be able to imagine a way of living without her. Again. “What are we doing?” she murmurs, her fingers stilling on my chest. She spreads her hand out so her palm is over my heart, feeling the beat. She listens, carefully, before turning her gaze to mine. I can’t help but notice she glances at my lips first, quickly enough so that it’s almost unnoticeable, and then my eyes. “We’re, uh...exchanging pizza,” I say, but my brain is only half working. I’m not even a hundred percent sure that’s what I said. When she offers a half-smile, I know I haven’t convinced her. “I’m feeling your pajamas.” “Right, right.” She glances down to where I pinch the fabric of her shorts with my fingers. “Nice, right?” “Very nice.” “The pizza?” “Right.” I force myself to step away from her, and it’s like pulling two magnets apart. It’s a battle to get started, but once we separate, a wave of reality hits us both. We stand on opposite ends of the kitchen. I’m leaning against the wall, she’s got a hip perched against the sink. Whatever just happened was a force of nature. A chemical reaction. Spontaneous combustion of

some sort. Clearly not logical. Now, we are trying to pick up the pieces and make sense of them. “So, do you always wear that...” I gesture to her figure. “For ladies’ night?” She groans, rolls her eyes, and ends on a smile. “It’s a tradition. Kitty bought us all these in France last year for Christmas, and we have girls’ nights and pretend we’re living in Paris. Without leaving the Cities.” My mouth unnaturally parts open. “You’ve had those since Christmas? And this is the first I’m seeing them?” “Okay, perv,” she says on a laugh. “Simple explanation for that. We haven’t talked since then.” “Sure we have,” I say, though it’s a stupid argument. “I said hello to you in the hallway.” “I said hello back,” she says. “That’s different. We were neighbors, not friends.” “What are we now?” She begins to answer, stops, then tries again. “I’m not sure.” I nod. “Let me get you that pizza.” “Bradley.” She hugs herself. “Why? What made us fall apart?” I shrug and continue toward the pizza. As much as I want to put our friendship back together, I want it to pick back up and resume without a beat. I’m not one for painful or emotional discussions if I can

help it. Best to move things along and forget about it. “Fabulous,” she says, sarcastic. “And here I was thinking you actually wanted to patch things up between us.” “I do. I don’t see what that has to do with the past.” “We can’t just move on without talking about it.” “Why not?” I open the drawer to pull out a pizza cutter and, once I’ve retrieved it, she’s still silent. I turn to face her. “Why can’t we?” “Because! We went from being best friends to practically being strangers. I never wanted that to happen.” “Me neither.” “Yeah? Well, what’d you do about it?” Her green eyes are blazing now, and her robe is swinging wide open. “I tried. I showed up at the hospital every day. After your surgery, I came over every day. Twice a day. Offered to help you with things, get you groceries, cook for you—” “Take care of me!” I explode, smacking the pizza cutter on the counter so loudly it clatters. “You pitied me. I saw the way you looked at me. You and Lucas and everyone else. Poor Brad. Out of a career, out of a knee...I couldn’t carry my own pizza box up the stairs for awhile there.” “You were injured. I was just trying to help.”

“Well, it didn’t help, okay?” “How was I supposed to know that? At least I tried!” “I didn’t need someone to take care of me. I needed my friends,” I roar back. “You don’t understand what it’s like.” The guilt sets in immediately after my outburst. Maybe there’s something to this whole talking-itout business. But it’s nothing good because I’m clearly not helping anything, and it’s only making me more agitated. Meanwhile she’s standing across from me, and I can barely appreciate the sight because I’m so aggravated. Her outburst has her cheeks tinted rose, and her chest is heaving with each breath she takes. The top of her breasts rise and fall under the lace, and if I weren’t so fucking pissed, I’d be unable to stop staring. As it is, I’m afraid to move. I don’t want to talk more, and I don’t want to blow up. I just want to move the hell on with our friendship, relationship, whatever, and forget about the past. With each passing second, I’m wondering if any of that will ever be possible. “I’m sorry.” Her voice comes out a whisper, as if the fight has seeped out. “I didn’t know.” “Didn’t bother to ask,” I mutter, and I hate myself for it. But it’s the truth. At least, it’s what I’d felt in the moment. “Nobody asked.”

“You should’ve said something.” Her eyes flash. Lexi’s never been one to take an unfair punch, nor should she. “A friendship is a two-way street. I apologized for my part, but I notice you haven’t for yours.” “I’m fucking sorry, okay?” “Wow. Very sincere.” I take a deep breath, knead my forehead with my hand. This isn’t the way things should be going. I have my chance to right the wrongs of the past, to apologize, and I’m bumbling about like a drunken goat and messing it up more. “Forget the pizza swap.” Lexi shakes her head and grabs a box off the counter. “I should never have stepped foot in that elevator with you. I regret it more and more every day. Let’s forget the date, too, okay?” Her words shock me, slice through me. We’ve had our fair share of arguments before—arguments that rocked the house. Shouting matches. Near violent disagreements. And none of them, not one, lasted for longer than a few minutes. A few hours, maximum. We’d always shouted it out, solved the problem, and moved on from it. It’s the way things were done, the way it worked for us. Now, she’s changing the rules, and I don’t like it. She’s walking away in the middle of a fight, and that’s never happened before.

“Lexi, wait—” I reach out, grab her wrist in my hand to try and stop her. She turns to face me, fury on her face. “Not this time, Bradley.” With that, I have no choice but to let her go, to watch her walk out the door, away from me. She slams it behind her, and I sense, more than hear, the rumbling of her footsteps as they carry her across the hallway and back to her own apartment. Another door slams, and she’s gone. I continue the slamming with a fist against the counter, the impact so intense that the pizza cutter rattles into the sink, and I curse the gods of pizza, the gods of friendships, the gods of apartment buildings for dredging this shit up. Last time she walked out the door in a shouting match, I hadn’t talked to her for three years. The most miserable three years of my life. How long will it be this time? I curse again, wishing I’d handled the situation differently. Then, in a moment of fury, I make a decision. I gather up the pizza cutter, a bright red plate that once belonged in Lexi’s apartment, and a stack of papers. I’m not going to let it be my fault that I lose Lexi again. I’m going after her until she pushes me away for good.

Chapter 9 LEXI “What an asshat!” I slam the door to my apartment and find Kitty in the kitchen next to Sasha, who’s got a hunk of frosting on her finger the size of a golf ball. Sasha didn’t go into the sweets industry for the money— she’d gone in it because it’s her greatest passion in life. The image of the two women would normally bring a smile to my face, possibly a laugh. But not even my two best girlfriends are prepared to weather this storm. “Oh, goodness,” Sasha says, taking the frosting from her finger with one lick. “Get the wine, Kitty. Move quickly, now.” I storm around the kitchen, muttering under my breath until Kitty pushes a glass of wine into my hand and Sasha shoves me onto a stool. “Talk, woman,” Sasha instructs. “Drink,” Kitty adds. “Quickly, please.” I still my breathing with a long, delicious sip of red wine. The tendrils of it seep through me, warming my already on-fire nerves. I expel a hiss of air that sounds like a leaky balloon. “You went into his apartment for all of ten minutes,” Kitty says. “I thought you were

exchanging pizzas?” I look down and realize that I haven’t even swapped my pizza at all. I’d ended up with the stupid meat lover’s pizza after all this while Bradley is likely eating mine, completely unfazed, in his apartment. It gives me only slight solace to know that he’s alone while I have the company of two of the very best humans on earth. “Start from the beginning,” Sasha adds. “I’m missing part of the story.” Kitty sighs. “I thought you’d filled her in.” Sasha turns to Kitty. “How do you know about this?” “Because I knew Bradley back when she called him Brad,” Kitty says. “You have yet to meet Brad.” “Bradley,” I emphasize, “has not wanted to be friends for the last few years. Then, under duress, I made a bad decision while trapped in an elevator with him. But you already know that part.” “Aw, honey,” Sasha says. “Were you hangry again tonight?” I nod, solemnly. I’m well known for making horrible decisions when I haven’t eaten in awhile. The time I enrolled in local theater even though I hate all things acting? I signed the form while hangry. The time I ordered five-hundred-dollars worth of plants online, even though my thumb is blacker than the night? Also hangry.

“It’s because when I’m hungry, my brain doesn’t have enough power to function,” I tell them. “Scientific fact.” “Sure, honey,” Sasha says. “Now, tell us what happened today.” I fill them in on the events since the elevator once more, even though I’ve already covered this at the diner. I continue to bring them up to speed until this very minute, finishing with a huff. “He didn’t apologize?” Kitty asks. “What a wang.” “Seriously a wang,” Sasha agrees. “You set him up completely.” “I know!” “If he had apologized, what then?” Kitty asks, raising her eyebrows. “Are you ready to forget the past?” “How do you forget three years? Yes, I understand he had a lot taken away from him in one day, but it didn’t have to include me. Or Lucas.” “He was struggling,” Kitty says. “Boys....men act irrationally when they’re injured. Like wild animals.” “So that’s an excuse to ignore his friends? His best friends?” “I’m not saying it’s an excuse.” Kitty sighs, resting a hand on her hip. “Look at it this way: how

would Lucas have reacted if the situation had happened to him?” I imagine my brother going through what Bradley went through, and I’m struck by an ache in my gut. He’d be devastated. He’d probably wallow for weeks, months. I see Kitty’s point. “He wasn’t thinking rationally,” Kitty says. “And now that he’s more clear-headed, he looks back and is probably embarrassed by it all. I guarantee he’s over there cursing himself for blowing it.” “Fat chance,” I say. “I’m not even sure he likes me anymore.” “Honey, he had a boner the size of the Eiffel Tower from one look at you in those pajamas.” “He did not!” I squeak. My face blooms red. I’ve never thought of Bradley in that capacity. At least, not lately. Even if I had thought of him in that capacity last night...in the shower, perhaps, it wasn’t like I’d actually believed the daydream. “You were focused on the pizza, but uh, let’s just say he has...” Kitty pauses, snickers at Sasha. “Quite a wang.” Sasha snorts into her wine glass. “I need to meet this man.” “Congratulations,” Kitty says to me, more seriously. The twinkle in her eyes belies any real severity. “On your future sexing with Bradley. If

the enthusiasm of his performance matches the size of his—” “Heart,” Sasha interrupts coyly. Kitty laughs. “I’m sure you’re in for a treat.” “What makes you think I have any plans to sleep with him?” Kitty and Sasha look at one another, then burst out laughing. “It’s only been twenty-odd years in the making,” Kitty says. “Can you imagine the fireworks when they finally get together?” Sasha begins to hum Love Shack under her breath, and Kitty joins in seconds later. “Well, it’s not happening,” I interrupt over their bellowing. “I told him the date’s off.” “You what?” Sasha asks. “Told him the date is off.” “So?” Kitty shrugs. “A minor hurdle. I give you two months.” “Two months before what?” I ask. “You’re on.” Sasha extends her hand and shakes Kitty’s. “I’ll supply you with cookies for a month if you’re right. If I’m right, I want a custom painting of Sasha’s Sweets to go on the wall.” The girls shake on it, and I’m still busy trying to comprehend. “You can’t bet on me when I don’t even understand the bet.” “Over—under two months until you sleep with him,” Kitty says. “I’m guessing under two months,

Sasha’s guessing over. Make me proud, munchkin.” I choke on my wine. “No. Nope, no way.” “He’s hot, and you like him,” Sasha says. “What’s the issue?” “I don’t like him right now!” “He’s hurt and embarrassed,” Kitty says. “I’m not saying he shouldn’t apologize. I’m just saying this isn’t the end for the two of you.” I’m surprised to find myself hoping she’s right. I didn’t go in there this evening with the goal to argue, or end things, or beg for an apology. There’s just so much firepower in the room when it’s the two of us that one stray spark can ignite it all. “Talk to us, honey,” Sasha says. “What’s on your mind?” “It’s just...” We’re interrupted by a knock on the door, and my heart stutters. “I’ll get it,” Sasha says, moving so quickly neither Kitty nor I can stop her. She swings the door open, leans against the frame, and as her eyes focus straight ahead, then work their way up another half a foot, I know who’s there. “Well, hello.” “Is, ah... Lexi around?” The deep voice is enough to stir my emotions even out of sight. Bradley Hamilton knocking on the door. This is a scenario that hasn’t happened in years.

“Go away,” I yell. Kitty pouts. “You’re not making me look good on the bet.” “I have your pizza,” Bradley says. “You forgot it at my place.” I exhale. Of course. Business transaction. Simple pizza swap. I can handle this. My friends watch as I box up the pizza and shuffle toward the door. Sasha backs away, but there’s not an ounce of privacy in the room, and my girlfriends are not abashed to publicly eavesdrop. When I round the door, however, I’m surprised at what I find. Bradley has changed into jeans and a black t-shirt, a simple outfit that accentuates every curve of his gorgeous physique. His arms push the shirt out nicely at his biceps, while his chest is defined against the thick material. Even his legs look great, and I’m willing to bet if he spun around, his butt would look fantastic. Six plus feet of delicious man, and all of it wasted on one who hates me. My eyes fall to his outstretched arms. In them, he’s got a stack of things—a sheaf of papers, a plate—my plate, the one I’d wanted returned three years ago—and half the pizza. “Oh, duh, half. Sorry.” I shuffle back to the kitchen, quickly slice the pizza in half, and hurry back with the box and half his pizza. “Thank you.” “Can I talk to you for a minute?”

He hands his plate of pizza over my shoulder to Sasha, who stares up at him with big dreamy eyes. She takes it, then backs to the kitchen without breaking eye contact on either of us. “Sure, talk.” I shrug. “I’m standing right here.” “Alone.” “Where? I have friends over.” “Upstairs.” “Where?” He raises an eyebrow, and I instantly know the spot he means. We haven’t been up there in ages. I haven’t been up there in ages. The roof had lost its appeal since I’d lost the friend who’d shared it with me. “I can’t,” I say. “I have company.” “No, you don’t,” Kitty says. “We’re family.” “We’ve got wine and pizza,” Sasha says. “We’ll be fine all night.” “Have fun, kids.” Kitty moves like a panther across the room, gives me a shove out the door, then locks it behind me and yells through it. “You’ll thank me later!” I blink up at Bradley, who can’t hide the amusement in his expression. “Hardy har, so funny,” I say. “I’m not laughing. I’m just thinking I’ll owe Kitty big for this one.” “So, you wanted to talk?”

“I’m sorry.” He looks at me, his gaze piercing, and it melts something inside me. His voice is soft, and his hands fidget as he plays with the edge of the paper. “Please, let me explain.” “The roof?” He extends his hand and clasps mine in his. We’re like two tendrils of ivy, looped around one another. I don’t understand how it can feel so right, so familiar, when I feel like I hardly know Bradley at all. He gives a nod toward the fire escape. “The roof.”

Chapter 10 LEXI I wouldn’t consider it easy to get onto the roof. The route to get there involves some serious contortionist moves, a bit of danger, a wish, and a prayer. Luck is on our side this evening as we summit the building. The view of the city glitters before us, the river sparkling in the distance. We’re alone, as we always have been up here, and despite the city sounds below us—cars backfiring, traffic whooshing, groups of friends whooping as they leave the bars—there’s a layer between all of that, and us. A silence up here, a peacefulness that makes it feel as if we’re contained in a snow globe. “Why are we—” He cuts me off mid-sentence. The kiss comes as a surprise, swallowing my words as his hands reach for my waist, the same spot he’d been holding before and grasping tight. He guides our bodies together until we collide —my much shorter, softer one against his hard, strong frame. His lips, however, are gentle, hungry, demanding as he pulls a kiss from me. A surge of need follows, and a gasp of surprise. One of his hands comes up, reaching behind my head, twining his fingers through my hair. He uses

the leverage to tip my head back, chin up, and deepen the kiss. Years, months, days, hours all well up in a rush of adrenaline, and my brain nearly short circuits with the excitement of it. I have daydreamed of this moment for years. Before every dance, every movie we’d gone to as just friends, every inadvertent brush of skin that’d turned into nothing. My body is humming with pent up energy for this, for Bradley, for whatever he’s offering. I let my eyes close and lean into him. I have no control over this, nor do I desire to control it. What’s between us feels alive, a fire burning too wild to tame. “Lexi.” He pauses, his forehead pressed to mine. His brown eyes are molten chocolate, and I drink him in with every breath. “I’ve waited almost two damn decades to do that.” I tip my chin upward, desiring more. “Shut up, and do that again.” “This changes things,” he says, holding back. “I’ve been friend-zoned this entire time, and I’m not interested in being your friend any longer.” My core is trembling for him. I can barely understand what he’s saying. “Fine.” “I want you, Lexi Monroe. As the friend you were before, but as more. I need more.” “I said fine.”

“I need you...” He hesitates, his eyes brightening as my words sink in. “What?” “I said fine.” My voice comes out scratchy, hoarse. “Now shut up and kiss me again.” The sigh emerging from him has been pent up for years. I can feel it, practically touch it. Our lips crash together, hungry and violent as he pulls me toward him. His tongue slips into my mouth, roving and exploring, claiming me not as a friend, but as his. The rules of the game have not only changed, they’ve been thrown off the roof. Then he lets his fingers slip through my hair, and his hands roam down my sides. They land on my lower back as I arch into him, my pelvis pressing to his. I can feel him against me, teasing me through the thin fabric of my pajamas. There’s not much stopping us anymore. Which is fabulous, since I want it all. But Kitty and Sasha pop into my head, and I can’t help but think Kitty’s going to win this bet if I have anything to say about it. Over two months. Yeah right. We’re barely making it over two hours. “What’s so funny?” he growls. “Sorry, no. It’s not you, it’s just...” I shake my head not realizing my giggle had been aloud. “Forget it.” “Lexi.” “Kitty was just saying earlier tonight that she thought we’d end up together. Not end up married

or anything, but you know.” I’m embarrassing myself, and it’s only getting worse. “Nevermind, okay? It’s stupid.” “Tell me.” “She always thought we should hook up.” “I have to agree with her.” I blink. “But you always wanted to be friends.” “I did?” For a moment, Bradley looks murderous. “You did.” “I figured you weren’t interested.” “Uh...what about this says not interested?” He gestures down at himself and in all ways appears very interested. “How could you have ever thought that?” “But—” “You’ve wanted...” He gestures between us. “This?” “Forever,” I breathe. “Dammit, Lexi.” My legs wrap around him as his hands squeeze my rear end, lifting me off the ground. We’re connected by the lips, the hips. Everywhere we can touch. When we climbed up here, he had papers in his hands. I’m not entirely sure where they went. I’m fifty percent sure that he left the pizza downstairs with the girls. All I know is that his hands are exploring and his tongue—his tongue is claiming me.

We stumble back until we crash into the wall at the center of the roof, a few pillars stacked there for the sole purpose of holding us up this evening. Brad raises a hand, presses it to the wall over my head, and cups my bottom with the other hand. I’m still wrapped around his body, suctioned to him like an overzealous octopus, or maybe a squid. And I don’t plan on letting go. He whispers my name again, a bright sprinkle against the black sky. I shift, grinding into him, my hands wrapped around his neck, fingers curled into his gorgeous hair. I’m kissing Bradley Hamilton. Holy smokes. The man has been my best friend for years, a professional hockey player, a hunk written about in newspapers. The hunk who never once in over twenty years gave me any sort of sign that he was interested in being more than my brother’s best friend. More than a buddy to me. More, more, more. This is more, every inch of it. His body is somehow familiar to me. We’ve touched, hugged, cried together. We’ve danced and laughed and played. We’ve experienced everything together. So much, in fact, that I thought we’d been through it all. I had been wrong.

“I’ve wanted to kiss you for so long,” he groans, pulling back just far enough to look over my face. “Hold you, touch you, taste you.” “Why didn’t you give me a hint?” “It’s not obvious how I feel?” I can feel his very obvious affection pressing against my stomach at the moment, teasing me there, and I fight back a blush. “I meant before.” “If you talk about the past, it’s only going to piss me off that we wasted so much time,” he says. “Are you having fun?” “Yes.” “Then stop wasting a second more.” I nod, struggling to formulate a witty comeback. My brain doesn’t work that way on a good day, let alone one charged with other priorities. Priorities like savoring every taste I can get of Bradley Hamilton, basking under every touch. Absorbing every moment so that someday, in the future, I’ll have these memories to look upon fondly should this not work out. “What are you thinking?” he murmurs, nuzzling against me. “You went distant on me.” “How could you tell?” “I know you better than anyone.” As soon as he says this, I know it’s true. Deep within me, deep in my core, it resonates. Rings like a bell. I’ve never doubted it, not really. Not even with our time apart.

Sure, my brothers and my parents know me well—they’re family—but I haven’t shared everything with them. Not like I have with Brad. I inhale, the movement shaky as I offer a controlled nod. This moment might be the most intensely personal of any before. Bradley has his hands on me as we hunker chest to chest against the wall. He’s pressed into me hard, teasing with friction against my silky pajamas. But it’s not his gaze, it’s not his smoking hot looks that have me off-kilter. It’s not even his rocksolid body or the delicious tease of what’s to come should I let him take me to bed. It’s none of that. Whatever it is goes deeper, far deeper. A thread that’s been running, twisting, weaving together almost our whole lives and has now suddenly become unraveled. We’d existed in this safe, platonic world that has now burst open with opportunities. Where safety used to exist, now there’s a crater, a gigantic hole in my heart. I only hope that Bradley will be the one to patch it—and me—back up again. “I wish...” Bradley’s hand reaches for me, moves to push my hair from my cheek. He stills, however, his fingers holding my chin, tilting my face toward his. “I wish so many things had turned out differently.” “Like?”

“Us. You and me. If only, if maybe I’d said something sooner.” “Prom would’ve been a good time.” “What would it be like now?” I struggle to breathe correctly. Though I have the same wishes as him, I also have a theory that things happen for a reason. I focus on that as my hand reaches for Bradley’s face, his cheek slipping smoothly against my palm. “I think we understood each other at just the right time,” I whisper, my words fading to the black behind us. “Who knows? Any sooner, and maybe we would’ve ruined things.” “So much wasted time.” “No. None of it was wasted.” I press my lips to his forehead. Light and gentle, a hint possessive. “Without years of getting to know each other, we wouldn’t be here. We weren’t ready before.” “Are we now?” I can’t hide a smirk as he grinds against me. Then he does it again, pressing me to him until my head comes back and my smile morphs into a groan of pleasure. His lips, hot and demanding, trickle down to my neck and send shivers striking through my body. It’s insane. I’m wearing clothes, yet this is the most turned on I’ve ever been in my life. My stomach is quivering, my arms and legs shaking. I’m holding onto him just to stay afloat as he does

wondrous things with his hands, his tongue, his flesh against mine. “Can I take you to my apartment?” His meaning is clear as he adjusts again, shifts me so there’s no misunderstanding his intentions. “I need you, Lexi. Us. So badly.” “No, not now. I have friends over, and—” “Here.” “You have a condom in your pocket?” I raise an eyebrow. “Was this your plan all along?” “No, but—” “Bradley. We’ve waited this long, we can wait a little longer. We haven’t even had a date yet.” “Oh, shit. I forgot.” “About the date?” He eases me down. “Where did those papers go?” I feel void without him pressed against me, which is ridiculous. I’m the one who stopped this whole thing. I’m the one who told him no, when all I wanted was to feel him, all of him, taking all of me. Ravishing me. Whatever people did when they fell madly, passionately in love. Love? As Bradley hunts around for his stray papers, I’m caught up in the surprise appearance of the word love. If you’d asked me years ago whether I’d loved him, I’d have said yes—then qualified it shortly after with the phrase like a brother.

But that couldn’t be further from the truth today. I don’t know if this is love tonight, but it’s intense and it’s new, and I can say now with certainty that I’ve never felt anything like it before. The love of a best friend meshed with the joys of romance. The attraction, the trust, the history— all of it. It’s startling to realize how much I’ve missed Bradley and how much I need him. And I’ve been ignoring all of that for too long. “I know we’re still in the middle of an argument.” Bradley must have found what he was looking for because he straightens and shuffles the newly found papers against his stomach. “But I came to your door to apologize earlier this evening.” “You—apologize? Get out of town.” He doesn’t offer a smile, and that’s the only true sign this isn’t a joking matter. Sure, whatever just happened between us might’ve been incredible, but we still have lingering issues. They’re real and now impossible to ignore. “I came to tell you that I’m sorry.” “For?” He inhales, gives a shake of his head before leaning against the pillar. “For everything.” “Everything.” “I’m sorry about how I acted after my accident. I’m sorry for pushing you away, and I’m sorry that I nearly ruined our friendship.”

“Nearly?” “Nearly,” he repeats with finality. “Because I hope we can recover whatever’s left of it.” “Of course we can. You never lost it—I was always here for you; I just didn’t think you wanted me anymore. As a friend. Like a friend,” I stutter. “The friendship.” “I’m most sorry about one thing in particular.” “What?” “That you ever had any doubt how I felt—and still feel—about you.” He looks down at the papers he’s gathered in his hands. “Here. You almost saw them earlier when you stormed my apartment, but I was embarrassed.” “Why would you be embarrassed?” “Just look.” I accept the sheaf of papers and study them, surprised to find my name scrawled across the top in clearly male handwriting. It’s barely legible, but it’s there, shining in black ink above a list of printed out restaurants, reviews, and menus. Multiple sheets of them. “Are you writing a guidebook to the Twin Cities?” I look up, giving him a crooked smile. “What am I looking at?” “I’ve always wanted to take you on a date. You thought I forgot this past month, but...” A complicated look crosses his face. “I just can’t find anything that’s good enough for you.”

“Good enough for me? You’re joking. You know me, Bradley...Brad,” I correct, and he smiles at this. “I’m fine with pizza and a five-dollar bottle of wine.” “That’s how things used to be.” “No, that’s how things are. I’m still the same person I was before.” “I’m not.” He states this firmly. A pained look crosses his face, his lips tightening into a thin line. “I’m not the same as I was before.” I stay quiet because this is the crux of what’s been bothering him. I can feel it. The core to everything that’s gone wrong. “When my knee went out and they told me that night, in the hospital, that I could never play hockey again, something died. A part of me died.” “I’m so sorry, Brad.” I reach for him, but he gives the slightest shake of his head. He’s staring into the distance, lost in his own thoughts. “No, that’s how I felt. Sorry. Angry. Annoyed. Pitied. Those words aren’t strong enough to describe what went through my head in those weeks, but it’s a start.” I nod, a whisper of a breeze running through his hair, standing it on end. He doesn’t notice. “I don’t expect you to know what it’s like, but —” “If someone took away my diner, I would understand,” I interrupt. “It’s what I’ve worked

toward my whole life. I’ve put all my money into it, and spent the last few years trying to make it grow. I love it.” His eyes flick toward me, size me up. “Yes.” “And if it was taken away, and I was left with no job, no passion project, it would suck.” “I’ve never been good enough for you, Lexi. Your brother made sure that I knew that, but he didn’t have to make it so clear.” He rubs his jaw, and I can picture my brother’s fist making its way there. “I’d always known you were too good for me even without Lucas’s help.” “He shouldn’t have interfered—” “Then, after my hockey career ended...” He raises his hands, offers a wry shrug. “What did I have left to give?” I’m stunned, gaping like a fish. I can’t do much except stare at him. “So, I did what any idiotic man would do, and I pushed you away. I’m not proud of it, I’m not saying it’s right, but there you have it. I’m sorry.” “Wait. Backtrack for a second.” I gesture with my finger. “What did Lucas say to you?” “Lucas?” “You said he made sure you knew that you weren’t good enough for me.” “I once mentioned that I was interested in you. He punched my lights out.”

My mouth opens and shuts a few times. “I’m going to kill him! I will strangle the man in his sleep!” “This isn’t about him!” Brad reaches for me, holds my arms to my sides. “Don’t blame Lucas. It’s nothing I didn’t already know.” “Well, then you knew wrong. Because that’s bullshit.” “No—” “And my brother has no say on my romantic interests! Wait until I throttle that man. He won’t even know what hit him.” “Stop! Breathe. Lexi, calm down.” “No! He ruined what could’ve started between us years ago. How old were you?” “I don’t know...” He looks beyond me into the distance, a shy smile creeping over his face. “When do boys first start thinking girls are gorgeous?” I roll my eyes to the sky. “You never asked me out again because some horny thirteen-year-old boy protected his sister from some other horny thirteenyear-old boy?” I throw my hands in the air. “Did you ever consider it might’ve been hormones talking at that age? You’ve had about fifteen years to try again.” “That’s what I’m saying! At first it was the hormones talking, and frankly, your brother had every right to sock me for even asking. My

thoughts were, uh... not about how intelligent and lovely your personality was.” I laugh. I can’t help it. He looks almost miserable with embarrassment, and I give him credit for not backing down from the conversation. “Then later, when I got a better handle on the hormones, I realized he’d been right,” Brad continues. “Maybe for the wrong reasons, but the end result was the same.” “Which end result? Because whatever you thought was the end result clearly isn’t the end. At least, if we’re going by what happened here tonight.” “You were all those things, Lexi. Beautiful and smart and funny. You were, and still are, the whole package. You’re the everything girl.” “The everything girl?” “You know, the girl in high school that could make any guy happy. I mean, what’s there not to like about you? Nothing! Not a damn thing.” He’s talking a little bit faster now, a bit of color to his cheeks as if he’s remembering high school like it was yesterday. “Why the hell do you think I asked you to every dance?” “That’s a great question.” My voice is starting to rise now. “I’ve always wondered the same thing.” “That’s not the point.” “What is it, then?”

“I was looking out for you.” “Out of pity.” “Protectiveness.” “And instead, you ruined me finding another date because you thought you needed to protect me from them!” I shake my head in disbelief. “Did it ever pop into your mind that I can take care of myself? Even back then? I didn’t have sex until I was twenty-two, Bradley. I know how to say no.” “Holy shit.” “Yeah.” “Twenty-two?” “And now you know why!” I poke my finger at his chest. “Because you cock-blocked me all my life.” “For your best interests.” “It’s not up to you to decide my best interests. That’s a choice only I can make.” “Fine, then dammit that’s not why.” We’re both breathing heavy, nose to nose. We’d been making out minutes before, and I can’t decide if we’re about to do it again, or if he’s about to storm out of my life for good. Talk about volatile emotions. “Tell me why, then,” I practically hiss. “I wanted to be close to you.” He leans in closer, closer still. The threat of a kiss hovers on the edge like a thundercloud. “I knew I could never have you, and in my idiotic teenage brain, that

meant I didn’t want anyone else to have you, either.” “You were always close to me. We were best friends.” “I wanted an excuse to touch you.” To punctuate his words, he reaches for me. His hands grasp my hips, possessive and firm, and drag me to him. “I wanted to hold you. I wanted everyone else to think you were mine. To know that it was me who you talked to, me who you cried to, me who you loved.” “Yet you didn’t take a chance and tell me any of this.” “No.” His fingers slide around, pressing into my lower back. His thumbs rest on the sensitive stomach zone just above my shorts. When he curls his fingers tight, digging his nails into my skin, the sensation is so startlingly erotic that I’m forced to reach out and hold onto him. My own fingernails dig into his shoulders as we stand still, inches apart. Our eyes are locked, our breathing mixing. The tension between us crackles. One wrong move and we’ll burst into flames. One right move, and we’ll crumble into one another. “I never wanted to go to a dance with anyone except you,” I find myself whispering. The confession slides out, unhindered. I can’t push the

papers out of my mind, still clutched in my grasp against his back. “I’ve always wanted to be yours.” I lean on my tiptoes, my heart thudding with nerves. I’d never thought there’d be a chance for me to confess how I truly feel to Brad. If I let the moment pass, I’ll regret it for the rest of my life. “I was pissed earlier when I stormed into your house,” I continue. “I thought you’d forgotten about our date. I tried to forget it, too, but I couldn’t. I wanted it so desperately I made a fool out of myself.” “No, Lex, I did that a long time ago. His hands slide the rest of the way around my waist as he envelopes me into a hug. “I think it’s pretty clear I want to take you on a date, too.” I laugh, pulling the papers back around between us. “This, here, is ridiculous.” “I didn’t want to blow my chance with you.” “No, I mean the fact that you printed things out. You know that’s what the internet is for, right?” He groans. “What is this talk about one chance?” I let my fingers trace along his collarbone. I’ve been dreaming of this for years. Aching for it, even. “There’s no such thing as one chance.” “There was a lot of pressure when we hadn’t talked in three years, and it was all my fault. I had to make it up to you.”

“I’ve got a better idea.” I let my arms circle his neck, and for a moment, it’s like we’re slow dancing at prom. Sensual, fun, forbidden. The knowledge that nothing will happen—not yet— allows us to push the boundaries, knowing we both want something to happen eventually. “Does it involve spending the night at my place?” he whispers against my ear. Shivers skitter down my spine, the thought a tempting one. Based on the way he’s made me feel with a few kisses, those caresses, I have no doubt that my mind would explode if we progressed to the bedroom tonight. “Maybe it’s best to ease into things,” I tell him. “Build up the anticipation.” “I’ve been anticipating having you my whole life,” he groans. “I’m so full of anticipation it’s unhealthy.” We spin under the moon, smiling as we both sigh. We both know it’s right. We both know it’s best to wait. “Let’s take things slow over the next couple of months and see how things go.” “Slow?” Another slice of agony moves through his eyes. “If we sleep together, things will change. Inevitably.” My arms sneak tighter around his neck. “Before we do, let’s make sure things are working.”

“I know they’ll work. Do you remember our kiss?” “I have no doubt that part of things will go just fine.” I shake my head, stifling a smile. “It’s the rest I’m worried about. How can we go back to being just friends once we’ve been more?” His eyes ice over. “No matter what happens over the next few months, promise me that we’ll end up as friends.” “That’s the plan,” I say. “As long as you don’t quit talking to me again.” “I promise.” “You can start tomorrow,” I offer. “Come visit me at my diner. It’s long overdue.” “I want to discuss one more point,” he says. “If these next few months go well, and we can’t keep our hands off each other...” I lean up, certain my eyes have darkened with desire. I rest my forehead against his, my words whispering across his lips. “Then, finally, we can have each other.”

Chapter 11 LEXI “Pizza’s gone,” Kitty announces as I float through the door. “Wine’s gone too,” Sasha adds when I have no reaction. “We burned your house down,” Kitty says. Then she stands, walks across the room to where I’ve shut the door and leaned my back against it, and waves a hand in front of my face. “Earth to Lexi! What happened up there? You were gone forever.” I slide down to the floor, slowly landing with my arms around my knees. “I’m in love.” “Hold the phone.” Sasha stands. “What?” “I love him,” I murmur, smiling like an idiot. “Bradley Hamilton.” Sasha and Kitty exchange a glance. “Get your cookies ready, sister,” Kitty says. “I knew this would happen. Under two months.” Sasha’s jaw is open. “That’s not fair! She just hated him. How do things change so quickly?” Kitty gives a shake of her head. “Welcome to the Monroe/Hamilton show. It’s been like this for the last hundred years.” “Yeah, but what’d he say to change her mind up there?” Sasha snarls, likely annoyed at losing the

bet before the ink dried. “He has a magic penis,” Kitty says with a smirk at me. “Ain’t that right, sugar?” Finally, Kitty has my attention, and I look up. “It’s not magic.” Kitty turns to Sasha. “What’d I tell you? There’s no problem that can’t be cured by a good —” “Stop.” I climb to my feet, shaking my head at Sasha. “Put your cookies away. Nothing happened.” “Really?” Kitty leans over and picks a leaf out of my hair. “You always look this rumpled? And sweetie, your robe is tucked into your shorts.” “Oh, crap.” I look down and, sure enough, my robe is tucked so far into my shorts it’s peeking out the other end. “Fine, we made out.” “That’s it?” Sasha asks, hopeful. “I didn’t lose the bet!” “Do you girls think I’m that easy? Three years without talking, and you all think I’ll just go up to the roof and have sex with the guy?” Kitty shrugs. “Sex helps a lot of problems go away.” “No, it doesn’t,” Sasha argues. “It sweeps them under the rug.” “Well, I like my rugs,” Kitty says. “And I like my sex. So, it works out well for me. In fact, I’d argue the two go hand in hand.”

“Don’t listen to her,” Sasha says. “It’s not that simple. Sex complicates everything.” “I know! I’m a grown woman, just like both of you.” I inhale, hold my breath, and let it out slowly. “We talked.” “With your tongues,” Kitty says. “You tonguetalked.” “And regular talked,” I say, not bothering to deny the tongue bit. “It turns out he’s been planning our date for the past month. He had a list of papers printed out with restaurants on it.” “Does he know about the internet?” Sasha asks. “Why did he print them out?” “It’s not about the papers,” Kitty says. “I think it’s romantic. He wanted to make things perfect.” “Exactly,” I say. “He didn’t know how to make things just right. Said he didn’t want to screw up a chance with me.” “Funny,” Kitty says. “Because you’re the easiest girl I know.” “Oh, gee.” I spin to face her. “Thanks a lot.” “Easy to please! In terms of restaurants,” Kitty says with an indulgent expression. “Come on, sweetie, you know it. You’d have been happy with pizza and a glass of wine.” “That’s what I told him.” “And?” Sasha asks. “What happened next?” “We’re starting over.” I smile at them both. “We’ve agreed to take things slow!”

“In bed,” Kitty says. “Nope!” I shake my head. “We’re not sleeping together until we decide whether or not a romantic relationship works for us.” “Um...” Kitty pauses. “He has a magical penis. I think it’ll work just fine.” “We’ve spent so long being friends, buddies, whatever we were, that this is new territory. Who knows if we’ll work as a couple?” Kitty raises her hand. “I know.” “Well, good for you,” Sasha snaps. “But let them figure it out on their own.” “When are you seeing him next?” Kitty turns a smug smile at Sasha. “I’ll bet she sneaks out in the middle of the night for a glance at his magical—” “Tomorrow,” I interrupt before Kitty continues with anatomy lessons. “He’s finally going to swing by the diner.” “Well, look at that,” Kitty says. “It’s about damn time.” “I’d like to make a reservation,” Sasha says. “I get a seat at the bar next to him.” “Me too,” Kitty says. “Don’t you ladies work? Ever?” Finally, the two look at each other and agree on something. Kitty answers for them both. “Priorities, darling.”

Chapter 12 BRADLEY My phone rings the second I step into the shower. I reach out through the steam, hoping it’s the photo of Lexi that pops up signifying she’s calling. She set it on my phone five years ago, and I haven’t changed it since. Back when we knew each other’s passwords, back when we hung out daily. Back when we... hell, when we acted like a couple. Minus the romance. This time around, I’ll be sure that changes. “Hello?” I growl into the receiver. It wasn’t Lexi’s picture, so by default, this makes me annoyed. “What do you need?” “Did I catch you at a bad time?” Bill’s voice comes through the line. “You sound pissed.” “I’m not.” “Okay, then. I found something for you.” “Is that right?” I lose a little bit of the attitude. After all, I asked Bill to do a favor for me, not the other way around. “Thanks for looking into it. Where is it?” “It’s not on the market yet,” he says. “But I can make it happen.” “No.” I’m firm on this. “I don’t like the sound of it. I don’t want anything complicated. Simple,

straightforward—preferably cheap. Good location.” “This is all of that, and I’m going to get you first dibs,” Bill says. “I know the landlord. He’s getting old, looking to retire. He’s got a couple of tenants in there paying peanuts in rent. I’ll throw in a nice retirement bump if he wants to sell early—I guarantee you’ll make it back. It’s worth it. Location is unbeatable.” “Where is it?” “I’ll pick you up tomorrow. Ten o’clock.” “Great,” I tell him. “Thanks again, Bill.” We hang up, and I’m feeling a bit shaky about the situation, and I don’t know why. Bill’s an old high school buddy—he tried out for the hockey team, but didn’t make the cut. We still ended up as friends. I don’t think Lexi knew him much at all— and even if she did, she wouldn’t doesn’t remember him now. He’s a businessman and a shark, and he makes things happen. So, when I started thinking about opening my own gym, I ran the idea by him. Ever since, he’s been on the hunt, and I can’t complain. I don’t have the time to look, and he knows the business. He’ll get a cut of any sale. Win-win. The hot water beats down on my back. I sigh under it, my thoughts drifting away from the real estate situation to something much more pleasant. Lexi Monroe. The way she looked at me tonight, the way she tasted.

I’ve been dreaming of tasting her for so long and, though it’d only been a brief kiss, she’d been everything more than I’d imagined. Soft and curvy, malleable under my hands. Her body had trembled when I’d touched her, arching toward me. It’s like she’d ached for it just as much as I had. As I still am, I think, looking down. These next few months might be painful. Exciting, completely worth every second of it, I know that already. I don’t foresee a lot of my blood working its way into my brain. The thought of Lexi just across the hallway in her sexy little pajamas is enough to drive me wild. My hand rests hard against the shower wall as all thoughts vanish except for Lexi, her smile, her sweet scent. She might have doubts about this not working, or about it ruining our friendship, but not me. I know for a fact it can’t ruin our friendship because for me, there’s no going back this time. I’ll make damned sure of it.

Chapter 13 BRADLEY The sound of knocking pulls me from sleep. I dozed off on the couch watching a movie, and my neck is cricked all sorts of awkward. I massage it as I leap off the couch, glance down at my sweats. No shirt. But it’s my house, and I’m alone, so I don’t bother to change that. I rest a hand on the door and, at the last second, look through the peephole. “Open up!” Lexi yells. “I heard you twist the knob. You’re not sneaky.” I hide a smile, then fling open the door without further fanfare. “Good morning.” She tries to look at my eyes and falters. Her gaze drops down to my chest. Lingering there for awhile, and then slowly trailing back up to my face. “If you haven’t heard,” I say, pointing two fingers at myself. “My face is up here.” “Ha, ha,” she says, but her pink cheeks give away a hint of sheepishness. “Good morning.” We watch each other for a long minute. She’s dressed in her tight jeans and blue t-shirt. Significant cleavage. I lean against the door and try to keep things moving so we don’t have an awkward moment here in the hallway. I’m wearing sweatpants.

“What brings you around this morning?” I ask. “Would you like to come inside?” “No, I have to get to work. I just wanted to extend an invitation for a ride.” “A ride...?” “To the diner,” she says, then backtracks just as quickly. “I mean, if you weren’t planning to come today, that’s totally fine. I shouldn’t have even stopped by. Sorry, I don’t know why I said anything. Just thinking you could ride with me, walk back—” “After I eat everything on your menu, I’m sure I’ll need a walk,” I say with a smile. “Unfortunately, I can’t join you for a ride. I have a business meeting first, and I’ll be there a little later.” “Oh. Absolutely. Um, of course! Well, I’ll be looking forward to it.” I glance at my watch—nine forty-five. “Will you be available around noon? This shouldn’t take more than an hour or so. A friend is picking me up at ten.” “Ah.” “Business friend.” “You can go with whatever friend you’d like,” she says, glancing down at her shoes. “You don’t owe me any explanations.” “Lexi, stop.” I step closer, and the scent of her hits me. She smells like honey and flowers, and if I

hadn’t kissed her last night, I wouldn’t be able to hold back now. Just standing so close to her has me intoxicated. “What?” I smile. Her eyes are huge, a beautiful jungle green, and full of sunshine. When she breathes out, her mouth puckers into a surprised frown, and I can’t resist. I lean forward and kiss her. It’s short and sweet, almost chaste, and I pull back quickly. To cover up the sweetness of the moment, I give her a look. “Don’t make things weird, Lex.” “I’m not making things weird,” she snaps. “You’re making them weird.” “Okay, I’m sorry.” I exhale, give her a fauxannoyed stare. “Then I didn’t do it right. Let me try again.” “Try what—” My arm finds it’s natural fit behind her back, my thumb playing over the edge of her jeans. I want to dive below, find out more, but I hold back and focus on plying her lips open with mine. This time around, it’s not so sweet, and it’s definitely not chaste. Especially not after a moan slips from her mouth to mine. She’s got my engine revved, for lack of a better analogy, and when she arches her hips to meet me, I nearly overflow with desire.

Pulling her into my apartment, I brace an arm over her shoulder and press my fingers against the wall to give us balance. She reaches a hand up, holding onto my arm as she rises to meet me, urging the kiss deeper. One of her legs comes up, wraps around mine, joining us in a mess of limbs. “I have a friend coming at ten,” I manage to murmur. “But I’m happy to cancel.” “I have to get to work,” she says. “Work?” “Screw work,” she says, and kisses me again. I pull her deeper into the apartment. We make it as far as the couch before I wrap her in my arms and bring the pair of us tumbling to the couch. I cradle her as I shift into position underneath her. She wriggles until she’s comfortable lying on top of me, peppering my lips with little sweet kisses. Her fingers explore my bare chest, and the edges send tingles to every zone in my body. Muscles I didn’t even know I had clench. My brain is screaming for release. Even more, I’m desperate to see her face. To hear my name slip from her lips in the most intimate of moments. “What about—” “Work can wait,” I tell her. I’m well aware this isn’t logical. The thing is, my brain isn’t operating on logic at the moment. In fact, I doubt my brain is

operating much at all. “I’ll buy everything on your menu if you stay here with me.” “But—” “The dessert menu, too.” She pauses, as if to consider this offer. Then, reluctantly, wrinkles her nose. “You still haven’t taken me on a date.” “We’ve known each other since... well, ever since I can remember.” “Since I didn’t even like boys,” she says. “I didn’t wear a bra, and I didn’t have boobs, and...” “And look at you now, all grown up. How about my offer?” “You couldn’t afford to buy my whole menu. It’s long.” Money is one thing I’m not particularly short on. Sure, I live in a mediocre apartment in downtown St. Paul, but half the reason I haven’t left yet is because that would take away all excuses to talk to Lexi Monroe. I’d never tell her, but the days I’d run into her in the hallway had kept me going. The day we’d been trapped in the elevator together? It’d made my year. The brightest day in a string of dark ones. “You’re taking me on a date,” she says, sitting up and adjusting her shirt. “We already agreed to this. I stopped in here to offer you a ride, not to...” Her cheeks blush at the innuendo, and I laugh. I sit up, too, nuzzle against her for a second to drink

in the scent of her, and then pull both of us to our feet. “Thanks for the offer of a ride,” I say with a wink. “I hate to pass it up this time. But count me in next time.” She stares at me, then turns on her heel and marches out of the room. I think that went well.

Chapter 14 BRADLEY “Brad, my man!” Bill lowers the windows on his idling Lexus out front. “Great to see you, hop on in.” I slide into the car, buckle, and offer a smile. “Thanks again for your help on this.” “Can’t tell you how much it means to me,” Bill says. “Speaking of, would you mind writing a review on my website? I can only imagine what it’d do for business if people saw the great Bradley Hamilton leaving a review for me. Bill Curtlett.” “I have zero star-power.” “Don’t be modest.” “I’m not modest—I’m just not famous. Sorry.” “Aw, is this about the injury?” Bill pulls away from the curb, glancing over at me. “You were still the best forward the Stars have ever seen.” “That can’t be further from the truth.” Bill launches into a recitation of my career achievements. I promptly tune it out and proceed to stare out the window and let my brain turn off entirely. Bill is one of those folks who peaked in high school. He loves nothing more than to reminisce about that homecoming game or that senior class prank. I just don’t get it—high school sucked. It

sucks for most people. I’d be majorly depressed if the highlight of my life happened in high school. I like to imagine the best day is yet to come. “...and I tell everyone I have my yearbook signed by none other than Bradley Hamilton.” “You still have your yearbook?” “How could I not?” I shake my head, wondering if he’s also got his letter jacket hanging on display at home. Maybe I’m just not the sentimental type. Either that, or I could just be feeling pissy about high school because I’d learned last night that those four years contained some of the biggest mistakes of my life. Namely, not kissing Lexi Monroe at every chance I could get. Not pulling her aside at prom and asking for more. Ten years had passed since then, and now, finally, I’m getting my chance. For once, I don’t want to look back and wish things were different. I want to be right here, right now, and right in front of Lexi Monroe as soon as possible. “Is this place far?” I ask. “How’d you find it?” “You can walk there from your place.” “Promising.” “As for how I found it?” Bill chortles, snaps a finger. “Magic. Can’t reveal my secrets or I’d have to kill you.” “Okay, Bond.”

“Bond. That’s a good one.” Bill shakes a finger at me, his freshmen fifteen long since cemented on his body. “Anyway, here she is. What do you think?” I stare at the street before us. Dumbfounded. “Which one?” “The entire ground level.” Bill smiles broadly at me. “Like I said, the landlord is getting old. I’m absolutely convinced he can be talked into retiring early and privately handing the reins over to you. No competition, quick deal.” “But that’s...” I stare, reading the sign over and over. Minnie’s Diner. “Perfect?” Bill snaps his fingers again. “I know. You’re welcome.” “What would happen to the businesses there?” He shrugs. “You’d give them some lead time I guess, and they’d get bumped elsewhere.” “But—” “You’d have to redo it, of course, but it shouldn’t be too bad. You’ll make it back in no time. You’ve got major demand down here—all the great gyms are outside of the city limits. People will be looking for one they can hit after work, kill an hour over rush hour traffic, and get home after. You know it, and I know it.” “Nope.” I shake my head. “Sorry, this one’s not going to work.”

“Is it because you can’t picture it?” Bill gestures before him. “I can see it now. Literally, I can see it before us. What would you call it? Brad’s Gym? Star Power? Hamilton House? Ooh, that last one’s a keeper. What do you say?” “I still say no.” “Why not?” “Not interested.” “Is this because you’ll have to redo the space?” “I’d have to redo just about any space.” “So, what’s the hold up?” “I said no, okay? Not interested.” Bill falls silent. It’s at that moment the door to the restaurant opens and Lexi pokes her head outside. She waves to someone next door—the same girlfriend from her apartment last night—and then pops back inside. By the time I turn back to Bill, he’s connected the dots. “You know her?” “What does it matter?” I growl. “I appreciate the help, I really do. I’m interested in looking into somewhere else, but this one is a hard no for me.” “In my professional opinion, that’s a mistake.” “Fine.” “The area will go up in value. Companies are moving into the city. We’re growing, and the younger, cooler generation is growing, too. Twentysomethings looking for jobs, looking for dates, extra

money to spend. You and Leo would have a field day here.” And there’s the problem. I hadn’t exactly told Bill that I’m interested on a personal level. I briefly mentioned I had a partner at my current space, and that’s as far as we got. The other news would have to come later. I want to have proof of Leo’s underhanded dealings before I go to him with a request to part ways—it’ll just make everything easier. “She’s cute,” Bill says. “I recognize her from somewhere.” “High school?” Bill’s a few years older than me. I’d be willing to bet Lexi wouldn’t recognize him, but I’m not surprised he recognizes her. He’s a male, and he has eyeballs. Of course he’d remember her. “Oh, that’s right! She’s Lucas’s little sister. I should’ve guessed that the other day.” I give a taut nod. Then halt. “The other day?” “I came here with my brother. We had lunch while I staked out the place. Bob, you remember him?” “Of course I do.” My knuckles tighten. The mere thought of Bill walking into that diner and conversing with Lexi has me annoyed. It clicks that he and his brother were the two goons making Lexi nervous. In fact, it’d probably led to her appearing at my house and needing to blow off steam.

Maybe I had it all wrong. Maybe I need to thank Bill for driving Lexi straight through my front door. “So, does Lucas know you have a thing for his sister?” I immediately lose any nice moment I was having in my head with Bill. “I think we’re done here.” I rest my finger against the door handle and pull. “You’re right—it’s walkable to home.” “I’m sorry,” he says quickly. “I shouldn’t have made the joke. Lucas would be lucky if you had a thing for his sister.” I squint at him. “That just sounds weird,” Bill says. “I’m not good at this whole talking to a celebrity thing.” “I’m not a celebrity! I don’t even play hockey anymore.” “But you hold the record for—” “Bye, Bill.” I close the door. The windows are still rolled down, so he leans over the passenger’s seat and calls after me. “I’ll find a few more properties, then. I’ll let you and Leo know.” It’s painful, but I turn back to the car. I compose my face, trying for patience. “Actually, could we keep this between the two of us?” “Trouble in paradise?” “Leo’s got his hands full with things at the gym lately,” I say, and it’s not entirely a lie. He’s got his

sticky little fingers full of finding ways to drain our account of money he didn’t think I’d miss. Spoiler alert—I missed it. “I understand.” Bill gives a firm nod. “Call you later.” He squeals away from the curb, something no grown man in a Lexus should be doing while blaring nineties rap. I’m left standing on the sidewalk. After all this, and I thought I was smarter than Bill. But somehow, I’m the one standing on the curb without a ride home. I could walk, sure. But then I’d have to go all the way back to get my car, and then turn around and come right back here. I’d promised Lexi I’d be here before noon. It’s now exactly ten fourteen. It’d be embarrassing to stroll into the place now. Either she’d think I’d been lying, or she’d think my business meeting had gone horribly. Neither were attractive qualities in a potential date. I turn, set on heading in the other direction. I need a moment to think, anyway. I need to tell Lexi not to worry—nobody is going to be taking over her building. But it’s a little bit awkward at the same time... because I’m the reason Bill and his brother had scouted the joint in the first place. “Hey, where do you think you’re going, hot stuff?” Kitty’s voice rings clear across the street.

“Lexi is thataway.” Kitty winds her fingers to point at the diner next to her. She’s standing just outside the door of Sasha’s Sweets and eyeing me up like I’m the Grinch. “Oh, right.” “Hard to find, isn’t it?” she asks sarcastically, giving a pointed glance at the huge banner over the diner. “Then again, I suppose it is since you’ve never been here before.” “Oh, Kitty, great to see you,” I say, crossing the street at a slow jog. “I’ve missed you.” “Funny, I haven’t missed you.” “Always loved your humor.” “Ironic, since I’m serious.” “Come on, Kitty, not you, too.” “Not me too, what? You don’t talk to me, my best friend, or her brother for the last few years, and you expect me to be all excited that Lexi suddenly believes you have a magic penis?” Kitty flutters her eyelashes. “I think not.” I shove my hands in my pockets as I come to a stop on the sidewalk before her. “Magical penis, huh?” She leans in, her voice low. “I don’t care what you’ve got in your pants; you’re not going to hurt my friend again.” “I’m doing everything I can not to mess this up,” I say. “I could really use your help.”

“Damn.” I blink, step back. “Sorry?” Kitty purses her lips. “Nearly twenty years, and finally the idea dawned on you to come to me for help in wooing Lexi?” “I didn’t know she liked me in high school.” “You two were idiots,” Kitty says. “Anyway, since I have money on the line, I’m going to help you out.” “Money?” “Not really money,” Kitty says. “It’s actually my pride, but we don’t need to get into that.” “I’m lost.” “I bet you two would sleep together in under two months, and Sasha guessed it would take longer.” “Oh, right.” “You’re not happy with this bet?” “Not particularly,” I say, and then cross my arms. “For the record, we’ve agreed to take things slow.” “Right. Which is why Lexi floated into work this morning with her lipstick smudged.” “I said slow, I didn’t say glacial.” “Fine, wiseman. I used to like you, but I’m not sure about you anymore.” Kitty rests a finger against her lip. “I always thought you were just a little bit dense. And that’s why you hadn’t asked Lexi out.”

“I was stupid.” “That, too,” Kitty says. “Then you went and hurt her, and that’s where I find things difficult to forgive and forget.” “I know, and I’m sorry.” She nods. “Apology accepted, and I forgive you. I’m sorry about your knee.” “Thank you.” “But that doesn’t mean I’m thrilled about the two of you jumping right back into things at a hundred miles an hour.” “Kitty.” I spread my arms wide. “Is there any other way Lexi does things?” “Huh. Maybe you do know her better than I give you credit for.” “I do. I’ve known her longer than you.” “I’m her best friend.” “Fine. Are you going to help me or push us apart?” “I haven’t decided yet,” Kitty says. “But for now, you seem to make her happy. Don’t ruin it, Bradley.” “I’ll do my best. She’s inside?” “Yes. Get the chocolate chip waffles.” “So I hear.” Kitty smiles, and it’s a minor truce. We used to be friends—not the same sort of friends as Lexi and I, but we got along and behaved around one another. Lexi was... still is, important to both of us.

That’s enough common ground for us to make an effort. “It’s good to see you again,” I say. “I think so, too,” she says. “But time will tell.”

Chapter 15 BRADLEY The diner is all her. Completely, one hundred percent Lexi Monroe. From the second I walk in the door, I’m surrounded by it. Her scent, the bubbling happiness, the eclectic decor. There’s an old timey feel what with the bar, the counter stools, the thick scent of coffee and frying bacon mixed with syrup and pancakes. I inhale, my stomach growling as I realize I haven’t had a thing to eat this morning. This must be how Lexi felt the other day in the elevator. Hangry. Except, I’m not all that angry. I’m just ravenous. Lexi’s nowhere to be seen, which gives me a moment to get my bearings. Pops of yellow, blue, and red add a shock of bright to the room. It matches her personality. One wall appears to be completely constructed from photographs. Aged and new, familiar faces and strangers. Lexi’s beaming face is on the wall more than a few times, as are Sasha’s and Kitty’s. Also pictured are groups of policemen, firemen, old ladies huddled around a game board, and men holding decks of cards.

I have no clue how Lexi isn’t doing astronomically better financially than she says she is. The place is buzzing this morning. A group of women sit around one table, all of them looking like they came from the pool—wet hair, towels, the works. Families are scattered throughout, children laughing and coloring the menus on the tables. The stools along the counter are over fifty percent full, and it seems everyone’s struggling for a piece of Lexi’s attention. As she strides out from a door near the back, a smile fills her face as she moves from one end of the counter to the next greeting an alarming number of the clientele by name. “She looks good there, doesn’t she?” I try to keep it together. The voice startles me, but I recognize it. Sasha—Lexi’s friend from last night. The one who kept staring at me like she’d seen a ghost. “Yes, she does,” I cross my arms and glance casually in her direction. “A natural.” “I’m guessing you want to eat?” she chirps. “You have to try the waffles.” “You don’t say,” I mumble, following her across the room. Lexi doesn’t notice us until we’re standing behind the seats. Sasha scoots onto a stool first, and Lexi glances over toward her with a quick smile.

She falters when she sees me, the smile freezing on her face. My heart races, and I suddenly doubt everything. Maybe her invitation wasn’t sincere, and I shouldn’t have come at all. Maybe— “Brad! I didn’t expect you here so soon.” Lexi’s smile unfreezes, then brightens. “Quick business meeting? It’s hardly quarter after ten.” “Yeah,” I say, sliding onto the stool next to Sasha’s. “Things didn’t work out as planned.” “Aw, I’m sorry.” Lexi bustles around, grabbing two mugs. She pours one for Sasha, slides it over, then fixes one for me. “Want to talk about it?” “Nah. You seem really busy.” “Part of my job is actually being a psychologist,” Lexi whispers with a conspiratorial wink. “There have been many tears shed over this bar.” “Some of them came from me.” Sasha raises her hand. “It’s a good place to talk.” “Really, it was just a business venture that didn’t work out.” I grasp the mug and take a sip of the piping hot liquid. It burns. So hot. I try not to wince because nobody else seems to be dying. “Everything okay, Bradley?” Lexi watches as I struggle to stifle a grimace. “Is it too dark?” “Really hot,” I say. “And it’s Brad.” “Brad. Right.” “I’ll take the waffles. Please.”

“I thought you were supposed to be tough,” Sasha says. “I’ve seen you play before, and you looked tough on the ice.” “Yeah, well,” I say. “I’m not on the ice anymore, and this coffee is boiling hot.” All mentions of the ice brings the conversation to a halt as I make eye contact with Lexi. We hold there for a split second, then both look away. “Sorry,” Sasha says. “I didn’t mean to make things awkward.” “I have to check on my customers,” Lexi says. “I’ll get those, uh, waffles for you, Brad.” She scurries away, leaving Sasha and I in our own little bubble despite the bustling diner. “Did I say something wrong?” she asks. “I thought you two were in love again.” “Nope.” “Sounded like I did.” “Well, you didn’t.” “Why’d things get awkward?” I raise my eyebrows at her, trying to look past the love word. “Things got awkward?” Sasha sticks out her hand. “I think we got off on the wrong foot. I’m Sasha from Sasha’s Sweets next door.” “Brad Hamilton,” I say, extending my hand to meet hers. “From across the hall at Lexi’s apartment complex.”

Sasha giggles at the joke, which helps to dispel any lingering awkwardness. Until she speaks again in a low mumble, and I can’t quite make out the words. “Sorry?” I say, leaning closer. “I couldn’t hear you.” “I didn’t say anything,” she says, a little too sweetly. “It sounded like you said something about poisoning your cookies.” She blows out an exasperated sigh. “I said, don’t mess this one up.” “Or you’ll poison me?” “Figure of speech.” “You didn’t sound joking,” I say, watching her with alarm. “Well, then don’t mess this up.” “What is it with you ladies and threats?” Sasha laughs. “Kitty said something too?” When I nod, she purses her lips. “Ah. Well, we are just a close-knit group.” “Yeah, I can see that. Seeing as how you’re threatening me with murder if I take one misstep.” “I didn’t say the poison would kill you,” she pouts. “Anyway, I want to get to know you. Tell me the story of Bradley Hamilton in three minutes or less.” “Are you serious?” “Two minutes and fifty-two seconds.”

“That wasn’t eight seconds!” “You’re at three seconds now, so get talking.” The woman is relentless, and she’s also one of Lexi’s closest friends. I have some groveling to do, seeing as I screwed things up pretty badly after my injury. So, grovel I will do. “I moved next door to Lexi and Lucas when I was ten. She was nine.” “You’re a year older than her?” “You’re good at math.” She rolls her eyes, but there’s amusement behind them. “Fine. So, you’re twenty-eight. What happened after you moved in?” “Not a whole lot. We played together like any neighbor kids for the next few years. Lucas and I were inseparable. Lexi wanted to be Lucas’s best friend. We fought for the title, her and I, and then I suppose we all three agreed to be a triangle of friends.” “A ménage,” Sasha says with a wink. “I would definitely not put it like that.” “How would you put it?” “Three best friends,” I say. “Nothing romantic about it.” “When did you know you’d fallen in love with Lexi?” I think for a moment, looking back over the years. I sense I’m smiling, even though I have no memory of telling my face to do any such thing.

Glimpses of years past bubble up, and I comb through them one by one. Our first night at the drive-in theater. The first time we drank beer together. The first night Lexi slept over at my house after fighting with her parents and running away— one door over. I had slept on the floor. It’s a few seconds later before I return to the present and realize Sasha has trapped me with the question. I look up, scan her over, and shake my head. “You sneak.” “You thought about it for a very long time.” “This isn’t love.” “Really? Because it looked like you were trying to pinpoint the exact moment it happened.” “I can’t pinpoint it because it hasn’t happened.” “You’ve been pining after her this whole time,” Sasha says. “Admit it! Why else would you stay in those apartments?” I have no answer to this because she’s right. “That’s what I thought,” Sasha says. “So, you can sing to yourself about it not being love all you want, but you’ll thank me someday.” “How do I owe you a thank you?” “Because I’m hoping that I knocked some sense into your head. Maybe you’ll go home and think about it and realize what Lexi means to you.” “I know what she means to me. I don’t need you to tell me.” I realize this comes off a little

harsh, so I tack on an ending. “With all due respect.” “Yeah, yeah,” Sasha says with a wave of her hand. “Why haven’t you taken her on a date yet?” “Because.” “Great answer,” she says, heavy on the sarcasm. “And here I thought you didn’t want to mess this up.” I debate another flippant response, but the part inside of me that’s desperate to take Lexi out on the date she deserves fights back. Finally, I swallow my pride. “Look, I've waited all this time. Lexi’s giving me a few months, and I need to prove to her that I’m not going anywhere. That not only is a relationship between us possible, it’s inevitable. I have one date to try and make her feel the same way.” “Oh, you silly boy.” Sasha takes a long sip of coffee. Her response has me dying inside a little. Patience isn’t my strongest suit. “What’s so funny?” “Falling in love with someone isn’t about a single date. Especially not with the history between you two.” “Yes, but—” “Look around you!” She throws her hands open and gestures to the diner. “This counts. Last night, whatever you did with your magical penis—”

“Hold on.” I stop her right there and lean in closer. “Why do you guys keep saying that?” “What?” “About the magical...” She waits. Patient. “Magical?” Sasha is going to make me say this aloud. “Magical penis.” “Because she very nearly hated you when the two of you went to the roof yesterday,” Sasha says with a flippant wave of her hand. “Then she came down with her hair all mussed and a glow on her cheeks saying she’s in love.” “She didn’t say that.” “She—” Sasha stops abruptly. I watch her face change from the person who has the upper hand in this conversation to an expression of regret and, dare I say, embarrassment. “She did!” I lean closer. “She said love?” “Shut up,” Sasha hisses. “She’s coming over here. She’d kill me if she knew I’d let that slip. You know it’s just a figure of speech, right? It’s not actually love.” “Holy shit.” “I know,” Sasha says. “That’s why we’re wondering if you have magical appendages. Words don’t make a woman glow like she did last night, so we were thinking it had to be something else.” I glance over my shoulder to survey Lexi’s progress. She’s called over by a family across the

room, so I take my chance and press ahead. “If it’s not a single date that will win her over, what will it take?” “This. That. Whatever you did last night. Showing up here like you are today. It’s all of the things you do outside of the date,” Sasha explains with patience. “You’ve gone three years letting her wonder what you think about her. She’s been wondering if you care at all, or if you’ve forgotten her. If you hate her guts or—” “None of that!” I interrupt. “It wasn’t that at all. I was embarrassed. Still am embarrassed. I don’t deserve her.” “We know,” she says with a smile. “But then again, nobody does. Lexi’s the full package.” “I know it.” “She didn’t know it, and that’s the problem. You had her thinking she’d done something wrong. That she wasn’t good enough for you or wasn’t... fill in the blank. Pretty. Smart. Rich enough.” “That can’t be further from the truth.” “Fine, but if you let a girl wonder for too long about these things, her mind can scamper toward dark and scary places.” “I didn’t mean for that to happen.” “Then don’t let it happen again.” “What do you mean by that?” “You’ll figure it out.”

By some twist of fate, the door opens to the diner and no less than twelve gentlemen appear, all of them in some level of police or firefighter dress, t-shirts, or uniforms. I’m as straight of a male as they come, but even I can tell these guys aren’t hard on the eyes. Judging by the way they hug and greet Lexi, they know her quite well, too. “It’s uniform day,” Sasha whispers in explanation. “Wear a uniform in here and get fifty percent off your meal.” “No wonder she’s not making money,” I grit out, watching in pain as Lexi pats a few officers on the back. “These assholes are coming in here to abuse Lexi’s generosity.” “They’re just coming in here because the food is good and the service is better,” Sasha says. “Everyone’s gotta eat.” “Then they should pay full fucking price.” “Relax, Rambo. They tip well. It makes up for the discount.” My fingers clench and unclench. I have no right to feel any possessiveness over Lexi, not after all this time apart, but it rears up in me regardless. I’m brought straight back to high school when one of the football players would ask Lexi for her number, and I’d want to behead them. Yes, I realize it’s illogical.

Now I understand why those instincts reared up. Lexi’s a scorching hot woman, and it’s easy to see how she draws natural attention. But beyond her looks, she is, as Sasha put it, the full package. Funny, smart—a conversation with Lexi is never dull. Witty and kind and generous, and... “Screw it.” I stand up. “This sucks.” “Where are you going?” Sasha pulls on my arm. “Don’t interrupt. This is her place of business.” I hesitate because she does have a point. Not only is this her business and livelihood, it’s none of my business what she does here. We shared one smoking hot kiss last night, and the rest of this is my magical stupid penis talking. I want her, and I don’t want to share. But I haven’t done any of the work to get her or keep her. I haven’t even planned a damn date. “I’m an idiot,” I mumble. “Seriously, relax,” Sasha says. “These guys have been coming in here for years. They’re friends. If Lexi wanted to be with one of them, she would’ve been married by now.” That thought sends my blood pressure through the roof. As if that’s not enough, another wave of firemen walk through the door. The old ladies in the corner hoot and holler, and it grates on my ears. Obviously, these men are the main attraction for the day.

“What is this place, Chippendales?” I grumble, not missing the fact that Sasha is snorting in the background with laughter. “Didn’t take you for the jealous type.” She giggles. “Well, I guess you’ll have to work quickly then, so she knows how you feel.” I barely hear this last part because I’m too busy watching Lexi meet and shake the hand of one of the newest firefighters. She’s laughing, then slaps her forehead as if embarrassed. Finally, she points over toward me, and the fireman looks my way, too. I get it. It hits me. This is the goon who ‘rescued’ Lexi and me from the elevator. The one who asked her for her number. I wasn’t supposed to overhear that, but I’d been standing right there, and I’m not deaf. I’d also heard her decline. It had brightened my day. But it doesn’t brighten my day to see our mutual friend back again, especially when nobody needs rescuing, least of all Lexi Monroe. If anybody’s going to make her smile today, it’s going to be me. “I don’t like the look on your face,” Sasha says. “You look like you’re going to kill somebody.” “Nope. Not today,” I say, and Sasha looks mildly alarmed. “I have a different plan.”

Chapter 16 LEXI In the years I’ve worked at Minnie’s, I’ve never run into Cole-the-Fireman before. And today, just a month and a few days after rescuing us from the elevator, he waltzes right in with a grin on his face. Normally, I’d be excited to have more business, but this is just a little bit awkward, seeing as I turned down his phone number last time. I know I shouldn’t feel bad about it, but it takes guts to ask a girl out. I had to applaud the effort, and yet, I still said no. “You probably don’t remember me,” I say. “But last month—” “You’re the woman from the elevator,” Cole says. “The building not far from here.” “Yes!” “Lexi, right?” “Yes! Good memory! What brings you in here today?” “I’m normally not one for waffles, but these guys have been hounding me for weeks to try this awesome little place, so I figured I’d check it out. I’m glad I did.” “Me too,” I tell him. I do mean it, too. Not just for the business, either. He seems like a nice human

being. “Thanks again for the rescue. I never thanked you properly.” “Thank God we got there in time, otherwise these guys would’ve killed me.” Cole once again nods toward his firemen friends, then winks at me. “If they learned I hadn’t saved the owner of the best diner in St. Paul, it wouldn’t be pretty.” “Well, these waffles don’t serve themselves, so can I get you a plate? It’s on me today.” “No, I insist. You’ve been giving these guys fifty percent off their meals for lunch, I’m paying.” “I’ll refuse,” I say with a smile. “It’s a token of my thanks. Don’t bother arguing—I’m stubborn. I did survive half an hour trapped in an elevator, after all.” He laughs. “Can’t argue with that. It’s really great to run into you again, Lexi.” “Yes, definitely.” I take the order for the rest of the group, jotting it down on my little notepad. I don’t need to write these things down—orders stick in my memory like glue, but it’s a good way to keep my hands busy and my eyes occupied. I take a step toward the kitchen, but I’m stopped in my tracks by a hand around my wrist. I freeze, then turn slowly around. “Yes?” “Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you!” Cole withdraws his hand at once, looking embarrassed. “I just meant to ask if I could get extra syrup.”

“Of course!” Before I can resume my march to the kitchen, heavy thuds of footsteps sound from across the room. Small tremors shake the table next to me, and I lean a hand out to rest against the chair. I feel him before I see him. A hand slides around my waist, and the next thing I know Bradley has me dipped halfway to the floor. He’s got me in a tight embrace, clutched to his chest, and his lips are hovering an inch from mine. “I’m going to kiss you,” he whispers. “Unless you tell me not to.” I blink. My lips open and close as I search for the right response, but it never comes to me. All I know is that the correct response is definitely not no. Judging by the butterflies in my stomach. “Is that a yes?” he murmurs. I give the slightest of nods, and the motion hasn’t even completed before his lips join mine in a soft, almost tender kiss. My eyes close, a hand comes up, and I sink into it. He reaches round, pulling my head closer, deepening the kiss for a flash. His other hand fists at my shirt, and the sheer need in his touch has me melting for him. It’s over almost as quickly as it’s begun. Bradley rights me, dusts me off and pats me on the hips before removing his hands from my waist. I

wobble once as I take a step, and this makes him grin like an idiot. I’m still not quite sure what’s happened as I stride back toward the counter. Sasha’s watching me with raised eyebrows as if she’s not sure whether I’m going to swoon into a faint or turn around and slap the smirk off Bradley’s face. To be honest, I’m not even sure what I’m going to do next. “Get over here.” I grab Bradley by the sleeve and pull him out back next to Theo’s old favorite hiding spot in the alley. “What was that all about?” “What was what all about?” “Don’t play dumb with me, Bradley Hamilton.” “Brad.” “Not right now, it isn’t,” I say, my words hissing on the way out. I’m not exactly pissed at him, but I’m not exactly thrilled with him, either. I’m in a very confusing spot, emotionally. “Explain yourself.” “What’s there to explain? I wanted a kiss.” “Right then? Right in the same moment a group of guys walked in wearing uniforms?” “You mean, Superman?” “So, you do recognize him.” I cross my arms, understanding sinking in. “You thought you’d beat on that manly chest of yours and stake ownership over me?”

“I wasn’t staking ownership,” he says, backtracking. A look that resembles nervousness flushes onto his face. “I was—” “Please explain, then, because I’m not understanding. It seems a lot like—” “You can’t interrupt me and also tell me to explain!” He runs a hand through his hair, his chest heaving with quick breaths. “I am trying to explain.” “Sorry.” I raise my hands and take a step back. “I’ll be quiet.” We stare at each other across a foot of empty space. It feels strained between us, which is nuts considering just seconds ago I’d been drinking him in, thinking there was nothing in the world I needed more than for his hands to be all over me. “I’m sorry. Maybe I did a little bit of beating on my chest,” he says. “But Sasha was talking to me about—” “Sasha put you up to this?!” I interrupt again without realizing it. At his firm gaze, I slap a hand over my mouth. “Sorry, continue.” “Sasha didn’t put me up to anything. We were just having a pleasant conversation where she politely warned me she’d poison my cookies if I did anything to hurt you.” “God, I love that girl.” He grimaces. “Your friends are insane.”

“Just the way I like them. Plus, don’t forget, you once considered yourself my friend. My best one, actually, which makes you extra nuts.” “That’s the problem.” “The nuts part?” “No, the friend part.” He steps toward me, his hands coming to rest on my shoulders. He has big hands, I realize now, and they make me feel all warm inside when they land on my body. He moves his thumbs, and I shiver. “What’s wrong with the friend part?” “I don’t want to slip into that zone anymore.” His eyes land on me, hooded, darkening as he watches my every movement. “Sasha mentioned something that got me thinking. Have you been wondering what I thought of you these last few years?” “Yeah, I was a bit curious.” He frowns. “I hadn’t realized how selfish I’d been. I was too busy wallowing to think about how I made you feel.” “You had a reason to wallow.” “Maybe a little, but I didn’t have a reason to hurt you. I never did, never do, and I hate that I ever made you wonder.” “Brad, it’s—” He interrupts me this time with a look. A pleading look. “I saw those guys walk in, and I saw the way they look at you. You’re beautiful and fun

and outgoing, and nobody in their right mind wouldn’t want to be with you in some way. Friend, boyfriend, drinking buddy, you name it.” “I just said hi to them.” “You didn’t do anything wrong! But I just... I couldn’t have you wondering how I felt anymore.” He lets his arms drop from my shoulders and they find a place in his pockets. “Maybe I overstepped my boundaries, and I’m sorry. Maybe I acted too caveman and brash, and I’m sorry. At the same time, I’m not sorry. Because I don’t want you to wonder how I feel. I like you, Lexi. A lot. Not in a friendly sort of way, either.” My hands come up to hug myself. I can’t seem to reach for him, yet the space on my body he’d touched moments before seems far too empty. My own arms aren’t helping anything, so I look up in frustration. “Can you please hug me?” Brad doesn’t need asking twice. He covers me in an embrace that begins on the outside, then winds its way through me. Somehow, in the matter of a month, days even, he’s inching his way right back into my heart. Except this time, instead of keeping him tucked into the safe friend zone, it’s different. We’re different. I love being friends with Bradley; I am good at it. It’s this next phase that is stone-cold terrifying.

When I lost Brad’s friendship the first time, it was hard enough. If I lose him again—with so much more at stake—this time, it’ll destroy me. “Don’t push me away again,” I mumble against his chest. “Whatever it is, just don’t do that. I can’t stand when you shut me out.” “I promise.” Gentle fingers pull through the strands of my hair, lulling me into a peaceful spot against his chest. I never want to leave here. I could stay in his arms forever, and I have no doubt it would be perfection. “For the record, this is my place of work. I’m the boss, you know, and I can’t have you turning into a gorilla every time male customers walk into my diner.” “I understand.” “Good. Well, then...” I raise up to my tiptoes and let my arms circle around his neck. “Let me demonstrate how I feel about you.”

Chapter 17 BRADLEY Two weeks have passed, and I’m back at the diner once again. Actually, it’s the fourteenth time I’ve been here in thirteen days. Apparently, I’m on a mission to eat my way through the entire menu. “Blueberry,” Sasha says. “Chocolate,” Kitty argues. “Blueberry,” Sasha begins again before I interrupt. “How about an order of each?” I tell Lexi across the counter. “Please?” She leans across, kisses me on the cheek. “You’ll have to put in extra time at the gym if you’re going to watch your figure.” I roll my eyes and lean back. I’ve been putting in so much time at the diner lately I’ll be in no shape to run my current gym, let alone start a new one. However, until Lexi hires another server, she’ll be stuck here for some long nights. Which means if I want to see her, I’m here, too. Not that I mind—I have good food, good company, and a good view. Watching Lexi work is better than any TV show, and the colorful commentary between Kitty and Sasha only adds to the ambiance.

Not to mention, I’m not exactly thrilled to be spending time at my own gym these last few weeks. As for the split, it’s slow moving. I haven’t heard from Bill or his team, and I’m only centimeters closer to solid proof of Leo sneaking funds from the company. Thankfully, Lexi hasn’t mentioned any more concerns about her diner selling. Except for struggling to find a new server, all is well at Minnie’s. “Are you sure I can’t help out more?” I ask as Lexi punches in the order. “I can run food to tables. Just point me in the right direction.” “Nice try. We always offer,” Sasha says. “You’ll have better luck convincing her to go to the gym.” “I hate the gym,” Lexi adds with a smile. “No offense. I get my exercise lifting the fork to my mouth.” “Then you have some fine genes,” I savor the view of her backside as she bends over to grab more mugs for coffee. “Perv,” Kitty says, her eyes on me. “Eyes on the face, Bradley.” Lexi stands up too quickly, casts me a flirtatious glance. “What’d I tell you about checking me out at work?” “I can’t help it.” I raise my hands in surrender. “Sorry.”

The four of us—Lexi, Sasha, Kitty, and myself —have developed a sort of after-work routine that’s become entirely too natural over the last couple weeks. I open at the gym, stay there until four in the afternoon. That’s when Sasha closes up her bakery next door and Kitty wanders over from wherever she’s been spending her time. We’ll often stay at the diner until nearly midnight. There’s way more laughter than I expected, and the chatter is easy and fun. Plus, there’s Lexi. The best part of my day. She’s been busy, but it’s not a hardship to spend time with her at the diner instead of at home. If anything, it’s got me an in with her friends, and it’s given me some insights as to what makes her tick. For example, the bridge club that meets here drives her up the wall because they go through a bottle of syrup per day, but she’ll never charge them extra for it. The women’s water aerobics squad is like a garden of grandmothers with whom she’s cultivated close relationships over the last three years, and the second the doorbell rings at nine thirty in the morning, a smile appears on her face before she even looks up. Though she won’t admit it to anyone, Barb is her favorite. Then, there’s the late-night dinner crowd, specifically the family of Italians from next door that brings their own bottle of wine and several

chessboards into the restaurant. I’m not even sure that’s entirely legal, but Lexi shoves them in the back and pretends not to notice. I’ve even caught her offering chess advice during lulls in the restaurant business. All of this is new to me. It’s enthralling, watching her work. When we were growing up, she never had a clear direction planned for her life, unlike me. I’d grown up knowing I’d be a hockey player since my feet touched ice, which felt like moments after I learned to walk. I’m just glad she’s found what makes her happy. Now it’s my goal to make sure I become a part of that plan, too. Slowly but surely—emphasis on the slowly—I’m making progress. “Here you are,” Lexi says, dropping the food in front of me. “Don’t you dare eat all of it, or you’ll die of a heart attack by thirty.” “No promises,” I say, glancing at the plate of waffles soaked in syrup. As she laughs, carefree, I wonder if tonight will be the night I get another kiss. A real kiss. I’ve taken to escorting her home every night, which typically ends with a chaste smooch outside of her apartment door as we both struggle not to take things further. Well, I struggle, mostly. She seems to have no problem saying goodnight and shutting the door to

her own apartment. Still, a guy needs to keep the hope alive. “I think you guys should do a swap,” Sasha says, eyeing the food. “It’s not fair Lexi is making Brad fat.” “I’m getting fat?” I look down in concern. “No,” Sasha sighs. “I wish. Your metabolism is something most women would kill for. Maybe that’s why the two of you are made for each other.” “Also, he spends half his day at the gym,” Kitty says. “I’m sure that doesn’t hurt.” “I own the place. I have to work out there. Otherwise, what sort of example am I setting?” “Back to this idea of the swap,” Sasha says. “Since Bradley is eating his way through your menu, Lex, you should do him the courtesy of visiting his gym.” Lexi scrunches her nose. “I don’t like gyms.” “I don’t like...” I pause, grab a menu off the counter. “Oatmeal, but I’m going to try it.” “Why would you try oatmeal if you don’t like it?” “Because it’s important to you,” I say, punctuating this with a finger poke to the menu. “And I care about you.” “That doesn’t equate to me working out.” “Come see the gym,” I say. “Maybe you’ll like it?”

“You really do need some time away from this place,” Kitty says. “The smell of syrup is going to drive you nuts.” “I like the smell of sugar,” Lexi says. “I like eating donuts,” Sasha adds. “But if I eat too much of them my butt will turn into Jupiter.” Kitty rolls her eyes. “Your butt is Pluto at best.” Sasha smacks her. “We’re not all as endowed as you.” Kitty looks down and shrugs her shoulders. Her curves are just the right size, and she knows it. “Luck of the draw.” “What do you say?” I face Lexi. “I challenge you.” “Challenge me to what?” Her eyes narrow. Obviously, her competitiveness has not lessened over the last few years. “I’ll try everything on your menu, if you work out at the gym with me.” “How often?” “Three days a week.” Her fists crumple around the menu as she shoots daggers at both of her friends. “Who’s going to cover the restaurant when I’m gone?” “First thing in the morning,” I tell her. “Rick opens Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and it’s never busy.” She can’t argue with my logic. “Fine.” “Fine?” I raise my eyebrows. “Really?”

“Do I have a choice? I am not backing down from a challenge.” “Well, then, I will see you on Friday.” “I will not be happy about it,” Lexi says. “And I will not be looking good at six a.m. on a Friday morning. I will probably look like a thug, actually, and I will have the temper of a dragon. There’s your warning.” “If you think that’s going to scare me off,” I tell her, leaning across the counter. “Think again.” “Eat your damn waffles.” I tuck into my waffles, a smile on my face as Sasha and Kitty pretend they’re not listening to the conversation and whisper amongst themselves. It’s not that I think Lexi needs to work out. She runs around all day at the diner and probably burns more calories than me. She’s tiny. My arm is the size of her leg. But I won’t pass up the opportunity to spend more time with her, especially some one-on-one time. It’s nice sitting with Sasha and Kitty and all, but it’s not the romantic vibe I’ve been striving to achieve. And if she wears spandex and a sports bra to the gym? I won’t complain.

Chapter 18 BRADLEY “Hey, Bill,” I say into the phone as I wait for Lexi outside of the diner. She’s finishing her closing duties, and I ducked out a few minutes earlier to make a quick call. “How’s it going?” “Good, good, fine,” he says. “Sorry about the delay, I’ve had a few things come up.” “No problem. I was just curious since I hadn’t heard from you for a few weeks. We’re all good after last time, right?” “The diner place? Yeah, it’s all good. I’m still looking for something else for you.” “Okay, great.” I don’t do a great job sounding convincing, however, because I checked around on some real estate websites last night, and I spotted at least two or three properties that would be perfect. In my budget, great location, available immediately. “Sorry, man, I’ve been busy with a big deal,” Bill says again. “I’ll call you as soon as something crops up.” “Great. Thanks again.” I hesitate. “Say, if you’re not interested, or if you’re too busy, we can always part ways. No hard feelings.” “I’ve got time. I’ll be in touch soon.” We hang up, and I’m left slightly mystified. He sounded pre-occupied, and far less enthusiastic

than the last few times we’ve chatted. I’m not sure if he’s sore over our last conversation, or if he’s just lost interest. Or if something really has come up, and he’s just plain old busy. I’ve got a weird feeling about the situation, but I can’t do much about it now. I’ll give him until the end of the week, and if he doesn’t call me back, I’ll assume he’s not interested and cut ties. I’ve been procrastinating in my search for real estate thanks to the sudden influx of nights spent at one particular diner, but I’m feeling the itch again. More than ever, I want to be on my own, separate from Leo, focused on my own business. Leo’s been more unavailable than ever, and I want out before shit hits the fan. I’m slipping my phone into my pocket when I hear a squeal and a giggle, and a flying object lands on my back. The wind is crushed out of me, and not for the first time, I’m surprised at how much punch Lexi’s small body can pack. “Who was that?” she asks, her arms circling my neck and her legs wrapping around my waist piggyback style. “Onward, Bradley Hamilton!” She points forward, but I don’t move yet. Instead, I twist her around like a magic trick until she’s cradled across my arms. In range for a kiss. I lean in, nuzzle against her until she’s laughing at the brush of my five o’clock shadow against her

cheek, and then finally, I taste her lips. Sugar and honey and berries, and a hint of sweet cream. “Did you eat whipped cream again before you left?” I ask, my eyes locked on her beautiful green irises. “You forget I can taste it on you.” “Maybe I wasn’t trying to fool you,” she suggests, wriggling until she lands on her feet. “I ate something else, too. Got a guess?” “I like a challenge.” I hook a finger through the V-neck of her shirt and draw her close. I press my lips to hers, tilting my head to the side as I think. “Blueberries?” “Wrong.” Another kiss. “Raspberries?” She makes a buzzer sound. “You’re making things hard,” I tell her, and let my hands slide down to her waist. “Let me try again.” “Okay,” she breathes. I take her mouth in mine, hungry for the kiss. She’s been tempting me for weeks now, bending over the counter, winking in my direction. All part of her job, but to me, it feels like torture. Maybe she’s tortured, too, because she melts into my arms. All malleable and sweet, like Laffy Taffy. Or Cotton Candy. Or whatever stupid analogy makes sense. I don’t have time to think of better comparisons because all of the blood in my

body is flowing into my lower half and making my pants very uncomfortable. She moans once, then again as her eyes close. I keep my eyes open, needing to watch the change in her expression as she loses herself in this, in me, in us. Her eyelids flutter, and I can feel the beat of her heart against my own. The rawness of us, of our closeness, has me dangerously thirsty for more. My hand reaches under her shirt, my thumb running over the soft skin of her stomach. She arches so enthusiastically under my touch that it’s imperative I get her home at once. “Why do we have to wait, baby?” I murmur against her neck. “Please come home with me tonight.” “Hold me,” she instructs. I glance up as the lights of a taxi swing down the street, cruising slowly. Since I don’t want to give them an excuse to stop, I pull Lexi into the alley behind her building, the same place where she reamed me out for kissing her in public. If she doesn’t like public places, that’s fine. We can do plenty of things just fine in private. Her legs wrap around my waist as I lift her, my arm holding us away from the wall of her diner. My length is pressed against her, both of our jeans causing a painful amount of friction as she writhes against me.

“Tell me why we have to wait,” I demand. “I want to touch you, kiss you everywhere. I need you. Need to show you how I feel.” “You haven’t...” she pauses to inhale. I shift under her, the motion brushing us even tighter together, and she lets out a hiss that sounds like need. “I can feel how much you want this.” My arm around her waist presses her tighter to me. “You know how much I want this, too. What’s stopping us?” “We need time alone together. It’s not about the date, Bradley.” “Then what are you waiting for?” “You promised! I want us to commit to trying this—wholeheartedly—before we make a mistake that can’t be undone.” “This isn’t a mistake; we both know it.” “Then be patient for just a little while longer.” She wiggles down. “Why do we need to rush this?” I run a hand through my hair. “We’re not rushing anything. I’ve known you almost my entire life.” “Fine, then let’s do this right. We know how to be friends, Brad. I don’t know how to date you. We have to take things slow because I don’t plan on us going backward.” I grudgingly see her point. Until now, the only difference about us hanging out as friends and

dating is a few stolen kisses. She deserves to be wooed, to feel special and cared for—to be shown off to the world, not tucked away in my apartment. I choose a number, a date on the calendar that is fast approaching. It’s longer than I’d like to wait, but I do need some time to plan for what I have in mind. I offer her the time with a caveat. “After I prove to you that us dating is the best decision we’ve ever made, there’s no more patience. Deal?” “Deal.” She hooks her arm through mine. “Shall we head home?” “My place or yours?” She offers a murderous glare. “Kidding,” I say. “But I’m not kidding when I say I’ll see you at the gym tomorrow morning.” The murderous glare darkens to dangerous levels. “I will pull you out of bed,” I tell her. “You promised me.” “No, I warned you.” “I’m up for a challenge.” “Good,” she harrumphs. “Me too. Good luck.” “Good luck?” “Yeah,” she says. “You’ll need it to deal with me tomorrow.”

Chapter 19 BRADLEY She was more right than I care to admit. Lexi is clueless about the gym. And grumpy, as promised. When I told her it was time for pushups, she thought I was talking about ice cream. When I mentioned dumbbells, she thought I was talking about a person. When I asked her to walk on the treadmill, she yelled at me about not wanting to be a hamster on a wheel for at least five minutes. She called me a monster for dragging her out of bed, and then went on to describe how evil I was for subjecting her to cruel and unusual punishment. But the real cruel and unusual punishment of the whole morning had been the moment I’d knelt next to her to demonstrate a proper sit up and my hand had accidentally brushed against her ass. In yoga pants. Instant recipe for disaster. I’ve never done a hundred sit-ups faster in my life, but it was either that or have Lexi think I’m a huge perv who gets turned on with a slight knuckle graze against her hip. After we finished, I took the longest and coldest shower of my life.

Even so, I’d never had more fun during a workout—ever. When I finish up in the men’s locker room, I’m surprised to find Lexi’s still inside the women’s. I spent a long time in that shower, and I have to wonder what on earth she’s doing in hers. I’m about ready to put out an APB on a woman of her description when she pops out of the dressing room with a grin on her face. “I figured out a way you can pay me back for all this,” she says, jaunting past me with a hand on her hip. “For this cruel and unusual punishment.” “We already have a deal.” “What? That you have to eat every item on the menu? You poor thing. I haven’t even been charging you.” “I’ve been leaving tips double the cost of the meal.” “You don’t have to do that,” she says, shifting her toe on the floor. “That wasn’t why I made the deal.” “I know, sorry, hey. I shouldn’t have said anything.” I reach for her wrist and wrap my fingers around it. The way she’s looking now, I’d do whatever she asked of me. So, I tell her that. “Anything?” “Say the word.” “Great. My brother’s birthday party is in two weeks. Come with me.”

“Lexi...” “You said anything.” “Anything for you.” “Lucas is my brother, and he used to be your best friend. Why are you so opposed?” “We haven’t talked!” “Neither had you and I. Does that mean we should go back to staring awkwardly at one another?” “For the record, I never stared awkwardly. And the answer is of course not, but—” “No buts. Explain what the huge problem is, and I’ll consider letting you off the hook. Otherwise, I’ll assume there’s no problem except you don’t want to go with me.” “That’s not it at all, and you know it.” “What’ll it be, Bradley?” I grit my teeth. The thing is, I don’t really have anything against Lucas. Except for my own idiocy. He tried to visit me in the hospital once, and I’d snapped at him. He’d said something about feeling sorry about my knee, and I’d reamed him out. Something about not wanting his pity. Unlike Lexi, he didn’t come back to try again. Which sucked at the time. I’d already been feeling like half of a person—a man without a career, a passion, and a stupid knee. Yeah, I’d pitied myself. Yes, I know plenty of other people have it worse, but that still didn’t make it a fun time for me.

So, on top of wallowing for myself, I’d wallowed because of Lucas, too. I’d liked that Lexi kept coming back, trying to get me to open up to her. I take full responsibility for being the idiot in this situation and the reason for our extended silence. But Lucas—he should’ve come back. Tried again. Smacked me on the head and told me to apologize. Something. Anything. The fact that he’d never given me a second thought had left a sour taste in my mouth. That’s not what friends do. I look up, determined to put my foot down. But there, in Lexi’s pretty green eyes, I see more than a glimmer of amusement or a test of my dedication to this—whatever sort of relationship we have between us. There’s a want—an ask—there, so to my surprise, I find myself agreeing. “You’ll come?” She jumps up and down. “Really?” “You couldn’t seem to find that sort of energy when I showed you how to do a pull up.” “Because I was conserving my energy.” “Right.” “Please promise me you’ll try to have fun.” “You’ll be my date, right?” “Well, it’s not a date, date, but yes,” she says, pausing for a smile. “I’ll be your date.” “Then it will be fun.”

“Are you going to talk to Lucas?” My eyebrow inches up. “Do I have to?” She blows a big breath of air from her lips. “You’re only coming for me, huh?” “Yes.” “I’d really appreciate it if you tried to make an effort with him.” “He clearly doesn’t want to talk to me.” “Well, if you make an effort and he rejects you, we’ll know that for a fact. Right now, all I’m hearing is you’re too afraid to talk to him.” “I’m not afraid.” “Then that settles it.” Lexi reaches out and straightens my t-shirt. “We have a date.” “If you’re hoping to get our group back together, the same way things were before, I wouldn’t hold your breath,” I warn. “Even if we convince him to come back, things have changed. We’ve changed.” “We won’t know if we don’t try, right?” I groan. “Speaking of trying new things, will you be swinging by the diner this afternoon?” “Wouldn’t miss it.” “Great,” she says. “We can carbo-load for our next workout.” “I don’t think that’ll be necessary.” “It’s science.”

I call a truce, mostly because I’ll carbo-load all day long at the diner. Pancakes and waffles. Oatmeal and fries. I’ll eat ketchup by the spoonful for the chance to sit next to Lexi all night long. She starts toward the door. Before I can think, something comes over me, and I reach for her hand. I link my fingers through hers, noting the hesitation on her end. It lasts only a second, and when she glances over her shoulder, her lips have curved into some semblance of a smile. “Let me walk you out,” I say. “I wish I could drive you to the diner, but I have to be here until Leo shows up.” “Uh, hello?” She waves a hand. “Twenty first century. Women are allowed driver’s licenses. I can drive myself.” “It’s not about the driving,” I tell her, picking up my pace to join her side. “It’s about tagging along for the ride.” “And why would you want to do that?” She curls toward me, smelling of sweet flowers and honey. Her hair is still damp, her face free of makeup, and it’s complete temptation to skip work and follow her anywhere. Everywhere. I lean in, press the slightest kiss to her lips, and then hold there as I whisper against her cheek. “There’s a pretty great view of a woman I happen to enjoy.”

“Down, boy,” a voice comes from behind me. “Didn’t realize we had speed dating on the premises.” Leo’s voice grates against me, my heartbeat racing as I turn to face him. I honestly hadn’t given a whole lot of thought to the fact that I’m in the lobby of my own business. At the sight of his smug smile, I’m jarred by how much I dislike being in the same room with him. It’s more than time for me to move on now, to bigger and better things. Hell, I don’t even need a bigger space, I just want my own. “Leo,” I say, struggling to keep my voice even. “Didn’t expect to see you here so early.” “I guess you didn’t,” Leo says, his eyes traveling and lingering over Lexi. “Feel like introducing me to your friend, Brad?” It has my blood boiling the way he looks at her. Maybe I’m oversensitive this morning, but there’s an interested gleam in his eye, and I don’t like it. “Lexi,” she says, smiling and extending her own hand. “Bradley and I go way back.” “Bradley.” He smirks at the name. “I guess so.” “What brings you around this early?” I ask. It’s a battle these days just to be civil. Even if he’s not skimming off the company somehow, he’s keeping a secret from me. I lost my livelihood once because of an accident. I’m not

losing my career a second time because of a stupid mistake and the wrong choice of partner. “Swinging by for a quick sauna before my massage,” he says easily, his eyes switching back to me. He’s got a spray tan that makes him look like an Oompa Loompa, and he’s sporting a gold necklace visible at the plummeting neckline of his t-shirt that’s nearly showing off his nipples. He always did care about his appearance, he’s just never been such a douche-canoe about it before. “You taking off early?” “Just walking Lexi out.” “I can see myself out,” she says, offering me an apologetic glance. “I’ll catch you later, Brad.” I nod, my jaw working overtime as she slips through the front doors leaving one finger wave behind before disappearing around the corner. “You didn’t tell me you were dating anyone.” Leo crosses his arms, leans against the wall behind him. “The infamous Lexi, huh?” “What are you talking about?” “Come on, man, I’ve known you for years. Lexi this, Lexi that. Then these last few years, nothing.” Leo and I had met as fellow gym rats a few years before my injury. I’d never brought Lexi around him for this very reason. He likes pretty things, including gorgeous women. Even if Lexi

hadn’t wanted me back then, I certainly wasn’t letting her fall into Leo’s grasp. “We grew apart. And now we’re friends again.” “Simple as that, huh?” “Yep.” “Do you have a problem with me?” Leo takes a step closer, lowering his voice. “Look me in the eyes, Bradley.” My gaze had been darting around without my noticing. Mostly because I didn’t trust myself not to lose my shit in the lobby of our business. I have certain lines that I prefer don’t get crossed, and making a public fool out of myself or my business partner is one of them. But if he wants to play this game, I’ll go along for the ride. Raising my gaze, I meet his. “I don’t know. Do we have a problem?” “What are you insinuating?” “Not a thing. I was standing here, talking to my friend. You walked up. End of story.” “She’s a friend, huh? Sure looked like more to me.” I inhale, then let the air sizzle out slowly. “I’m not trying to argue with you, Leo. We’ve never talked much about personal things. Leave it alone.” “I’d leave it alone, but it appears to be interfering with the workplace.” “Interfering with the workplace?”

My blood pressure is rising, and I look through the windows debating how long it’d take me to get outside. If he keeps egging me on, it’d probably be best to just leave. Unfortunately, I don’t always act on what’s best for me. He raises his eyebrows, waiting. So, I lay into him. “What about your three cancelled shifts last week? We had a budget meeting for tomorrow, but apparently you’re too busy to make that one, too. As a matter of fact, we could have it now, if you’d prefer. I’m available.” “I see that.” He nods toward the door, insinuating Lexi. “But I bet you wish you weren’t.” My fist reaches out, curls around the front of his stupid t-shirt. “Leave her out of this.” “Protective over someone who doesn’t want a relationship,” Leo says. “If I’m understanding this correctly?” “You don’t understand a thing.” “You’re ruining my shirt.” I open my fingers, releasing him from my grasp. As he steps back and dusts himself off, I realize with alarming clarity how far things have deteriorated between us. When we launched the business together, we were both so focused on making the gym a success, we threw ourselves into it entirely. He was coming off a bad breakup, and me, the injury. It had been our lives for that first year.

Then we’d started to see success, and I’d kept on as I always had. Leo, however, had changed. The wedge between us must’ve gotten bigger over the years while I’d turned a blind eye. I don’t love to talk about feelings and shit, so Leo and I did a lot of sweeping our problems under the rug. Kitty’s not the only one who loves rugs. Now, however, the rug is getting to be pretty damn bulky. “Cancel the budget meeting tomorrow,” I say. “Do whatever you want. I don’t care anymore.” “What’s that supposed to mean?” Leo calls after me. “Throwing in the towel?” I don’t respond as I storm out the front doors. Pulling out my cell, I hit Bill’s number. When he answers, I glance behind me, but Leo’s gone. “I need something,” I tell Bill. “Now.”

Chapter 20 LEXI “Please don’t be grumpy tonight,” I say, the second Brad opens his door. “Can we please try to have a nice time?” Brad, looking absolutely stunning in dress slacks and a nice shirt, gives me a half smile. “That’s the first thing you have to say to me?” “I’m just continuing the happy hour conversation!” “That was thirty minutes ago.” I make a faux-angry face. “Please?” Bradley isn’t the most open book in the library, and these last few weeks he’s been hard to decipher. All I know for certain is that something’s up, and by using my powers of deduction, I assume it’s something at work. He’s been spending more and more time at the diner, less and less time at the gym. Not that I mind, but the man ate me straight out of waffles. That’s never happened before. Tonight is my brother’s birthday party. It’s been two weeks since we ran into Leo at the gym, and I sensed deteriorating conditions between the two partners. Not that Bradley would actually talk about any of it—he claimed he was just fine.

On top of his work thing with Leo, I could tell Bradley had been nervous about this party all week, even if he wouldn’t admit it. Little glances, quick comments—I’m not an idiot. Just because he doesn’t talk about his feelings doesn’t mean I can’t see them. That’s why I’d invited him over for happy hour. All the way across the hallway to my apartment. We’d shared a couple cocktails and watched the first half of that British baking show again. The entire time he’d been a surly mess, and I can only assume it’s because work headaches were meeting personal life headaches. “I’ll try to be positive,” he says with a frown. “Do I look okay?” “You look fabulous.” My hands come up to play with the buttons on his shirt, and I wink. “In fact, you look mighty handsome.” “Is that right?” He leans a hand high against the doorframe, and I snuggle under it. “How handsome?” “So handsome I think I won’t be able to control my hands.” “Only your hands?” He leans down, his frame big, bulky, and oh-sosexy. If anything, he’s gotten sexier as the days have gone by, and we’ve begun to relax around one another. Things are almost the way they were before... but better.

Because we kiss now, and we kiss a lot. At happy hour, I’d finally had to kick him out of my place because I’d ended up straddling his lap with his hand down my pants. I’m already confident in the way I feel about him. I want him. I want to be with him. I want to throw myself fully into this thing, but I need some reassurance that he’s ready to do the same. I want the stupid date. One of his arm curls behind my back, and I groan. “You know I can’t resist that.” “I’ve noticed,” he says, holding me to his chest. There’s something about the way he’s all stretched out, tall and hard and strong, that has me unable to pull away. I can’t hardly breathe when he holds me like this, let alone argue. I look up at him. “What were you saying about my hands?” “Forget your hands,” he murmurs. “What do you say we skip this party all together? Your brother won’t mind.” The talk of Lucas, of birthdays, brings me back to reality. “You’re sexy, Bradley Hamilton, but your beautiful arms are not getting you out of this dinner.” “Lucas doesn’t want me around.” There it is. The thing that’s been dragging Brad down all afternoon. My arms squeeze around him

tighter and tighter until I’m squeezing as hard as my muscles will allow. “Of course he does.” “Did you tell him I’m coming?” “Sort of.” “What the hell, Lexi?” Bradley pulls away from the door and gives me a look of alarm. “You didn’t tell Lucas you were bringing me?” “I told him I was bringing a friend.” “He’ll think it’s Kitty. The man is crazy about Kitty.” “I never specified which friend, and nobody asked.” “Now I’ll let him down for two reasons. Not only is his asshole friend there, but I don’t have boobs, and my name’s not Kitty, so he’ll be extra disappointed.” “I didn’t really think about that.” He exhales a breath. “I’ll just stay home. Pick up Kitty along the way.” “Maybe she’s busy.” “Kitty’s never busy.” “No.” I reach for his hand and latch onto it tightly. “I told my family I was bringing a plus one, and you are my plus one. I’m not ashamed. Are you?” I have him in my crosshairs on this one, and he knows it. “I’m not ashamed, but—” “Great. Let’s go.”

“Hold on a second,” he says, following me into the hallway. “Your family will be there?” “Yes, it’s a birthday party.” “The way we used to do birthday parties was at a bar with a shitshow of friends.” “Well, we’re all grown up.” “And what does that mean?” “It means we’re going over to my family’s house for dinner.” “I can’t. No, I can’t. I thought this would be a party. With drinking. At a restaurant.” “Am I understanding this correctly?” I stroll into the hallway, not bothering to keep my voice down. “You want to sleep with me, but you won’t join me and my family for dinner?” He glances up and down the hall quickly, his eyes darting around. “That’s not what I’m saying.” “Essentially.” “It’s more complicated than that.” “Well, family’s important to me,” I tell him. “And you are important to me, too. I’m going to dinner. Come if you’d like. If you don’t want to, that’s your decision.” He looks painfully torn, and I’m aware that I’ve put him between a rock and a hard place. The thing is, he and Lucas used to be such great friends. I find it incredibly hard to believe that they can’t be friends still, if one of them would just make the effort.

However, they’re both boys at heart, and they’re both stubborn individuals. Normally, I wouldn’t interfere. I haven’t pressured Lucas into trying to talk to Bradley once over these last few years, but the circumstances have changed. Whoever I eventually bring home—a boyfriend, a husband, the potential for either—will be a part of my life, and I can’t have two parts of my life separated in such a huge way. If Bradley is serious about us, I need to know we’ll face all parts of life together. And that includes my family. I’m at the elevator and pressing the button before he catches up to me. “If they kick me out, you can’t hold it against me,” he growls. “I’m making the effort to show up.” My heart skips a few beats. Through his grumpy exterior, I sense tiny tendrils of nerves. I reach out and rest my hands against his biceps. “They’re going to love you. They already do, we just have to get back into the swing of things. They’re not going to kick you out.” “Famous last words.” “Come on,” I say, pulling him into the elevator. “Let’s make out on the ride down. I hear it provides great endorphins.” The doors shut behind us, thankfully leaving us alone, and I hit the button for the lobby. The second we start descending he takes me in his arms and

winds himself around me, pressing me hard against the elevator wall. His mouth descends on mine, and it’s not the playful, goofy make out session I’d anticipated; it’s a hungry, carnal desire that’s rife with tension. A squeak of surprise slips out of me, only until he pulls me tighter still, and the squeak fades to a low murmur of appreciation. His tongue is doing amazing things, and I let the blackness of bliss take over. I can feel Brad’s desire to have me, to touch me. I can also sense his need for me to hold him, to reassure him, to show him this will all be worth it. I’m so lost in him that it’s not until someone clears their throat behind us that my eyes fly open. Brad moves at the same time, and we knock foreheads against one another as he scrambles to right me and straighten my clothes. “Ow!” I hiss, holding a hand to my head as we pretend to be super classy individuals and keep our chins high while parading through a lobby filled with people. “What is it, ladies’ night?” Brad murmurs once we’re through the thick of it. “There were at least twenty of them.” “There were six,” I mutter. “And yes, it was probably ladies’ night.” He groans. “What do you think they saw?”

“Enough to make them jealous.” I wink at him. “You’re not embarrassed by a little PDA, are you?” I, myself, am feeling exceptionally embarrassed, but I don’t show it. We’re going to dinner with my family, which means I have to be the one to stay sane this evening. “PDA?” He raises an eyebrow at me. “The way your hips were moving wasn’t PDA. That was a full on dry hump.” “Leave my hips out of this! It was your tongue down my throat.” “I recall you being the one to say let’s make out on the ride down.” “Right. Let’s make out... not practice sexing each other through our clothes in front of ladies’ night.” We both pause as we step onto the sidewalk, turn to face one another, and break out into nervous titters of laughter. “They got a show, didn’t they?” I say, reaching for his hand. I rest my head against his shoulder as we stroll to the parking lot behind the building where I keep my car parked. “Oh, well.” “They interrupted.” “Interrupted? Jeesh, how far were you planning on taking things in that elevator?” His eyes blaze as if this opens up a whole new world of possibilities.

“Oh, don’t even go there,” I tell him. “I can read your mind.” “It’d be fitting, wouldn’t it?” He spins me around as we reach my car. We’re locked into an embrace. “We began our courtship in an elevator, it only makes sense to—” “What, consummate our relationship in an elevator? How romantic.” “Wait and see. I’ll change your mind on this.” “Get in the car, buddy, before you get turned on by your own twisted mind.” “There’s only one reason you’re uncomfortable,” he says, trapping me against the car, one arm on either side. “And that’s because you like where my mind’s at.” I’m a little out of breath against him, the moon blurring with the city lights to create a mystical sort of glow around us. Every once in a while, I’m still in awe that this is happening. Us, here, together. I hadn’t even realized I’d been missing something. But over these past few months with Bradley in my life, an ache that’d existed so deep inside has started to ease, one I’d barely recognized to be there in the first place. Being with him brings a whole new element to life. I’d been happy before, and my world had been sunny. Add in Bradley Hamilton, and my universe sparkles.

Chapter 21 BRADLEY “You’ll be fine, just relax, and...” Lexi’s voice fades into the background as the Monroe house looms into view. She parks, steps out without a backward glance, and is halfway to the door before I can unstick my ass from the front seat. “Bradley?” She turns, a horrified look on her face. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think. Come here, we’ll go in together. I’m just so used to...” She trails off again, and I know what she’s thinking. Things have started to feel so normal between us, so familiar, it’s easy to fall into old patterns. Growing up as neighbors, all three of us had basically shared two houses and two sets of parents. Our parents were friends, we were friends, it’d been the freaking Brady Bunch. When I’d left for college, however, my parents had moved away. Not far, but far enough that I had no excuse to swing by this cul-de-sac anymore. My eyes land on the house next door—my old house—and then sweep over to the Monroe’s. “It hasn’t changed at all.” “Don’t tell my mother that,” Lexi says. “She planted new trees and demands everyone

compliment them, or else she’s offended.” “I’ll remember that.” Lexi hooks her arm through mine, then gives me a critical once over. “I thought your nerves might go away.” “Nerves?” “It’s useless to pretend you’re a cool cucumber,” she says. “You’re more tense than a jack in the box.” “It’s been years. Last time I was here, we—” “Last time you were here, you waltzed right through the door without an invitation. That’s how it’s always been, and things shouldn’t be any different now.” “But they are different. I haven’t... swung by, stopped over to say hi. Your family must hate me.” “Are you kidding? My parents have always loved you the most out of us three. They still ask about you all the time.” “And?” “And what?” “And what did you tell them about my extended absence?” She flinches under my gaze. “You know, the truth.” “What truth?” “That you’ve been really busy at the gym, and you said hello to them back, and...” “You covered for me.”

“I don’t know about that, but I tried. I’m sure my mom suspects something. She got used to not seeing you when you went off to school, but even then you’d swing by once in a while.” He grimaces. “I’m sure she suspects we had a falling out, but you know my mom—she just picks and chooses what she likes to believe. Also, she’s been sending you food. So, you might want to thank her for all those meals you loved.” “Food?” “Let’s focus on the important part here,” she said. “Whatever happened was between you and me. I never hated you, Bradley, not even close. The last thing I wanted to do was make things worse while you were injured and alone.” Her words ring straight through to me. Alone. Lonely. That’d be a good summary of the last few years. It’s also the reason why I’d thrown myself— financially, mentally, physically—into the business of working out so hard that I’d pass out in sleep every night. If I didn’t physically exhaust myself, I’d stare at the ceiling all night long. “I didn’t mean alone, I meant—” “No,” I tell her. “You’re right. I’m just mad at myself for making you lie to your family.” “I didn’t lie, I covered for you. Just like the time you covered for me when Kitty and I fell asleep at the drive-in and got locked in all night.”

“Maybe if you’d driven to the place and not snuck through the back, you wouldn’t have fallen asleep in the bed of someone else’s truck.” “They weren’t using it. Anyway, that’s neither here nor there,” she says, brushing off the story with a faint smile. “The point is that they’ll love to see you. I didn’t cover for you because I had to, I covered for you because it was the right thing to do.” She takes another step forward, dragging me with her. I let myself get pulled along for a second, but then I stop abruptly. When I stop, she keeps moving, but since she weighs as much as a feather duster, she snaps right back into my arms. “Thank you,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper. We’re tucked into the safe zone between the two motion sensor lights out front. Some habits die hard, and I got used to avoiding those suckers like the plague in high school. Her green eyes peer up at me, bits of stars glimmering there. “It’s nothing you wouldn’t have done for me.” “Including the food?” I murmur, a smile on my lips. “Just out of curiosity, if your mom has been sending me food for years—where did it go?” She gives a tinkling laugh. “To a good cause. Preventing hanger in Apartment 709.”

I shouldn’t—I absolutely, positively shouldn’t, but I can’t hold myself back. Leaning in, I brush my lips against hers, and a sizzle of current strikes between us. The whisper of air there, and the promise of what we might be. I want to make her happy, and that’s why I’m venturing inside the Monroe house tonight. That’s why I’m facing Lucas who, if I know Lexi’s brother, will be chomping at the bit to put me in my place. “Brad.” Lexi’s hands rise and frame my face. Her skin is soft, cool against my cheeks. “Breathe, honey.” I hadn’t even realized I’d been holding my breath. A bit of tension leaves as I exhale, and when I bring my attention back to her face, I’m captured by the look in her eyes. She’s focused on me, only me, and it melts any leftover resistance. “Better?” She flashes a smile that brightens her face. “My mom made manicotti.” “Let’s go.” “Wait.” Her hands find mine, and she squeezes tightly. “Whatever happens inside, I’ll be there for you. You’re my date tonight, and I want you by my side. Does anything else matter?” “If you’re happy, I’m happy.” One last kiss, then a tug, and we’re off. Three years since I’ve stepped foot in this place, and now

I’m back. And the situation is looking grim. In one night, I have to re-kindle a relationship with my almost-girlfriend’s parents, re-introduce myself to my almost-girlfriend’s brother, and break the news to everyone that we’re almost-dating. Happy Birthday to Lucas.

Chapter 22 BRADLEY “Come in honey!” Lexi’s mother calls from the kitchen. The scent of marinara, pasta, and meatballs filters through the house. “Do you have Kitty with you? I bought that special French wine she loves.” I raise my eyebrows at Lexi, who shoots me a guilty look. “Sorry,” she murmurs. “I meant to tell them, I promise.” I wait, not sure if I should announce myself, or hang back. Now that I’m here, I have no clue what I should be doing. Even the foyer is mystifying—so familiar and so foreign, all at once. The colors have changed. I’m not a big one for colors, but I can tell when something goes from blue to red. There’s also the noticeable absence of hockey bags on the floor, but that’s probably understandable seeing as the Monroe's no longer have children at home. “What are you waiting for?” Elaine Monroe calls again. “The food is getting cold. Oh, and tell Kitty I tried that new—” “Hey, mom,” Lexi says, as Mrs. Monroe appears in the doorway.

Lexi’s the spitting image of her mother, and Mrs. Monroe’s bright green eyes land on me in shock, giving me an eerie sense of deja vu. I’ve been standing here many times before—good times, and not so good times. For example, there was that not-so-good time the police dropped us off after a scavenger hunt gone wrong in high school. Then there were the better times, like when I’d picked Lexi up for prom. This time, I’m not quite sure if it’s one of the good times, or if it’s one of those ‘police dropped me off’ sort of visits. “Bradley!” She blinks and wipes her hand on the colorful apron around her waist. “Bradley?” “Hey, Mrs. Monroe.” I used to call her Elaine, but I’m not sure of the protocol now. Especially since I’m in the process of trying to win over her daughter’s affections. “How have you been? By the way, thank you for those delicious meals you’ve been sending my way. I’m sorry I didn’t thank you sooner.” Lexi shifts sheepishly as I run a hand over my stomach and smile at her mother. “Bradley!” This time, there’s no question in her voice as Elaine throws up her hands and launches herself across the room. She’s shorter than Lex, a little plumper. Where Lexi is stunning, Mrs. Monroe is charming and pretty and warm.

I open my arms to catch her forward motion and smile as she brings me into a tight squeeze. “Don’t you dare call me Mrs. Monroe again,” she says, giving a gentle smack to the side of my head as she pulls away. “It’s always been Elaine to you. I’m so glad you’re here!” “You are?” “Well, of course! Good grief! I keep telling Lexi she hasn’t brought you over in ages... how long has it been now?” She waves a hand. “Oh, who cares? You’re here! Come along inside.” Lexi gives me a serious I told you so look as she rests a hand on my lower back and pushes me toward the kitchen. “I never doubted your mother,” I whisper back. “It’s the men I’m worried about.” “My dad loves you, too,” she says. Any mention of her brother is notably absent. “He liked me just fine when I played hockey with his son,” I say, not letting the bit about her father drop. “That doesn’t mean anything about him liking me as his daughter’s boyfriend.” She freezes in the doorframe of the kitchen. Instant regret. I lean in to correct myself, but when my hand lands on her waist, I realize my second misstep in so many minutes. Elaine Monroe’s eyes land on my hand, then on Lexi’s waist, and then finally she turns back to the pot of

sauce she’s stirring on the stove. But not before both Lexi and I catch the twinkle in her eye. Lexi turns to me, her eyes saying everything she won’t say in front of her mother. “I’m sorry,” I hiss, so quietly I can barely hear myself. “I told you this was a bad idea.” “This is a great idea,” Elaine says. “Pop on over to the table and I’ll call your brother.” “Where is he?” Lexi asks. “And how did you hear that, mom?” “Oh, he’s here.” Mrs. Monroe coughs, her cheeks turning pink. “I think he imagined Kitty was coming over. He’s fixing his hair.” Lexi snorts with laughter. I don’t dare react to that comment. It’s not my place to even breathe in the wrong direction today. “He’ll be sorely disappointed,” she says. Then catches herself, and faces me. “Not to see you, dear, he’ll be glad you’re here. But you know, he’s always had a thing for Lexi’s friend.” “I’m well aware,” I say, allowing a hint of a smile. “Some things never change.” Mrs. Monroe glances between us. “And some things do, eh?” Lexi makes an awkward noise in her throat, but she’s spared a response by her father entering the room and greeting his little girl with a huge hug. Mr. Monroe is an intimidating figure; he coached our hockey team for several years, which

means he can control a rowdy group of hormonal boys. A tall task. He keeps in great shape, too, and as far as I know, still plays on a men’s league. The man is frightening. I stand, waiting for the reunion between father and daughter to conclude. But Mr. Monroe catches my eye over his daughter’s shoulder, and no small amount of surprise floods his expression. “Hamilton?” “Mr. Monroe.” I extend a hand. His shake is firm, meant to intimidate, and it’s working on me. “Good to see you again.” “How are you? How’s the knee?” I’m suddenly reminded why I hated having company in the hospital. Pity is scrawled across his face, and if there’s one thing I don’t want, it’s for anyone to feel bad for me. Shit happened, and I moved on. I’m fine now, and the last thing I need is people walking on eggshells over the subject of my career. “Just fine,” I tell him. “You playing hockey?” I shake my head. “No, sir.” “Shame.” “It is.” “Miss it?” “Dad!” Lexi jumps in. “Don’t you think you’re being insensitive?”

“I’m just asking questions,” her dad says. “Am I hurting your feelings, Hamilton?” “Like I said, I’m fine,” I tell them both. “That was years ago.” “See?” Mr. Monroe faces his wife. “Smells delicious. Are we eating now?” “Waiting for the birthday boy.” Elaine begins to scoop pasta onto plates. “Someone call him, please.” “Lucas!” Lexi yells, while her mother rolls her eyes. “Some things never change,” Mr. Monroe says. “Take a seat, Bradley. Elaine, what’s Lucas doing up there anyway?” Elaine’s eyes flick toward me. “I think he expected different company.” Mr. Monroe groans and rolls his eyes. “Don’t tell me he’s dressing up for his girlfriend.” “Kitty’s not interested,” Lexi says. “She’s focusing on her career. She’s not his girlfriend.” “She just needs time,” Elaine says. Then she gives a pointed look at Lexi. “Like some people in this room, maybe she just needs a few years to realize what’s right in front of her face.” I look down at my plate. It’s hard to tell if Elaine is angry or happy, or some combination of the two. Women are complicated. She seemed happy when she caught my hand on Lexi’s waist, but now she’s sounding a little pissed, and I’m

trying to figure out if it’s me she has a problem with, or the fact she found out about us before we told her. “Lucas!” Mr. Monroe bellows. “Get your ass down here.” Footsteps pound on the staircase, and I can picture the path from Lucas’s bedroom to the kitchen. Blue and red walls upstairs, a shared bathroom with his sister. Back when they both lived here, at least. Now, the bedrooms are guest rooms. More footsteps. Lucas is probably winding past the bookshelves that are missing books on the top shelf, the space covered in hockey medals and trophies. Unless they’ve removed those, too, since the last time I’ve been around. Lucas rounds the corner and barrels into the kitchen, taking a moment to collect himself as he stands still and surveys all of us. “Hi, Kit—” “Happy birthday, bro,” Lexi says. “You’re old.” “What the hell are you doing here?” Lucas has eyes for nobody but me. “Who invited him over?” “Lucas. Where are your manners?” Elaine scolds. “I’m ashamed to hear that come out of your mouth. We always welcome friends to dinner.” “Right. He’s not a friend.” Lucas’s eyes shift toward Lexi. “I thought when she said she was bringing a friend, she meant Kitty.” “Seriously, Lucas!” Lexi explodes. “If you want to get Kitty alone, ask her out on a freaking

date. You’re acting like a child. It’s not my duty to set you up with my friend.” “Language!” Elaine yells. “Why’d you bring him here?” Lucas asks Lexi again. “The last I heard, you hadn’t talked to him in three years. If you want to get together, do it when I’m not around.” “Relax! It’s nothing serious. We’re just hanging out.” “Whatever you want to tell yourselves,” Elaine jumps in. “I know serious when I see it.” I am still trying to decipher what she means when Lucas’s frustration is directed at me like a cannon. I only catch the tail end of it. “...waltzing in here like nothing ever happened,” Lucas snarls. “I don’t think so. Now you want to date my sister?” “We’re not dating!” Lexi says. “Of course they’re not,” her father agreed. “You three have always been friends. So why are you arguing?” Elaine reaches over and pats her husband on the shoulder. Then she murmurs something under her breath about him being naive, and begins serving up the pasta dish. “I shouldn’t have come,” I murmur to Lexi. “I’m going to head outside and grab some air.” “No, Bradley, wait!” Lexi stands, shoots a scathing glare at her brother, and then follows as I

turn to head outside. “Stop walking so fast.” I can’t make myself stop walking until we’re outside, tucked into the dark space safe from motion sensor lights. If only I’d driven myself, I wouldn’t have to ask her for a ride back. I knew I should’ve taken my own car. She catches up, out of breath. “I’m sorry!” “You don’t have to apologize.” “I shouldn’t have dragged you into this mess.” “It was mutual dragging,” I say, leaning in with a forced wink. “I saw you in the elevator, and I knew what I was getting myself into when I asked you out.” “You just hadn’t thought about the family part.” “I wasn’t thinking about your family, no.” “There’s nothing to worry about—my mom loves you. She always said we’d end up together.” “End up... doing what together?” “Together, together. She always thought it would be so cute if we got married. Neighbor kids, best buds, my big brother’s best friend...” “Your mom’s not upset?” “She’s annoyed, but mostly at Lucas. A little bit because I didn’t tell her that we were seeing each other,” she says, and coughs. “I tell her just about everything, and she probably felt out of the loop that I hadn’t mentioned we were more than...uh, friendly.”

“That’s not true. You won’t let me get past friendly.” “Oh, you are so friendly,” she says. “You’re so friendly I need to consider investing in underwear with a padlock.” “Tell me that’s not a real thing.” She raises her eyebrows. “Where were you going when you stormed out here?” “I hadn’t thought that far ahead,” I say, glancing around the yard. “I could possibly walk home.” “Right. Go ahead. I’ll see you when I drive in that direction tomorrow at ten in the morning.” She’s right; it’d take me too long to walk home from here, so I grit my teeth and nod. “Fine. Tell me a better idea.” “Come back inside.” “It’s your brother’s birthday, and I shouldn’t be here ruining it for him. I’ll ruin another day, I hope, when I come to tell him you’ll be mine forever.” “What?” “When...” I pause, clear my throat awkwardly. I hadn’t meant to come on so strong. “If you ever decide to date me, put an official label on things, I’m sure he’ll hate it. But I respect him enough to be up front about it.” “He doesn’t have to hate it. He might not even mind, if you just talked to him.” “We’re past talking.”

“Listen, I’m really sorry for making you come tonight. I was trying to ease things over with everyone, and it completely backfired.” “It didn’t backfire completely. I got a kiss from you, so my evening is complete.” “Brad.” She’s leaning into me, and it’s all I can do not to take her fully into my arms. Instead, I lean over, and run my fingers against the edge of her chin. “Yes?” “I’m sorry I made you uncomfortable. I just... I wanted us to just fit together. All three of us.” “For old time’s sake.” “For old time’s sake.” “I’m afraid it’s not like that,” I say. “And in some ways, I don’t want it to be like the good old days. In fact, I don’t want it to be any day other than today. Do you know why?” She gives a shake of her head. “Because I get to do this.” Both my hands find Lexi’s cheeks, her skin wonderfully soft beneath my hands. I guide her toward me until our lips collide, steady and familiar. The motion sensor flips on, startling us, but before I can pull away, a large hulking figure rushes toward me. Lucas. I see his fist rise, but things are happening too fast for me to stop anything. It’s crashing down. Connecting with my jaw.

The next moment, Lexi screams at her brother, and I double over from the pain of his upper hook and land on my knees. The man can throw a punch. I’m just surprised my entire jaw didn’t pop out and land on the driveway. “What the hell was that?” Lexi’s voice is shrill. “Lucas!” She kneels next to me, and her cool hands are all I need pressed to my face. “I deserved that,” I tell her, easing to my feet. “For not talking to him for three years.” “Damn right, you deserved it,” Lucas says. “What makes you think you can just waltz into my house, on my birthday, with your hands all over my sister?” “I’m an adult!” Lexi yells at him, but I stop her with a wave of my hand. This is my battle. My old friend. My mess to clean up. “I have no right to walk in here like that,” I tell him, eye to eye. “But Lexi invited me over here, and I’ll do whatever I can to make her happy.” Lexi’s face turns pale as I speak. “As for you?” I give a shake of my head, my hand coming to rest on my aching jaw. Man, the bastard can punch. “I thought you were an asshole for not coming back after the injury.” “You didn’t want us there.”

“I didn’t feel like I deserved to have you there.” “That’s stupid.” “We were both stupid,” I amend. “And you hit like a bitch.” “Want me to hit you again?” Lucas asks, but this time, there’s a smile on his face. “Do you think you can still chew?” “I hope so,” I say. “Manicotti is made for unhinged jaws,” Lucas says. “Easy to swallow. Super soft.” “Excuse me, but what is happening?” Lexi asks. “Is this a male thing? Are you two okay, or should I call the cops?” I look up to Lucas, waiting for his response. I’ve made peace with my past, which is why it’s easy for me to nod along. Lucas, however, stalls. Ten seconds, twenty, then thirty. “Yeah,” he says. “We’re all good. So long as you keep your hands off my sister.” “That might be hard to do,” I say. I’m feeling honest. Lucas glances between us. “What do you think, Lexi?” “I think you should figure your shit out alone,” she says, then stomps to the house. “You guys are like a ping pong game. Can’t tell who’s winning.” Once she’s gone, Lucas shakes his head at me. “That analogy makes no sense.”

“Just laugh and grin.” Lucas holds onto his smile. “I suppose you’re right. Now are you going to come in and eat or what?” “One more thing. I’m not dating your sister yet, but I would like that to happen. And I hope she’ll agree to it sometime soon.” Lucas swings again, and I make no move to block it. This time, however, he pulls the punch just seconds before hitting me. “Don’t you dare make her cry, Hamilton.” “I plan on avoiding it at all costs,” I say. “But you know your sister as well as I do. She’s tough—I have about as much of a chance at winning an argument with her as you do finishing a cross during the playoffs.” Lucas’s eyes burn at me, but instead of a smart retort, he offers a smile. “That’s because your crosses were shit.” “It’s fine, insult my hockey years. I know you’re just upset I wasn’t Kitty in there.” “Excuse me?” “I know you were expecting to see Kitty instead of me, tonight. I’m a letdown.” Lucas gives me a skeptical eye. “She has a nicer ass.” “So does your sister.” Lucas warily glances over at me. “Don’t start.” I grin. “We’re good?”

“I said don’t push it.”

Chapter 23 LEXI The night of our date arrives with a vengeance. Work had been panic-mode busy all day, and now, finally things had begun to slow after the lunch rush. “Why are you humming?” Lucas asks, frowning with annoyance. “I’m starving.” “My humming is not going to hinder how fast these burgers are cooking.” I raise an eyebrow at him over the diner counter. “Why are you in such a hurry, anyway?” “Brad and I wanted to eat and get in a quick game of Halo before he takes off for the night.” “Have you two been having sleepovers? You know, I can suggest a nice wine pairing to go with the burgers if you’re going romantic tonight.” “Hilarious.” “Men are so strange,” I sigh, turning back to the burgers, now understanding why he ordered four. “By the way, did your sweetheart tell you his plans for tonight?” It’s ridiculous. Lucas punched Bradley two weeks ago at his birthday dinner, and now they’ve been insufferably together ever since. My wishes for reuniting the two completely backfired. I now

have no time to spend alone with my almostboyfriend. “Brad? No, he just said he was free until five. We were both hungry, so I swung by here on the way to his...er, your apartment complex.” “So, you come here, beg for scraps of food, and then eat it in front of the TV? Why don’t you both come here so we can all hang out together?” “Are you getting jealous?” Lucas leans over the counter to check on the patties. “I thought you were the one who wanted us talking again in the first place.” “Well, maybe I was wrong.” “Nah. I missed Brad.” “Huh, go figure. You missed your best friend.” I shake my head and mutter some more about the curiosities of men under my breath. “You are jealous!” Lucas holds up his finger. “You think I’m spending too much time with him now that you’re dating.” “We’re not dating yet, but we just might be after tonight.” I flip the burger patties onto their waiting buns and bring them around in front of a stunned-looking Lucas. I smirk at his expression. “What’s that supposed to mean?” he finally mumbles. “Bradley’s plans tonight include taking me out on a real date. Finally, a real live date.”

“What do I care?” “You shouldn’t care at all because I’m a grown woman.” “Where are you going on your outing?” “It’s a surprise,” I say in a singsong voice, twirling around. Finally, after months of waiting, the day has arrived. It’s been pushed back, adjusted, updated, re-arranged, and tonight, it’s happening. “I’ve been instructed to wear a nice dress and wait outside at seven p.m.” “What happens on these dates?” “You really should try it sometime,” I tell him. “It’s easy. You ask a girl out, and then take her to dinner. Usually you try to talk, have an actual conversation. If things go well, you kiss.” “Do you think things will go well tonight?” He tries for casual, but his implication is there. “Too late for that,” I tell him. “We’ve already made out.” “Give me the burgers. I don’t want to hear about this.” I push a To-Go box toward him complete with four burgers and a shake. He didn’t order the shake, but Brad always does, so I threw one in anyway. “Tell Brad I’m excited about tonight.” “I swear to God, Lex, if you make this weird I’m going to punch him again. I’ll have no choice.” “You always have a choice.”

“Fine. I’d be happy to deck you or him. There’s your choice.” I move to the other side of the counter and throw my arm around my brother, offering him a quick kiss on the cheek. “I’m joking. I’m happy you guys are back together. You will make a very adorable couple.” Lucas begins to respond, but instead picks up his burgers and heads toward the door. Before he can pull it open, Kitty presses the handle from the outside and barrels through, barely noticing that she’s almost beheaded my brother. “Are you ready or what?” she squeals, sliding onto the same seat Lucas evacuated seconds before. “Ooh, seat’s still warm.” “I know, you just missed my brother.” “Hi, Kitty,” Lucas says, doing a hundred and eighty degree spin and returning to the counter. “I didn’t see you come in, there.” “Are you serious?” I say. “She just blew right past you.” “I came here for some burgers,” Lucas says, trying to keep things calm, and failing. “Just hanging out with my friends. The usual.” Kitty’s staring at him like he’s grown extra heads. “Uh, congratulations?” This is my moment to step in both as a sister and a wing-girl. “Come on, champ,” I say, rounding the counter again and taking my brother by the

arm. He’s just barely dragging the box of hamburgers along. “Let’s get you out of here.” “Maybe I’ll stay.” “You ordered four burgers.” I put my hands on his shoulders the second we get outside. “Brad is waiting for you. Go to him.” “But—” “Take a cold shower, man. She’s my best friend.” “Apparently dating friends is now on the table.” “Your burgers will get soggy if you keep this up.” Lucas drags himself to his car, and I feel a little bad. He has a hard enough time managing to create sentences in front of Kitty; he probably doesn’t need my discouragement on top of it. I return, clap Kitty on the shoulder, and apologize for him. “I don’t think you need to apologize,” she says with a forced casual shrug. “He’s kind of cute when he’s all speechless like that.” “Not you, too,” I groan. “I’m surrounded by nutcases.” “Says the nutcase who finally has her real first date in years tonight.” “Is it really a first date if he’s already touched my butt?” “Touching your butt has nothing to do with dating. This is where you find out if you really want

to be romantic with him.” “Well, I’m pretty sure we both want—” “Not sex. Everything else. Do you want to wake up the next morning and find him staring back at you, or are you going to run for the hills?” “I think I’d know whether or not I like him. We’ve known each other for longer than we haven’t.” “Which is why you’re nervous.” “I’m not nervous.” “Really?” Kitty looks past me to the grill. “Your burger is on fire. And if you’re cooking that for me, I can’t eat it. I’m going through a vegetarian phase, remember?” “Oh, shit!” I smack at the hamburger patty with my spatula. “Sorry, I forgot.” Kitty waves her hand, as if that’ll clear the cloud of smoke blooming around us. “Don’t apologize. I came over here to give you a pep talk.” “Yeah, it worked awesomely. You’re breaking the news that I’m nervous instead of letting me ignore it like I had planned to do.” “Honey, you don’t want to go into this feeling all uptight and scared. Or you’ll act like Lucas did just now.” “Do I do that?” “Like brother, like sister,” she says with an apologetic smile. “Look, I’m just trying to get you to see things the way I see them. You and Brad are

awesome together, or at least it seems that way from the outside. You’re happy, right?” I stop to consider this. Unfortunately, I haven’t fully removed the hamburger from the grill, and another cloud of smoke blooms behind me. I string a series of curse words together and smack some more until everything is put out. Kitty comes behind the counter and shuts off the stove, unties the apron around my waist, and brings me around to the customer side. “Rick will be here in a minute,” she says. “You’re done for the day. But you didn’t answer my question. Are you happy?” “I am.” The words come out before I’m even aware I’m saying them, and it gives me a moment of pause. “Wow, I really am.” “I know you are. You look happy. You act happy. You seem happy. Which is how I know this is right for you, and for Brad. He’s happy, too.” “You think?” “I know.” Kitty shrugs. “You’re nervous about what happens if you two decide to put a label on it. You know, girlfriend and boyfriend. You’ll have to introduce him to Lucas, your family, to everyone as your boyfriend. You’re comfortable being friends. This is new.” “Sort of,” I admit. “What if we get together for awhile, and then it doesn’t work out? I lose a best friend and a boyfriend.”

“Or, by taking a chance, you’ll gain one of each for life.” “I suppose. That’s a scary thought.” “Do more of what makes you happy,” Kitty quotes. “If that’s spending time with Bradley, you have your answer.” “I really like him.” I face Kitty, and my heart pounds hard. “I really, really like him. I almost love him.” Kitty gives me a patient smile. “I have a sneaking suspicion you may discover that you’ve already loved him for years and years.” I blink, startled. “What?” Kitty gives my shoulder a squeeze. “That’s why it’s already too late to turn back. I’m not even sure you ever had a chance. He’s been looking at you with stars in his eyes since before you had boobs.” “You don’t remember that.” “Was your mom surprised when you brought him to the birthday dinner?” She doesn’t need to wait for an answer because I’ve already told her the story three different times. “She wasn’t. Know why? Because she knew, like everyone else, that the two of you were meant to be love birds since he pulled your pigtails.” “He never pulled my pigtails. I looked ugly in pigtails.” “It’s an expression. Whacked you in the face with a snowball, tripped you during tag, kicked

your butt in a hockey game...” “Yeah, all those things,” I say. “But what if he gets tired of me? Or if things change once we’re official?” “Seriously, woman! You are hard to pep talk,” Kitty sighs with frustration. “You guys have been hanging out for weeks—months! You have years of history with the man. People get married on far less than what you two have.” “You’re right, you’re right. This just... it feels big.” “Yeah, it does,” Kitty says with a cheesy grin. “I’m sure it’s plenty big.” “Shut up.” “Oh, come on, surely you’ve wondered by now.” “Oh, Kitty,” I say, shaking my head with fauxexasperation. “I don’t have to wonder.” It’s her turn to open her mouth and go speechless. “What have you done, missy?” “Nothing you wouldn’t have done!” “Speak!” “Making out on the couch in pajamas is a pretty good indication of what to expect, okay?” Kitty fans herself. “Well, have fun tonight, my friend. I guess you’ve got all the pep you need.” I wave her away and stand. “Get out of here, I have to finish cooking.”

“Nope, I’m cooking until Rick arrives.” Kitty pushes up the sleeves of her gauzy, hippie outfit. “Move along and get ready for tonight.” “Do you know where we’re going?” I round on her, suddenly suspicious. “Has Brad talked about this to you? Has he told Lucas?” Kitty tries, and fails, to look innocent. “Not really.” “Yeah, right. Where are we going?” I step so close to her I can smell the rose-water she uses to wash her face. She’s fancy like that. “Come on, spill the beans.” She raises a hand, zips her lips shut. “I promised not to tell.” “But you want to.” “I do.” “So, dish!” “I can’t,” she squeaks an apology. “But it’s so adorable you’ll love it.” “Give me a hint.” Kitty takes my hands in hers and squeezes. “You’ll love it.” “That’s not a hint.” “No, but it’ll do for now. Go get ready.” Thankfully, Rick walks in the door at that very moment. No way could I have left Kitty to watch over the joint—it’d go down in flames within seconds.

“Hey, thanks so much for covering tonight,” I tell Rick as I rush to gather my things. “I really appreciate it.” “Anytime,” he says. “Have fun on your date.” “Thanks!” I call over my shoulder as I rush out the door. It’s only once I’m swinging my purse into the passenger’s seat of the car, I wonder how everyone in the world knows more about this date than me.

Chapter 24 LEXI I’m standing outside our apartment complex trying not to sweat through my new dress. I don’t know why Brad couldn’t have just walked across the hallway and picked me up at the door. Waiting outside like this brings on a whole new level of nerves—so formal, so contrived. Nothing like the way we used to run in and out of each other’s houses without warning. More mornings than not, I’d find Brad eating breakfast with Lucas, the pair slurping their cereal before my mom shoved them both into the car and hauled us all to school. In the summers, our doors had hung wide open. We knew where the spare keys were to each house, and a locked door had never kept us out. I’d once gone into Brad’s bedroom when his family wasn’t home to grab a spare sweatshirt when all of mine were dirty. Hence the reason this waiting outside is so unsettling. We’ve never had any sort of formality in our lives before, not where Brad and I are concerned, and it doesn’t feel natural. A limo pulls up, and I look past it. Bradley’s car is still parked in the lot, so I’m half wondering if he’s still inside his apartment getting ready. Maybe

he forgot about tonight. Maybe he’s so wrapped up in Halo with my brother that he lost interest in the romantic part of the evening. Maybe— “Brad?” I look down through the window of the limousine. “What are you doing in there?” He opens the door to the limo, dressed head to toe in a suit that makes him look like a movie star. I could check him out all day, and it would still never be enough. “You look beautiful,” Brad says, his voice hoarse as he reaches for my hand, then spins me in a circle. “Which is why I’m afraid to ask you to change.” “Change?” My heart leaps into my throat as I consider the possibilities of where I’d gone wrong. A hole in my dress. Toilet paper stuck to my foot. Too sexy of an outfit for where we’re going. Not sexy enough. Before I reach a conclusion, he adds an explanation. “I brought you something.” I glance down at my new dress, dismayed it’s not doing the trick. I’d come this close to not cutting the tags off, but at the last second, I’d snipped them away. Now, I’m stuck with the dress and the eighty-dollar price tag. My complaint dies on my lips when Brad pulls out a dress covered by a plastic bag. I recognize the bag. I recognize the bottom edges of the dress

peeking out. I recognize everything because it’s the very dress I wore to prom. “Where did you find that?” I gape, letting the silky silver material run over my fingers. “I haven’t seen this in a decade.” “Neither have I,” he says. “Though I’ve daydreamed about it some.” “What?” “On the roof, the night of our first kiss...” I’m so struck by the words ‘our first kiss’ that I lose whatever he says next. Our first kiss. It feels so romantic and big and fantastic. “...when we were talking about high school, and all the years we spent dancing around our feelings for one another,” he continues, waiting until I raise my gaze to his eyes. “So with a little help from your friends, I think I re-created the evening.” “What evening?” “Prom!” “I don’t understand.” “There are so many things I’d change about that night. And the nights following it, and the nights before it.” “Like what?” “I would pull you into my arms, hold you all night long. I would savor the slow dances and feed you chocolate covered strawberries. Then, at the end of the night, I would kiss you.” “And?”

“And whatever else you let me get away with,” he says on a grin. “Look, it’s nothing fancy. Lucas asked your mom for the dress, and Sasha and Kitty helped me with the details.” “Where are we headed?” “Some things have to be a surprise. Why don’t you find out?” That’s how I ended up in a limo with Bradley Hamilton headed to a second chance prom on our very first date. “This version of prom is way better,” I tell him, holding up the bottle of champagne chilling in the backseat. “We’re legal now.” “You say that as if it changes things.” “It does! I didn’t drink in high school.” Brad tips his head to the side, studies me. “That’s right. I forgot—you were a good girl.” “Was I?” I slide closer to him on the seat and loop my foot over his. “Or is that just what I let you think?” His breath hisses as he rests a hand on my exposed thigh. My red dress slides up as I scoot over on the seat, and his hand inches up, a little too high, until I cross my legs and his fingers slide away. “You're going to make this night difficult, aren’t you?” he murmurs. “I had everything planned—the chocolate fountain, the dances, the drinks...and all I

want to do is turn this car around and take you home.” “Good thing we’re finally going on this damn date. Maybe we’re both sick of waiting by now, ever think of that?” “What’s that supposed to mean?” I wink. “I’ll let you figure it out.” “Oh.” “Maybe I just let you think I was a good girl.” “It’s a good thing you didn’t let me have you in high school.” “Why’s that?” Bradley pauses, pulls the bottle of champagne from my hands, and smoothly pops the cork. He pours two glasses, hands me one, and we clink. He gives me a downright dirty smile as he leans in, smelling of fresh aftershave and bubbly. Tingles race across my spine as he murmurs into my ear. “I wanted you in high school, so badly,” he says. “But I couldn’t have done justice to the way I feel about you.” “And now?” His hand reaches to cup my face and drag it toward him. He captures my mouth in a kiss, and my heart with a touch. A caress down my arm, a nip of my lip. The things he’s doing have me ready to call this date complete and head home. When he pulls back, he’s watching me. My breathing is ragged and my eyes are probably all

glazed over. “There’s your answer,” he says. “Come on, we’re here.” He thanks the limo driver, then helps me out of the car. We’re both still clutching our champagne glasses, but he’s also got the bottle and the dress in his hands, while I tuck my clutch under my arm. It takes me a second to get my bearings and, when I look up, I almost choke on my own saliva. “What is this?” “I killed myself for weeks, months trying to find some place to take you that has the best food in the city. Or the most stunning views. Or the most elegant decor. I struck out on everything.” “Brad, I’m simple. I told you not to sweat—” “Then, I came here and had your waffles. It hit me that no restaurant would ever impress you. Because your food is the best.” “I’m no chef, Brad, you don’t have to say that. I run a diner.” “And it’s the best food I’ve ever eaten,” he says again. “I have eaten everything on your menu —” “—except the oatmeal.” “I’m getting to it,” he says with a grin. “So, consider me an expert.” “But it’s dark, and... closed?” “I took care of your employees and paid them to take the night off,” Brad says. “Money’s not the

issue. I’ll fund whatever revenue you would’ve missed.” “That’s not important! It’s just—” “Before you say anything more, come and look.” Bradley takes my hand and pulls me up the familiar steps. However, when we move through the front door, nothing about Minnie’s is familiar. The tables have all been pushed to the sides and decorated with bouquets of fresh flowers. Lights dangle from the ceiling, little bulbs of fallen stars that give the room a fuzzy glow. The diner counter has been made into a buffet style platform that includes bits of fancy finger foods, a chocolate fountain, and a petite ice cream bar for dessert. There’s a computer and pseudo DJ station set up on one abandoned table, and a sparkling disco ball behind it. Streamers hang around a makeshift dance floor in the center of it all. “You did this for me?” I look around the room. “All of this for one date?” “I had help. Your brother, Kitty and Sasha—” “It’s perfect.” I turn to face him. “I love it. This is so much better than a fancy restaurant.” “Are you sure?” His face crumples some in uncertainty. “Because you deserve the best, and I wanted to make you happy. But this just seemed...personal.”

“It is so personal.” I take a few steps across the room, raise my hands to his face, and press a kiss to his cheeks. “We’ve never been hoity toity before, and I don’t think we should start now. This is us.” “Then, may I have a dance?” “First things first,” I say, swigging the last of my champagne before setting down my clutch and dragging the dress out of his arms. “Let me get changed.”

Chapter 25 LEXI “This is ten times better than I imagined.” I’m alone in the office, or thought I was until the sound of Brad’s voice right next to my ear sends my spine shooting ramrod straight. “What are you doing in here?” I screech, clutching my hands over my chest. It’s not only a futile action, but it’s silly. I mean, the man has touched my boobs. Modesty is overrated at this point. “You left the door open!” “I didn’t know you’d be wandering around!” “Well, I happened to wander by and liked what I saw.” Bradley’s eyes darken as he moves close to me, stepping through the door of my office. It’s a tiny space the size of a large walk-in closet, but I don’t spend all that much time in it. There’s an over-sized chair, a couch that I’ve napped on during long shifts, and a wooden desk and computer setup. It’s cozy, and I have it decorated with pictures of people who’ve stopped into the restaurant while passing through the city. Famous people, infamous people, and regular folks. Barb has her face on the wall, and so does the Italian family that smuggles booze in here with their chess boards.

But Bradley’s not looking at my cozy setup, he’s looking at the lingerie I may have bought specifically for our date. I’ve been holding onto it for weeks now, and by the look in his eyes, the wait has been worth it. He stares at me through pools of soft chocolate, a shade I’ve never seen on him before. He’s not the goofy kid who grew up next to me, nor is he the man who turned an elevator ride into a sauna with a single steamy kiss. Neither is he the determined businessman who started a gym from the ground up, nor the shy part of Brad who finally asked me on a date. This Bradley Hamilton is a mix of them all—the old and the new, the timid and the bold. When he steps into the room, his arms reach for me, and I sink into them like I belong. His fingers trail over my skin and send sensitive tremors rattling through me. He finds the thin patches of fabric on my bra, and the itty bits of lace on the panties that match. We don’t kiss, don’t speak, just explore. It’s unfair, really, because I’m next to naked, and he’s fully clothed. But the sensations he’s launched are too intense for me to resist, and I let him carry me away. “Come on,” he says, finally. “I want that dance with you, and if you don’t put some clothes on, it’ll never happen.”

I whimper in dismay, but he’s right. We’ve technically started the date, but we haven’t actually done anything with it. “Brad,” I say, trying for innocent. “Do you remember my rule?” “Rule?” “I said we should hold off sleeping together until we were sure this was going to work. And, of course, until we had a date.” “Right.” “Well, what do you think?” “Think?” He blinks. “About which part?” “Do you think you want to be with me?” His lips part, and he stares at me with blatant shock. “Are you kidding? I’ve barely slept in weeks trying to get tonight perfect so I wouldn’t blow my chance with you. I will do anything to be with you, Lexi. Anything.” “Right, so...” “Do you feel the same?” The shy side of him appears now, a hint of doubt shimmering below the surface. “We don’t have to have sex tonight, Lexi, that was never my intention to rush you into something you’re not ready for.” “Actually...” I grab his hand and play with the ends of his fingers as I try to find an eloquent way to voice my thoughts. “I was wondering how long into this evening qualifies as us having our date, and then subsequently being done with it.” “You want to end our date now?”

“No! Well, yes,” I say, and grin, a sudden realization dawning on me. “I want to end this date, Brad because it’s not for us. It’s too formal, and I’ve been nervous all day.” “Me too.” “Can we just be us? You and me?” “We are! It always has been, just you and me.” “And no more rules about sleeping together,” I offer, though it’s probably too late for that, now. “When the time’s right, the time’s right.” Bradley’s face turns a little more red, and he rubs a hand across his forehead. “Fantastic.” “What? Why do you seem disappointed?” “I’m not disappointed, dammit, I can’t believe you told me that now.” “What’s the problem with now?” “You’re still half naked!” I look down at myself, then look up at him. “You’re clothed. That’s a problem.” “We really should dance,” he says through gritted teeth. “And eat the food.” “But...” I eye the couch lovingly. “Don’t you dare tempt me, sweetheart, or you’ll be on your back before you can say my name.” “Brad.” It takes a split second for the challenge to sink in, but when it does, his eyes flash with a radiance I’ve never seen before. The sun, the stars, the

depths of him all leaping into action as he scoops me up and together we tumble toward the couch. He cradles me in his arms, tucking me to his chest as I land on my back, just as he predicted. His fingers smooth my hair as he adjusts over me, his weight the perfect heaviness against me. My hands reach for him, circle his neck as he pulls back ever so slightly. Just enough for him to look, smile, touch. “I’ve waited so long for this,” he murmurs, his words velvety against my cheek. “I need to have you, Lexi.” “I know.” “Not now, later. Now, I’m going to show you what you’ve been missing all these years.” “What? Bradley! Where are you going?” I stop talking as his hands smooth down my sides, one of them resting on my stomach as he leaves a dusting of kisses over my skin. “Oh, that’s nice.” He laughs, which has me a little confused. I’m not very good at dirty talking, or talking in bed at all, really, so I can’t tell if he’s laughing at me, or laughing with me. “What’s so funny?” “It’s not funny. I’m glad you like it,” he says, then gives me a dark grin. “But it’s cute because I haven’t even gotten started.” “Oh.”

And then a few minutes later, I realize why that was so funny. The things that man can do with a brush of his hand, a tilt of his head, a touch of his tongue have my stomach clenching in knots. My own head seems to have thrown itself backwards as my body arches toward him, and I’m gasping for him to slow down. “I need you,” I tell him. Then, to clarify, I add, “Up here. Come up here and kiss me.” “Not yet, sweetheart.” He pauses just long enough to watch my expression, a determination on his face that I’ve seen before, during sporting matches and other competitions. “This is all about you.” “But—” “Is it working?” “God, yes,” I whisper. “Please don’t ever stop.” “That’s music to my ears.” His hand slides up past my hip before he drags his thumb across my stomach. I watch his face, and it’s like he’s savoring every moment. Every breath, every hitch in my words, every syllable of his name. I’ve never in my life felt so precious and so wanted, and if he wasn’t busy doing fantastic things that I’ve never felt before, I’d hold onto him and never let go. “Carry on,” I encourage, since he seems to be pausing to watch me. “I mean, if you feel like it.”

“I thought you told me you didn’t like to talk in bed.” “When did I say that?” “A long time ago.” He bites down on his lower lip. “I remember things like that.” “Yeah, well, we’re not in bed.” “No, we’re not. So tell me, what do you think about this?” He lowers his head and lands a kiss that blanks my mind. He repeats the question, and I sort of gurgle. “I take that as a good sign?” “Yes, please, thank-you,” I pant. “Everything.” “More?” “Please stop talking. Either come up here, or —” He chose the or option, and he chose it so quickly I didn’t even have time to finish my ultimatum. In that moment, my panties vanished, he found my core, and the rest of my thoughts disappeared. His hands, his tongue. Every stroke and swirl, every lick and touch. My hips rise, his fingers pulse. His hands grip my hips, fingers digging into my skin as he adjusts the angle to one that sends my mind into a freefall. At this, his name spills from my lips, and I can’t stop the onslaught of pleasure rocking through me. He guides me over the first wave, and then more, and more, and so many more that I’m spent when

he finally pulls me into his arms and cradles me on the couch. I’m hyper-sensitive in the aftermath of that beautiful wonderful magic he worked, and the couch feels suddenly scratchy. My skin burns with pleasure. But Bradley’s body is blissfully soft, and I sink into it as we still, curled on the couch. “Oh, Brad,” I sigh after a few minutes, swiveling around to face him. “I’m so sorry.” “What?” He moves to rest on his elbow, that gorgeous face staring down at mine. “What’s wrong? Didn’t you like it?” “No, the opposite!” My finger traces circles against his deliciously firm chest. “But the enjoyment was very one-sided.” “You didn’t enjoy it?” “No, I did. I mean I didn’t get to return the favor.” “I believe I enjoyed it even more than you.” “Nope.” I shake my head, feeling pretty darn confident in my response. “That can’t possibly be true. I think I might’ve achieved nirvana.” One of his eyebrows twitches up, a grin dancing on his lips. “In that case, you’ve made me the happiest man alive.” “Well, you’re easy to please,” I tell him. “Want to do it again?” “You’re insatiable.” “I’m joking!”

“I’m not,” he says. “But let’s eat first. I’m starved.”

Chapter 26 LEXI “I can’t believe I still fit in this thing. Especially after all this food.” “Did you like the menu?” “Yes! Is it from that little place next to the arena on the river?” “The very one,” Bradley says with a grin. “I can’t believe you remembered.” “Didn’t we go out to eat there before our first prom?” “Yes, we did,” he says. “With your brother, and Kitty, and half the high school, it seems.” “Do you remember...” I lean in with a conspiratorial wink... “We both pocketed about ten of the mints on the way out without saying anything to each other?” “That’s how we should’ve known us getting together was fate. Nobody else bothered to steal the mints.” “It’s not stealing, they’re free dessert.” “We had no money back then.” He shakes his head. “So broke. But it was sort of fun, I guess.” “I ordered the salad. I hate salad, but it was the only entree under thirty bucks.” “I made you order an entree. We were going to split appetizers again, but my mother would’ve beat

me over the head if I didn’t make sure my date was well fed.” “Well, you did good. Where’d the money come from, anyway? It still ran us like fifty bucks.” “I mowed lawns for half the summer.” I flinch. “Sorry. I probably could’ve mowed a lawn or two in there to help you out.” “Every blade of grass was worth it if it led us here.” “We took such an odd path to get here.” “I’d call it unique.” “We’ll have some history to tell our...” I almost said kids, but I stop myself just short of a huge awkward moment. I imagine we’re basically a couple right now, but going from one orgasm to starting a family is escalating things mighty fast. “Friends,” I correct. “When they find out, if they find out—er, forget it.” “Were you going to say a family?” he asks, his voice quiet and completely even. “I don’t know what I was going to say.” “Don’t mumble. Look up at me. What were you going to say?” I raise my eyes to meet his, and find crystal clear brown gems watching me. “Yes,” I admit. “Fine. I was going to say kids. Like, a figure of speech. I didn’t mean literally, I meant—” “Do you want kids?” “What?”

“Answer me.” “Yes,” I say, my voice rising a little at his insistence. I didn’t want to bring this up tonight, but if he’s going to press, I won’t lie. “I want kids, and a family. Maybe a dog, but that might be too much. Who knows?” There’s a quiet hint of amusement in his eyes, but no signs of judgment. If anything, he seems tickled pink at my outburst. “What else do you want?” “What more is there? I mean, I suppose it goes without saying that if I want a family, I want the man, the husband, the father to go with it, but other than that I’m happy. I have my diner, and that makes me happy, too. What more is there?” “Me.” I shake my head. “Can we just put a pin in this conversation for now? I really don’t want to be the crazy lady bringing up kids on our first date.” “I don’t think you’re even on the spectrum of crazy,” he says. “Unless we’re talking crazy gorgeous or crazy passionate. And I think you’re crazy smart and crazy to be here with me. I don’t know what I did to deserve another shot with you, but, Lexi...” He reaches out, holds my hand in his. My heart pitter-patters against my chest. This may have started out as banter, but it’s launched a

whole new facet of this, of us, and my chest constricts with the sincerity in his voice. He gives me an almost weary gaze before making his confession. “I think I’m crazy in love with you.” I still, my hands going limp in his as I process. In love. Love. The big L word. My brain knows I should say something back, but it’s not functioning properly, and my mouth is no help at all. “But this is our first date,” I say. “Isn’t it too fast?” “This isn’t our first date. Maybe on paper it is, but without knowing it, I’ve had my sights set on you our whole life. I always knew you’d be the perfect woman for me—that was never the question. What I didn’t know was whether or not I deserved you.” “Of course you do, Brad, we deserve each other!” “I still don’t feel like I deserve you most days, but I’m going to do my damndest to change that.” He slides his stool closer and wraps one arm behind my back so it rests just above my waist. “You make me want to be better, act better, do things the right way.” He pauses for a breath, and I use the opportunity to take a sip of wine. My head is spinning.

“It wasn’t easy asking you out in the elevator after I’d been such a jerk to you. You had every reason to ignore me, or worse. But you didn’t. That’s why you’re so amazing. You’re one of a kind, and that day, I decided if I didn’t throw my hat in the ring and show you the very best side of Bradley Hamilton I could, I might lose you forever.” “You have never needed to show me your best side,” I tell him. “I’ve always appreciated all sides of you. The funny, the angry, the competitive, the tender.” “Tender side?” he says, with a teasing raised eyebrow. “Tell me more about this tender side.” “The teasing side,” I add, leaning in and planting a kiss on his cheek. “The handsome side, the protective side, the chaste side who waited twenty damn years to show me what the hell I was missing in bed.” “Ten years,” he amends. “It’s still too long.” “And we haven’t even scratched the surface,” he says. “Consider that the appetizer.” “I think I’m ready for the full course meal.” “No.” Then he looks surprised, as if this wasn’t the answer he’d expected to come out of his mouth. “I mean, I want you more than anything in this world. I have been going insane these last few

weeks. I swear I’ve lost weight from being turned on around the clock.” “Well, I apologize to your penis.” He laughs, and pulls me close. “This is why I love you. We can have a serious moment, or a...” he clears his throat. “Tender one, and you still know how to make me laugh.” “Either that, or I’m not very funny, and you just have a bad sense of humor.” He laughs again, takes me by the hand. “Come on, let’s dance.” “But what about the full course meal?” I whine. “I’m very tempted by your offer. You’ve made it sound irresistible.” He brings me into his arms, and we shuffle awkwardly across the room so he can flip on one of the slow songs that’d been popular in our high school days. “I’m building up the anticipation.” “We’ve anticipated so much these last few weeks. I’m done anticipating.” “Remember what I said about tonight?” “You said a lot of things about tonight.” “The part about me wanting to do things differently tonight. All the things I wouldn’t do in high school.” “Oh, yeah. That. Right.” We start swaying to the music, and his hands begin in a very chaste place on my back. As the bars of the song progress, he eases his hands down

behind my butt and gives a gentle squeeze as he pulls me close. “If you’d given me a single indication that you were interested in me as more than a friend in high school,” he says, pausing to close his eyes as he runs his hands over my hips. “God, you feel good.” “I think you lost your train of thought.” “Right. High school. I would’ve ditched prom before dinner and taken you to bed. Hell, I would’ve broken into a spare classroom and taken you there.” “Gee, that’s romantic.” “You don’t know the bounds of a teenage male’s hormones.” I grin. “You know, I’m not sure I would’ve been entirely opposed. I mean, I had no clue what I was doing back then...” I hesitate, clear my throat. “Not that I consider myself an expert these days, but I imagine that night would’ve gone quite differently than in our heads.” “You don’t consider yourself an expert?” he says in a strangled voice. “Honey, please. Can’t you feel what you do to me?” Pressed together, his firm length against my stomach, I sigh and lean further into him. “I thought that was teenage boy hormones. Maybe they never left.” “These are all adult, sweetheart. And tonight, I’m not going to rush a second of it. We’re going to

dance, and drink wine, and kiss. We’re going to take things so slow you’ll be begging for me to take you home.” “Is that right?” I’m already feeling a little light headed, and the thought of begging might have crossed my mind. “That’s willpower.” “I’ve been training my whole life.” I laugh at the image, and drop my head to his chest. We move in slow circles together, clinging to one another, fighting the end of the song. As if the last chords ringing out might break whatever magic has bloomed between us this evening. “Lexi,” he murmurs against my hair. “I have waited so long to tell you I love you.” “Bradley—” “Don’t say anything back, not yet, but whenever you’re ready. If you’re ready.” The song winds to a close as Bradley dips me low to the floor, his lips teasing mine with sweet little kisses. When he rights us again, he’s smiling. “You look so beautiful.” “Bradley, I—” I’m ready to say I love you too, but he interrupts my proclamation by gesturing to the chocolate fountain. “Remember prom?” he says. “You got a paper cup and tried to fill it with chocolate.” “Got a smudge on my dress,” I add with a grin. “My mom was pissed, but it looks like it came out.”

I glance down at the silvery gown that somehow still fits me. It’s a little tight around the boobs and the hips, but thankfully it’s flowy enough to slide over the rest of the curves that came further along into adulthood. “Oh, shit, I completely forgot.” Without an explanation, Bradley disappears into the office for a moment, and when he returns, he’s carrying a corsage. “I meant to give this to you right away, but...” “You undressed me instead of dressing me.” He winces. “I guess I’m not as patient as I thought.” “Are you kidding me?” I shiver as his hand touches mine, sliding the corsage into place. “You have the patience of a saint. You let me have all the fun. Speaking of fun, is our date over yet? I hate to be a spoilsport, but I think we have somewhere to be.” I step toward him, trying out that eyelash fluttering thing that seems to work so well for some women. Apparently, it doesn’t work well for me because he reaches behind me for the open bottle of wine and pours us both a glass. “One more drink,” he says. “And a last dance. Then, we can conclude our date.”

Chapter 27 LEXI One drink led to two more, a few hours more of dancing, and so much laughter my stomach aches. I’d given up trying to tempt him into leaving because it had not worked at all. Also, I’d been having too much fun to leave. No matter how much I look forward to later, I refuse to rush the present. The present, as it turns out, is a wonderful place to be. Especially now that we’re locking up the restaurant and stumbling down the front steps. “It’s the shoes,” I say, kicking off my heels. “Not the wine.” “We’ve had three glasses over what... eight hours? I hope it’s not the wine.” Bradley extends an arm to me, but I forego it and jump onto his back. My shoes dangle from my hand and my arms wrap around his neck. “Just like old times,” I murmur against his ear. “Thanks for the ride, Mr. Hamilton.” We giggle and traipse the short distance toward home, taking our time to admire the freshly blooming lilacs, the bright stars shining down at us. The sun will be here soon, and for once, I want dawn to stay away.

Somewhere in the stars, I’ve discovered that I’m in love. And I don’t want it to ever go away. When we reach our block, he sets me down and runs an arm over my shoulder. “Lexi.” “Hmm?” “Earlier tonight, you mentioned you wanted to have a family. A husband, a house, all of that.” “Yeah, but I wasn’t trying to pressure you into —” “Do you see me in that picture?” “Sorry?” “The husband, the dad, the partner in crime. Can you see me in that role?” “I haven’t...” “Don’t tell me you haven’t thought about it.” “Yes,” I tell him, and it’s a burst of truth that I can’t seem to stop. “Okay? Yes. I’ve thought about it, and I’ve always had a tiny bubble inside of me that wanted us to end up together, but I never thought it would happen. So I tucked it away, deep inside, and did my best not to think about it.” “But it’s still there?” “Yes,” I tell him, and my voice is a little choked up. “You brought it back, you jerk. I tried for years to not think about it, and now it’s back.” “Stop fighting it.” “How? Why? What if you decide I’m not the one for you?”

“Dammit, Lexi, have I not made myself clear? If you wanted to get married tomorrow, I’d marry you. I know what I want, I always have. It’s very clear to me. I’ve been waiting for you to decide.” “For me?” “For you. I know it’s not reasonable to ask you to marry me now, but I don’t think it was too soon for me to tell you say I’m in love with you. This isn’t our first date, Lexi Monroe. Every moment we’ve spent together has been leading to this moment.” “But we only kissed for the first time, like, two months ago.” “And our chemistry is not the issue,” he says, raising a hand in frustration. “You have me on the verge of exploding anytime you’re in the room. It’s not just about sex, it’s about everything else.” “I know that.” “And I’ve gotten to know all the other stuff. I know you buy bulk Oreos when you’re stressed, and instead of dealing with a problem you’ll run to Costco to procrastinate and hunt samples.” “I don’t do that as much...anymore.” “You did last week.” “I’m allowed once a month.” “I know that you love your parents, but you’re okay to see them on holidays, birthdays, and a few other occasions. Too much, and your mother tries to treat you like her little girl again.”

“I’ll give you that one.” “I know you’re impossibly close with your brother, and he’ll rip my balls off if I do anything to hurt you.” Another smile. “Fine, but those are obvious things.” “I know that when you said my name on that couch earlier tonight, it was the sexiest thing in this world,” he says, his eyes darkening. “And I know that when I’m finally inside you, everything will be right in my life.” My stomach is on fire. Every tendril of me is burning for him, and I realize that he’s right. He knows me...inside and out. Intimately. Publicly. When I’m stressed and tired and angry and sad. He’s been there for it all, and this is us, picking up right where we left off. “Come on,” I say, taking his hand. “Let’s go inside.” We make it through the front doors, the tension crackling around us, electric currents sizzling through the air. We’re barely touching, but that’s the sexiest part of it all. Bradley punches the elevator button with enough force to jam a lesser man’s finger, and I can see that he’s ready. I gulp for oxygen. This moment has been so long in coming. What if I am horrible? What if I choke? What if...

“Stop thinking so much,” he growls, pulling me into the elevator. “Yes, I even know the way your brain works.” The doors ding shut, and we begin our ascent. “Okay, then,” I tell him, a bit of pink in my cheeks as I fight back the embarrassment. There’ll be no hiding anything from him; I can see that right now. “If you’re so smart, tell me what I’m thinking.” Bradley’s eyes flash to me, quick for a second, and then stall. Linger there. He looks puzzled, as if he’s not quite sure what’s on my mind, and I can tell he doesn’t like it. “You never answered my question,” he says, changing the subject, his voice nearly hoarse. “Do you see me in your life?” “I answered your question. I said yes.” “Fine. But do you want me there?” “Yes, dammit!” I explode. “I’ve always loved you, Brad. I want you in my life. I want you to kiss me senseless, and then take me to bed and finish what you started. And then I want you to cook me breakfast in the morning.” “And the morning after, and the morning after?” He steps close, backing me against the elevator wall. “And then marry you, and sweep you away on our honeymoon, and then make babies together?” I’m a melted puddle of goo at this because it is what I want, and I’ve never gotten the courage to

tell him, or to tell anyone for that matter. I’m not even sure I knew myself, but now that it’s clear— it’s crystal clear. I can’t manage to speak, so I nod. Then the doors slide open to reveal an empty hallway. I step out first, but apparently, I’m not moving fast enough because Bradley scoops me into his arms and marches me to his apartment. He unlocks the door, kicks it open, and slams it behind him. We continue straight on through to the bedroom where I’ve laid many times before as a buddy, a friend. When Bradley lays me on the bed, there’s nothing platonic about his expression; it’s every bit primal. “I need to have you,” he murmurs. “But I’m going to make sure this is slow and perfect for you. The first time.” “You already made things perfect for me,” I murmur, letting out a gasp as his hand touches my thigh, slides my dress high. “Why wait? We can go slow the next time.” “I’m going to leave your dress on,” he says. “For now. If I see you naked, my patience will vanish.” “Whatever you need.” My head rests on the pillows, his bed soft as clouds. I’m in heaven, now, I’m sure of it. This is bliss. “But take off your shirt.”

“You’re fine to go again?” he asks, unbuttoning it slowly. “It’s been five hours! I’ve been ready for four hours and fifty-eight minutes.” “Well, then, let’s not wait a second longer, shall we?” My eyes clench shut as he begins to touch, to stroke, to caress. Already, it’s almost familiar how he moves, how he kisses, how he gives and takes, pushes and pulls. He always gives more than he takes, always slows when things burn too bright. When his finger dips inside me, I can’t hold back a sharp breath. It’s true, what he says—he knows me so well, every inch of me. Knows how to move, what to say, how to touch, and it drives me into a state of panicked frenzy that’s more intense than anything I’ve experienced in this world. “Bradley,” I say, my voice ragged. “Please, stop.” “Stop?” He gives me an evil grin and withdraws, leaving me breathless and empty. At my horrified look, he shrugs. “You said stop.” “I didn’t mean stop completely,” I cry, enraged. “You know what I mean. Let me hold you.” Something in my voice cracks, and it must do the trick because Bradley nods. He gently, carefully runs a hand up my thigh, a few more strokes as he leans forward to kiss me.

I’m wound in knots as our lips meet, sensual and needy and utterly delicious. His hand works circles below, while his tongue takes me from above. I rise to meet him, holding onto his back as my nails dig into his skin. If anything, it brings us closer, tighter, more intimate. “I have waited for so long to have you,” he murmurs against my ear. “I can’t believe it’s happening.” “Brad, listen, look.” I pull him just a hair away from me because he’s got my feelings so twisted, turned inside out and vulnerable, that I’m on the verge of tears. My skin is so sensitive to the touch the slightest whisper of wind would scorch me. “I love you. I want you, I need you, and I want this to last. Forever.” His face crumbles, any sign of patience fading to the background. This piece of Bradley Hamilton, the rawness of his spirit, finally shows. Everything. I’m speechless, he’s quiet, and eventually, he strips me out of my clothes, and he follows suit. Then, he reaches for a foil wrapper. I’m holding onto his shoulders, struggling for air when he nudges my entrance, poised there as we lock eyes. He holds there, against me. I’m trembling for him, and his eyes are the darkest shade of brown. I can barely hold his arms for how badly I’m shaking,

and when he presses inside, slowly, inch by inch, I close my eyes and let the sensations take over. We share a gasp, an inhalation, the wonder of how perfect we feel together. There’s a joy and an intensity all wrapped into one, and I can’t help my eyes stinging with the anticipation of it all, finally rushing to a close. “Sweetheart,” he says, leaning close. “Why are you crying?” “I’m not,” I say, my voice a rasp. “It’s just so perfect.” He smiles, gentle and sweet, and pulls back. Then pushes and pulls, pushes and pulls. We fit together in a way that only two souls meant for each other can, and when he eases his body over mine, covering me completely, I let out a sigh that’s been held back for years. “You are incredible,” he says through gritted teeth. “I’m not going to last long.” “Despite a lifetime of training?” He pauses, and then realizing the joke, laughs. “Despite a lifetime of training, you have ruined me.” My hands come up, twine through his hair. “You ruined me the day I met you, Bradley Hamilton.” Then his hands grip my hips and jerk me upward, and the incredible sensations bring a silence over both of us. I latch on with whatever

strength I can muster as he drives us now, faster and faster, escalating every second like it’ll be the last. The crest looms before us as he rocks us harder, deeper. I arch upward, out of control. My fingers tear at the sheets, claw at his back. His mouth brushes my neck, my lips, and as both of us clamor for the brink of everything, he locks his lips with mine and swallows my cries of desperate need. We finish together, riding out the last of the waves, easing gently into a blissful calm, and it’s official. My mind has exploded. “Sweet Jesus.” Bradley collapses onto the bed and drags me onto his chest. He nuzzles against my neck. “That was insane.” “Incredible.” “I knew it would be fantastic, but that...” I stretch, basking in the comfort of his arms, curled together at last. “I’m not leaving tonight.” “Or in the morning.” “Oh, shit. The morning. I have to work, and the diner is a disaster—” “Took care of it,” Bradley says. Then, with a naughty little nip on my neck, he pulls me tight against him. Somehow, he feels ready again. So soon. I’m still swimming in the aftershocks of the first time. “You took care of it?”

“Rick is opening, and the girls are going to help him clean up,” he murmurs. “You didn’t think I’d let you get up and leave in the morning, did you?” I blink. “Um.” “Sweetheart, now that you’ve opened the floodgates,” he says, perching on his elbows and trailing kisses across my cheek. “The fun has just begun.”

Chapter 28 BRADLEY “No. No, please,” I groan, waving my hand frantically over the toaster. “Shit. Stop. Please go away.” No amount of praying, bargaining, or cursing, will stop the smoke from rising. Unfortunately, this is not the first time I’ve been in this position. I know that there are exactly fourteen seconds before the fire alarm will sound. I am shit at cooking. Horrendously horrible. Still, I decided to try and make Lexi breakfast in bed this morning, and now it’s backfired. Her first memories of waking up in my apartment will be forever charred. Instead of waking up to the delicious scents of breakfast food, she’ll wake up to the screeching of the smoke detector. “Lexi,” I yell, determined not to let that happen. “Good morning, beautiful!” I hear her stumble out of bed in the next room. Seconds later, she’s rushing into the kitchen and waving her hands. “Are we on fire?” I wince as the smoke alarm sounds now. Fourteen seconds, right on time. “I’m so sorry.” I grab the broom and knock it against the alarm a few times. The alarm and I have been around this block before. It’s a relationship that unfortunately

just won’t quit, and eventually, it stops screaming at me. “What’s going on?” Lexi has my bed sheet wrapped around her body. It’s thin, which means I can see that underneath it she’s naked. I don’t even realize I’m staring until she calls my name for the third time. “Sorry,” I mumble. “What?” A slow smile creeps over her face. “Distracted?” I cock my head to the side and stare some more, just in case I haven’t convinced her already. Yesterday might’ve been the most intense, erotic, and yet incredibly sweet evening of my life. Somehow, I’m more enthralled than ever. More desperate than ever for more. “Okay, okay, I get it,” Lexi says. “Stop staring already. When you do that for thirty seconds straight I start to get creeped out.” “No creepage. Sorry.” “No creepage,” she agrees. “But in all fairness, I think I should get to creep on you. Take off your shirt.” “What?” “Take off your shirt.” I like where this is going. My shirt is gone. “Have you gotten even more in shape since your accident? I didn’t think that was possible. Yes,

I looked before,” she says. “It wasn’t a secret you were hot.” “Hot, huh?” “Oh, shut up before you get too full of yourself. What were you doing in here, anyway?” I turn and gesture toward the tray behind me. It’s a sad mess of toast crumbs, sugar, a chunk of butter that I’d intended to use for something that I’ve since forgotten, and a bottle of champagne. “Breakfast of champions, huh?” she says, leaning behind me and grabbing the champagne. “I assume you have orange juice to go with this?” “Oh, right.” I jump to attention because when Lexi reached for the bubbly, the sheet slipped down to reveal a hint of creamy white flesh above her breasts. Just a hint, and that sneak peek had my mind spiraling toward other places. “OJ is in the fridge.” Lexi opens the fridge and then, to my shock and wonder, lets the sheet fall all the way to the floor. I’m stunned as she bends, reaches for the orange juice, and then straightens. She turns to give me the full view, and I’m almost knocked unconscious by the sight before me. Turns out I was wrong, however—she wasn’t naked under there, just pretty damn close. Scraps of lace cover her essential pieces, and if anything, the light barrier makes me determined to see the rest of her.

“Who needs breakfast when we have Vitamin C and grapes?” She holds up the champagne bottle and the jug of juice and gives my dumbfounded face a wink. “Now that you’ve startled me awake, why don’t you calm me down in bed?” “I’m sorry I startled you,” I apologize profusely and follow her like a zombie. “And I’m sorry I yelled to wake you up.” “Why did you yell? I mean, the alarm would’ve woken me just fine without your help.” “I didn’t want your first memory waking up here as my girlfriend to be the smoke alarm screaming at you because I burned breakfast.” “So, you thought yelling at me would be better?” “I wanted to be the one to wake you up.” “Bradley Hamilton...” she sets the fixings for mimosas on the bedside table, and I set the two glasses I swiped next to them. “The way your brain works amazes me.” “It’s a mess, but it’s all I have.” “That might be the sweetest thing anyone’s ever done,” she says, leaning in for a kiss on the lips. Her scent, floral and sweet, pulls me to bed with her, and it’s all I can do not to let my lips continue down her neck, dusting her collarbone, tasting her breasts. I stop daydreaming when she straightens and gives me a funny look.

“What’s wrong?” I look into her bright green eyes, trying to decipher her expression. “Did I say something? I’ll stop ogling you, I swear.” “Girlfriend?” She turns the word over in her mouth, just now putting it together. I’d already forgotten I’d called her that. “I suppose that makes you my boyfriend.” “I shouldn’t have said that before asking you— I’m sorry if it was too much.” “Brad. Relax.” Lexi grasps my shoulders with her hands, her fingers delicate against my skin. “I like it. I’m just getting used to it. Making sure it’s not a daydream.” “It feels like a daydream,” I say, watching as she gently slides the athletic shorts down from my waist. I’m left in only my boxers and a very obvious signal of my arousal. “What are you doing?” “Making sure you know this isn’t a daydream.” Her hand reaches inside my boxers, and I’m about to tell her to wait, that we have plenty of time for this later. Then her fingers circle my length, and I very nearly die of happiness. “Lexi,” I groan. “You don’t have to do this.” “I don’t do anything I don’t want to do,” she says with a smile on her face. That same smile of utter bliss she wore after the first taste of the hamburger in the elevator, so long ago. “Admit you like this.”

“Like it?” My hands find her waist and hold tight. “I never want you to stop.” Her mouth finds mine, and her body crushes against me. She lets my hands explore and touch and massage and feel, and I cherish every brush of her skin. When she wriggles down the bed, her hands resting against my chest and pushing me back, I’m positive this is the best day of my life. I’ve never been so ready. I’m a steel rod against her hands, her touch, and... oh, her lips. When she takes me in her mouth, it’s game over. I know I can’t last long, not with whatever she’s doing to me. I try to count to a hundred in order to make this last, but I only reach seventeen. Then I succumb to the need to have her. Entirely. Thoroughly. “I’m not going to finish without you,” I tell her. My voice is throaty and hoarse. I reach for the condom. “Just let me—” “Do you trust me?” she interrupts. “Of course I trust you.” “I’m on the pill, and I’m all good.” “Me too. I mean, I’m not on the pill, but—” “Brad, stop talking.” Her eyes darken to a shade of jungle green as she raises her body over me. She dives into a kiss, dark and delicious as she aligns her body with mine. I unhook her bra, then snap off her panties with a flick of my finger.

“Those were new,” she says, a hint of dismay. “You broke them.” “You bought them for me?” “For me,” she corrects. “For you to look at.” “I’ll buy you ten more. But I’d prefer you don’t wear any of them.” She laughs, which is a delicate sound in the otherwise confident aura she’s projecting this morning. The laughs, the smile—I’m in awe that a moment like this can be sexy and fun and intimate all at once. The combination drives a new facet to this thing we’re calling love. I slide a hand down, feel how ready she is for me. The second my finger slips inside, we groan together. “Have I told you I love you yet?” I murmur between peppered kisses. “Even more than yesterday. And more than the day before.” She acknowledges me with a whimper as her core rests over me and slowly, perfectly, she locks her gaze on mine. Her lips are parted, her eyes cloudy, and while she’s the Lexi Monroe I know and love, she’s also something more. A confident, beautiful woman that’s driving me wild in every way. I’m transfixed by her face as she slides onto me, the way her back arches as she descends and her head is thrown back. Tendrils of her gorgeous hair dangle over her back, and the sight of her on

me, taking me, driving me to the brink of insanity, is something I could’ve never imagined. She moves, rocking her hips against me. I hiss as we connect fully, her little gasps as I fill her completely driving me to madness. “In case I didn’t tell you,” she says between ragged breaths. “I love you too, Brad.” “I need you,” I say, as her hips grind against me. I grasp her thighs. “Forever.” She can’t respond, the pulse is too fast, too perfect. We’re both lost to the rhythm, the beats, the waves. I sense her losing control as she grips my arms, sailing beyond, into some endless sea carrying us both further and further until we crash, as one, into the depths of it all. She cries out my name, a sound I’ll never tire of hearing. Then again and again as she rides the momentum of her climax. My release comes a second later, and I tense, hold on to her, and sink into oblivion. When reality finally eases its way back into my bedroom, back into our lives, I’m still in awe. There is something so colossally grand, so indescribable, in watching another person shatter before you into pieces. We shattered together, and from now on, I’ll have it no other way. “Now that,” Lexi says, her limp body malleable and soft in my arms. “Is a wakeup call.”

Chapter 29 LEXI “That can’t be sanitary.” “Whaaa?” I’m startled out of a daze, surprised to find my elbows resting on the counter at Minnie’s while a small fire burns in the background. “Oh, crap!” “I was talking about you drooling all over the place,” Sasha says, sliding onto a stool opposite me. “But yeah, I suppose the smoke is a problem, too.” “Whoops.” “I can’t believe you couldn’t wait a few more days.” “A few more days for what?” “To hook up with Bradley Hamilton! Now, thanks to your love life, I owe Kitty a bunch of cookies.” I flip the piece of bacon off the stove and quickly toss on some more, casting a guilty glance at the older gentleman in the corner who’ll now need to wait a few extra minutes for his breakfast plate to arrive. I turn and, already distracted, slide the plate of burned bacon over to Sasha. Luis is scheduled for a day off, and at the moment, I don’t have a lot of backup.

She wrinkles her nose and pushes it to the side, reaching up to feel my forehead. “I’m fine,” I say, swatting her hand away and dumping the bacon into the trash. “Just distracted.” “If you’re not feverish, you should fire yourself,” she says. “You’d be better off handing the reins over to Rick and just taking a cut of the profits.” “Ha-ha.” I roll my eyes, finish up the order and, thankfully, by the time the food is delivered and I’ve checked on the rest of my customers, we have a moment of quiet. “So?” Sasha says. “I haven’t seen you for two days!” “I’ve been here!” “Physically, maybe. But your head’s in the clouds.” I give her a mischievous grin. “Oh, my head’s not in the clouds.” “The gutter, then! Pull it out for a second and talk to me.” I blink, fold my hands in front of my body, and lean forward. “What do you want to talk about?” With exaggerated formality, she mirrors the folding of her hands and leans toward me. “How does it feel being Bradley Hamilton’s girlfriend?” My hands clasp to my chest and my head sails right back into the clouds. Or the gutter. Some

mixture of both, maybe, as I give a loud and happy sigh. “It’s perfect.” “As good as you expected?” “Better.” “Wow.” “Right? I’ve been dreaming of this day for years. Even if I didn’t exactly know it, and now it’s here. I don’t think anything could ruin my day for the rest of my life.” “Don’t jinx yourself, Lex,” Sasha says. “It’s only been two days.” “Two amazing days.” “Did you stay over there both nights?” “Sort of.” I make a silly face at her. “We like to switch things up.” “Lexi Monroe! How many times have you guys had—” I wave her off as the older gentleman from the corner flags me over for the check. After I run his card, chatting politely for a few moments, I return to the counter and face Sasha’s impatient expression. “Seven,” I whisper with no shortage of glee. Then I hold up one full hand of fingers and two more, just in case she can’t count. “Seven?! Get outta town.” “Well, twice the first night, twice the next day, twice yesterday.” “That’s six.”

I give her googly eyes. “This morning?” Sasha’s mouth is wide open. “You two need to get a life. Normal people don’t have time for that.” “You’re just jealous.” “Damn right I am! Where do I find a guy with that sort of stamina?” “I’m sure Lucas has some teammates. Bradley might know some guys from his gym, or—” “I don’t mean right this second,” she says with an eyeroll. “It’s rhetorical. Anyway, do you guys ever talk? Or eat? Sleep?” “We talk plenty,” I say, waggling my eyebrows. “Does champagne count as fruit? We’ve mostly been ordering pizza. Now that we’re hanging out again, Marcello is ecstatic. He only has to make one stop.” “You should really leave him a great tip. He’s the one who reconnected you guys in a way.” “Well, the elevator reconnected us, but you have a point. We will leave a generous tip tonight.” “Again? You can’t eat pizza, have sex, and repeat for the rest of your life.” “I sometimes work in there. I’m here now, aren’t I?” “Yes, drooling over your counter and burning the bacon.” “That, too.”

Sasha finally cracks a smile and lets up on the inquisition. “I’m really glad you’re happy, Lex. Brad seems great, and you two are perfect for each other.” “I hope so, I really do. But it’s soon.” “Is it? The two of you have known each other for years. If I’d have known you guys in your younger years, I would’ve called the two of you ending up together.” “Apparently everyone already has,” I say, ticking off my fingers. “My mother, Kitty, now you...ninety percent of our high school. We were the last ones to figure it out.” “That’s how it always goes. Lex? I think you have a new customer.” I groan, not quite ready to dismiss this conversation. Lately, I like everything to do with Brad. Talking to him, talking with him, talking about him. Savoring the moments when we can finally be together, which has been every moment for these last few days excluding work hours. My groan fades to nothing, however, when my eyes land on the gentleman at the table in the furthest corner. I recognize him, and his sleazy little suit, and the smirk on his face. Bill’s the name. I read it on the printout from the last receipt. “Jerk,” I mutter under my breath. “I don’t want to go over there.” Sasha’s eyes widen. “Did I miss something?”

“The real estate guy,” I hiss. “He’s back.” Sasha sneaks a glance. “Oh, hell no. What do you think he’s doing here? I figured he gave it up.” “Me too. Chalked it up to a weird coincidence.” “Want me to go over there?” “No, last time Kitty figured things out. This time I have to do it.” I take two steps toward the man in the suit, but I’m stunned into silence before I move past the counter. Walking through the front door, his eyes landing on Bill, is none other than Chris Krause, my landlord. “What’s Chris doing here?” Sasha whispers, the panic gathering in her eyes. “This can’t be good.” “The jerk is probably trying to buy the property out from under Chris,” I say, the pieces finally connecting. “But it’s not for sale.” “Look at Chris.” My point is proven as the man moves at the pace of molasses across the room, leaning on every table along the way. He can barely see the floor under his feet through his thick-lensed glasses. “This is prime real estate, and sooner or later—” “Don’t say it,” Sasha murmurs. “Sooner or later, Chris will want to retire, or sell, or move on from the property. I’ll bet you this guy is trying to get a jump on it, or at least a read on the situation.”

“Well, he can’t do that.” “I’m not sure we can stop him.” “There’s got to be a way.” Sasha peers up at me through big eyes. “If our rent gets jacked up, neither of us can afford to stay here. And that’s if they don’t kick us out first.” “Let me find out what’s happening.” I once again move from behind the counter, but this time I’m stopped by another figure coming through the door. One of the last people I’d ever expected to see here. “Leo?” Brad’s business partner looks up and spies me from his spot near the front entrance. “Hey, you’re Lexi, right? Brad’s friend.” I nod as Leo extends a hand, and we shake. “What brings you around here? Can I get you a table?” “I’m actually meeting a few friends.” “Oh?” I glance around the restaurant, but there’s nobody waiting for another party, as far as I can tell. There’s a younger couple, an older trio of ladies, and a group of regulars. “Right over there.” To my horror, he nods toward Bill and Chris. I must look surprised because he clarifies. “Business meeting.” I try to mumble a response, but it comes out garbled. So, I skip the response and pull him to the side while I think. “Can I talk to you for a second?” “Sure, what’s wrong?”

I glance up at Leo, who’s handsome in a Ken Doll sort of way. He lacks the ruggedness of Brad, and he’s far too manicured for my taste. “Do you know what’s happening over there?” “What do you mean?” “Well, I know Bill is in real estate, and Chris...he’s my landlord. I don’t like the idea of them discussing business.” “I’m shocked this is coming as a surprise to you.” “Which part has you shocked?” “The part where Brad didn’t tell you about this.” “Hold on...” I pause, my chest constricting. “Brad knew about this?” “It was his idea. He knows Bill from school or something a long time ago.” “High school,” I mumble, suddenly recognizing the upperclassman who’d been years ahead of me. “But why?” “Our gym is feeling a little bit tight in our home base. We’re looking to expand to a second location.” “A second...what? Not here!” “You’ve gotta admit, it’s a great location.” “But what about me? What about Sasha?” “I’m sorry, I could’ve sworn Brad had said he’d talk to you about this. You haven’t heard?”

“Nope.” I pop the ‘p’ extra hard, leaving the word to hang there. “Uh, sorry to put you in an awkward spot, but do you know if this is a done deal? Am I losing my diner?” He shifts from one foot to the next. “It’s not a done deal. That’s what today is all about. We just need Chris to agree.” “He won’t, will he?” “Look at him.” Leo tilts his chin toward the corner where Chris is digging in his nose with a handkerchief. An alarming amount of hair sticks straight out of his ears. “I hope to be retired at that age. All I need to do is convince him.” “But my diner!” “I’m sorry, it’s nothing personal.” Leo takes a step back, raises his hands. “I respect you, and your business, but it’s just that. Business.” “Just business,” I repeat. “Right.” “I’m really sorry to blindside you like this. Like I said, I figured Brad would’ve told you first. You guys are together, aren’t you?” “We’ll have to see,” I say through gritted teeth. “Thanks for the information.” “I suppose this makes things awkward now.” Leo slaps a hand across his forehead. “I came here figuring you’d already known about this. Otherwise, I would’ve picked a different place.” “No, go ahead and take a seat. I’m actually finishing up here and my assistant is going to take

over.” As Leo walks away, I storm back to Sasha and hook her arm through mine, dragging her into the back office. I take one look at the couch, am reminded of the too recent prom night events, and pull her into the back alley. “Well, hello, whiplash,” Sasha grumbles. “What’s going on?” “That’s Brad’s business partner,” I say, pointing back inside. “Leo.” “And? I mean, I suppose he’s kind of cute in that really slick sort of way, but he’s not my type. I prefer a tad more rugged.” “No! He came here to tell me that Brad and he are expanding their business.” “That’s great!” “Yeah, I’d think so too, but they’re expanding right into Minnie’s.” “Wait, what?” “Yes, that’s exactly what I said. What?” “No, seriously. They can’t do that.” “Apparently they’re trying to work out some deal with Chris to send him into early retirement, and by the looks of their little pow wow over there, it’s working.” “The bastard!” “Chris isn’t the problem! I mean, technically yes, he’s a problem, but he’s not my biggest one!”

“True. Leo is an asshole if he’s the one who scheduled the meeting here, and... oh.” She looks up, her eyes flickering with pain as she surveys me. “Brad.” “Bradley,” I correct. “He didn’t breathe a word of this to me!” “Do you think there’s an explanation?” I give her a stern stare, and even she relents and shrugs off the suggestion. “There’s no way he can explain this away.” I cross my arms, torn between wanting to punch the wall and needing to spare my energy to give Bradley a piece of my mind. “What was he thinking? Do you think he was waiting to tell me until he slept with me?” Sasha’s still not looking convinced, and this annoys me. “What?” I lash out at her, and instantly regret it. “I’m sorry, I’m not mad at you, but this sucks.” “Maybe you’re overreacting.” “Overreacting? I’m on the verge of losing my business and my livelihood. Do you think that was his plan this whole time? Gee whiz, maybe if Lexi loses her career and can’t afford her own apartment, she’ll have to move in with me.” “I really don’t think—” “I specifically told him that I didn’t want to sleep together until we could be sure things would

work out. Or at least give it a fair shot. Do you call this a fair shot?” Sasha seems too hesitant to give me any sort of real answer. “Maybe Leo convinced him that this is all just business,” I say, continuing on my rampage. “That kicking his best friend, and now girlfriend, out of her workspace is just a business strategy.” “I really don’t think—” “Hello, honey,” I say, mimicking a high-pitched voice. “I just lost my diner today, but don’t worry, it’s fine. It’s just business. Now give me a kiss and let’s go paint together.” “Paint?” “I’m frazzled, okay? I couldn’t think of anything else.” “Breathe.” Sasha finally corrals me against the wall, her hands pinning my arms to my sides. “Breathe in and out, and in and out. Just a few times. For me. Please.” I huff and puff until she looks appeased. “I’m still upset.” “Of course. And you have every right to be upset. But listen to me for a moment.” I exhale long and slow, then huddle my arms around my body. “Okay, fine. I’m listening.” “Brad seems to be completely enamored with you—we can all see it. Didn’t he tell you he loved you?”

“Yes, but—” “Fine. And you told him back?” “Yes, but—” “A yes or no answer is all I need,” she chastises, and I fall quiet. “You two love each other. He’s head over heels for you. When you said that you didn’t want to have sex for months, that didn’t deter him in the slightest.” “Maybe it was all part of some stupid game.” “No, I really don’t think so.” “Then what do you think?” “I don’t know what to think.” Sasha finally winces and steps back. “I admit it looks bad, and I admit Brad has a lot of explaining to do. But I just can’t believe he’d go through with this knowing how much it would hurt you. He worked so hard to get you; he wouldn’t ruin it like this.” “Well, apparently he did.” “What if he didn’t know?” “Nope. Leo said he was surprised Brad hadn’t told me. Then Leo apologized for being here because things were probably going to be awkward.” “What’d you tell him?” “I told him to take a seat. What else was I going to say? My mind’s not working at full capacity. I said my shift was almost over and my assistant is taking over.” Sasha stiffens. “Who’s your assistant?”

“Please, please, please,” I beg. “Please help me.” “I’m not good at any of this stuff!” “You don’t need to be. I’m going out of business anyway. Slap some toast on a plate and call it a day.” “Lexi...” “I have to go talk to Bradley.” “Call Rick,” she says with a sigh. “I’m going to need backup.” “I’ll get Rick to pop over. I don’t think I should be long.” “Where are you going?” “Home. He’s already back from work.” “Fine, but Lex, I think you should listen to what he has to say.” “Not only did he agree to expand into my place —even if it doesn’t go through, it doesn’t matter. He went behind my back. That’s not what a team does, or a partner, and especially not a boyfriend.” “I just think if you love him, and if he loves you, you both deserve a chance to talk, and you both owe the other a listen.” “Fine. But don’t hold your breath.”

Chapter 30 LEXI I’m at the apartment complex, banging on the button for the upward elevator when I see him. Bradley Hamilton, traitor extraordinaire. He parks his car out front, pulls something from the passenger’s seat—a brown paper bag—and begins his trek toward the front of the building. I take a few steps toward him, stopping only to hold the door open for a fellow tenant with arms full of groceries. The woman thanks me, and I nod and force a smile. By the time I look up, he’s gone. Bradley Hamilton vanished on me. I jog down the front steps, glance up and down the sidewalk— still nothing. I peep into his car, but he’s not there, either. His car is still here, though, which obviously means he didn’t drive off somewhere else. The only way to get into the building is the front doors, and he certainly didn’t come through there. I should know. I’d been the one holding the door open. So where... I catch a glimpse of a tall figure just before he spins around the edge of the building. Bradley is moving at a fast clip, long legs carrying him so fast I’d need to jog to keep up. Clearly, he doesn’t want to be seen.

A bolt of anger hits me as I realize he’s trying to escape. That’s the only explanation. He saw me holding the door open—which came as a big surprise since I’m supposed to be at work—and he went the other way. Very, very quickly. His only mistake was not realizing I’d been looking for him. With this jolt of understanding, I rush around the building, trading in my walk for a jog when I turn the corner. The jerk is using my own secret weapon. The service elevator. I’m almost sprinting by the time I make it into the corridor, and it’s way too hot to be sprinting. Not only that, I’m in jeans with my Minnie’s t-shirt, and it’s suffocating. I’m not built for running. I’m built for shuffling food to and from the kitchen, and I’m built for eating it. Which is why my face is probably red, and sweat is likely dripping from my forehead as I burst into the hallway to find the doors to the elevator just starting to close. I dive between them, feeling more athletic than I’ve ever felt in my life, and do an awkward sort of crumble and roll to land in a ball at Bradley Hamilton’s feet. It’s not exactly the entrance I was going for, and instead of looking all James Bond cool, I probably looked more like an out of control

octopus sliding around, limbs flailing in all directions. “Jesus, Lexi, are you okay?” Brad reaches over and extends a hand. I swat it away, and instead haul myself to my feet, grabbing the elevator railing for support. When I stand, I pull a lock of hair out of my face, dismayed to find it’s stringy and gross. This is the reason I hate running. “No, everything’s not okay,” I tell him. “And obviously you know it, too, skulking away from me like a weasel.” “What are you talking about?” His voice sounds confident, but his eyes give away a hint of guilt. “I’m not sneaking away from you.” “Right. You make a habit of always using the elevator in the back of the building that works about half the time?” “Eighty percent of the time,” he says. “And yes, I use it more than you’d think.” “Well, it sure as hell looked like you were walking up the front steps until you saw me there.” “It was supposed to be a surprise!” Brad finally pulls the hand he’s been hiding behind his back and reveals the massive brown paper bag he’d nabbed from the front seat of his car. “I’m sorry, okay? I didn’t think you’d seen me, and I didn’t think you’d be home yet. Wait a second. Why are you home?” “You think this is about some stupid surprise?”

“Stupid surprise?” Now, he’s actually starting to look indignant. “Stupid surprise? I’m sorry, I just thought it might be a fun treat. I didn’t know you’d be so offended.” “A fun treat? Not offended? Really.” “What are you talking about?” “The surprise made itself very public at my restaurant this morning.” “Uh, I think you have the wrong surprise.” Bradley gestures again toward the huge paper bag. “This is the surprise I’m talking about.” “What is that?” “I got us a bunch of hamburgers and milkshakes and fries—the works. I was going to surprise you with a candlelight dinner on the balcony. You know, a throwback to the food that brought us together in the first place. It’s almost the four-month anniversary of us getting trapped in the elevator together.” “You can keep track of that,” I say, attempting to recover from my surprise and hold a steady voice. “But you can’t keep track of telling me important information that might affect, oh, a little thing like my livelihood!?” “I’m confused. Are these burgers offensive? We can do something nicer tonight if you want.” “Oh, I don’t think we’ll be doing much of anything tonight. Leo told me everything. You can stop playing dumb.”

It’s now that I realize neither of us ever actually pressed the button to go upward. We’ve been sitting here in a metal box on the main floor which, in retrospect, is lucky. Now, I can leave. I press the door open button. “You don’t have to set the table for me.” Brad blocks the entrance physically, jamming the door close button over my back. I duck and dodge, trying to slip out from underneath his limbs, until his arms circle around me and he drops the paper bag on the floor. With his elbow, he hits the button for our floor, and it’s not until the elevator starts to climb that he releases me. I look up into his eyes, realizing that not long ago, I’d been staring into those chocolate brown gemstones with love. Awe. Amazement that this incredible specimen of a man had picked me to love, to cherish, to savor. He’s spoiled me and held me close, broken down walls that had taken years to build. And because of that, he’s weakened me. He weakened me to the point where I’d believed this might be the real deal. The love that poems and songs lament about, the love that others looked upon with envy and desire. The sort of love that would last a lifetime. My eyes prick with tears as I look up at him, at the confusion in his eyes, as I desperately fight the urge to cry. “How could you?” “What did Leo explain to you?”

“Please, don’t play me for a fool. If it’s business, it’s business. Just... let me go.” I move to stand behind him so I’ll be ready for an exit when the elevator stops at our level. Bradley reaches over and, before I can react, hits the emergency stop button. “What are you thinking?” I turn to find him standing all too close to me, his familiar scent playing games with my emotions. I want to crumble against him, to beg him to make my problems go away. But I can’t, not when he is the problem. “We have no service in here!” “Good.” Bradley’s disposition changes. His voice is no nonsense, and his eyes are leveled at me. “Because we obviously need to talk.” If I weren’t already so upset, I might even be scared, or worried that I had this all wrong— doubting myself. But I can’t seem to make sense of anything through my fury at Bradley Hamilton crisscrossing all over my heart in a matter of days. “What is this about?” Brad takes a step toward me, but I hold up a hand to block his progress. “Did I do something to upset you? And what does Leo have to do with any of this?” “Why, Brad?” I raise a hand, silently pleading for him to explain. “Why did you ever think I wouldn’t realize that you were trying to take over my business? The building, at least. Expanding? Yeah, I heard all about it.”

“What? How does Leo know?” I blink. “Excuse me?” He shakes his head, pinches his forehead. “That sounds bad. I can explain.” My heart drops like a stone. Whatever tiny part of me that’d been hoping he could explain all of this vanishes entirely. That bit of hope Sasha had instilled in me goes up in flames, and I’m burning now, crashing and crumbling into wispy ashes. Pretty soon, I won’t have enough energy left to hold my ground, and I’ll blow away in the wind. Or, even worse, I’ll cry. “You don’t have to explain anything.” I bat around his arms until I reach the elevator call box and hit every button imaginable. Bradley watches, patiently, because we both know none of it will work. “Please just let me out of here.” “I can’t.” “Great. We’ll die together. How fitting.” “Lexi, we’re not going to die. Just let me explain—” “Fine, then riddle me this.” I move toward him until we’re inches apart, and I pound a finger against his chest. “Why’d you sleep with me? Did you think it would make everything okay when you finally got around to mentioning your gym’s expansion?” “I’d hoped—”

“Hoped what? That I’d overlook it? All that talk about getting married and having children?!” I’m really on a roll now, and I have no interest in letting Bradley talk at all. I’ve been stewing on this speech for the whole ride over here, and it’s my time in the spotlight. “Did you not think my business was important to me?” “I really don’t understand what’s happening here. I’m not coming after your building.” “Huh. Still interested in lying?” I wrinkle my nose. “Let me give you a hint. It’s a very bad choice.” “Are you done?” “No, I’m not done. I’m still pissed you led me on long enough that I actually slept with you. I had no intention of sleeping with you until we were pretty sure something could work, and now—” “Now what?!” Brad’s reached a snapping point, his face darkening and his eyes turning to liquid lava. He reaches for one of my hands and links his fingers through it, backing me into the elevator wall. “These last few months have been the best goddamn months of my life. If you think I’d do anything—fucking anything—to ruin them, you are mistaken.” He has me pinned against the wall, gently enough that I could wriggle out if I want. He leaves the choice to me. It’s not his arms holding me in

place, it’s his eyes. He’s so fiercely stoic that it gives me pause. “Don’t tell me you didn’t enjoy every second of being with me,” he murmurs against my cheek. “We both know that’d be a lie, too. So now that we have that out of the way, let’s discuss business.” “Business,” I breathe, although my heart is racing against my chest. “That’s exactly what Leo said.” “I have no idea why Leo came to your restaurant, or what he said to you. The only thing I can figure is he realized I’m onto him.” “Onto him?” “Leo has been skimming from me. From our business.” Brad eases his hand out of mine and moves against the opposite elevator wall. “I had a sneaking suspicion somewhere around the time we first ended up stuck in the elevator together. I didn’t have proof until yesterday.” Even though I’m royally pissed at him, the absence of his hand in mine aches some, as if he’s a part of me that’s attached in a very deep and real sort of way. I struggle with what to do for a moment, and then settle on listening to him. “I’ve been setting myself up to break ties with him.” “With Leo? But what about the gym? Your career?” My hands flail with frustration. “We can’t

both have our careers ruined! How will we pay rent?” He pauses for a smile. “Thank you.” “Thank you?!” “For adding the we. I’m praying there’s still a chance you’re not going to kick me to the curb.” “You still have some explaining to do, buddy.” He continues, and it’s a struggle to listen to what he’s saying. I’m aware I’m caving too easily, but I can’t help it. It’s like my subconscious wants him to be innocent and is grasping onto the slightest bit of hope that there’s a logical explanation for everything. While I’m pondering this, Bradley has moved on to explain the intricate details of Leo’s plan to skim from the gym, the mathematical figures and facts which are entirely lost on me. The gist of it is that Leo’s pond scum, and he’s stealing from the company. “You got proof yesterday?” I interrupt, trying to latch on to the highlights. “What does that mean for you and Leo? Are you saying you had nothing to do with him being at the restaurant today?” The slightest hesitation before his response sets the whole of me to an instant rage. “Are you kidding me?” I step toward him, about to lose control. “I can explain!”

“You’ve been saying that for ten minutes, so freaking explain or don’t! Here I am, finally starting to believe you had nothing to do with this. If you lied, Bradley Hamilton—” “I never lied. The only reason I was sneaking around today was because I wanted to throw my incredible girlfriend a surprise dinner.” “Then what’s left to explain?” “When I had a strong hunch Leo was skimming from me, even before I had proof, I decided that I wanted nothing to do with him. He was making these big extravagant purchases and buying fancy new vehicles with no noticeable source of additional income. I didn’t like it.” “Great.” “So, I began looking for real estate. A high school buddy of mine—” “Bill,” I say. “Yeah, we met. I didn’t recognize him until today.” “Well, we ran into each other and got to talking. He’s in real estate, as you know, so he started showing me some properties. He gave me a call weeks ago saying he’d found this great little place.” “My little place.” He gives a slow nod. “The first morning I showed up to your diner.” A light bulb blinks on. “The morning I offered you a ride and you said no, and then showed up a

few minutes later. Yeah, I thought you just were trying to avoid one-on-one time with me.” “Avoid time alone with you?! I would’ve donated all my savings to charity for a car ride alone with you. But I’d already committed to the business meeting, which is why I declined.” “Then he brought you there, anyway, and Kitty noticed you trying to slink away and yelled at you.” “She told you about that?” “Of course. We tell each other everything.” “Well, yes. My head was spinning, and I’d meant to tell you that day about the mix up. But then I got to talking with Kitty and Sasha, and watching you work, and the day was just too great to ruin. The next day was better, and the days kept getting better and better.” “Well, what’d you tell Bill?” “No!” A look of shock crosses Brad’s face. “I told him no, of course.” “Don’t of course me. How should I know?” “Because I would never do that to you.” “Really? Would you have done it to me if you weren’t trying to get into my pants?” Brad’s face loses all emotion, and I know I’ve crossed the line. A step too far, and I feel horrible, despite the somewhat valid question. I’m already standing close to him, but somehow, without even moving, Bradley seems to grow in size, to take up more space. The air turns

chilly. “I would never, ever do something like that to you. I’d never do it to an acquaintance, or a friend. Let alone my best friend.” “I’m sorry, I—” “I thought I’d been clear. I never stopped liking you, Lex. Loving you. Wanting you. Whatever you feel like calling it—but that’s not the only reason, or even the main reason I wouldn’t do that to you.” “I know, and—” “I hoped you’d know my personality better than to assume the worst of me after all this time. I made a mistake, yes. I should’ve come clean right away when Bill took me to Minnie’s.” “Yes.” “I didn’t tell you Bill brought me there because I didn’t want to upset you. I made it very clear to him that I never wanted to see your property brought up for sale again because of me, and that’s why I didn’t tell you. Never in a million years did I imagine it would be a problem.” “Well, it is a problem.” “Yes. I’ll fix it.” We both stew in silence, an odd almost-ending to the conversation. It’s not like either of us have any place to go, and even if we wanted to, the elevator has us trapped. Bradley reaches for the emergency stop button —the button that will let us disappear into our different apartments for how many years before we

speak again. But the second his fingers brush against it, I swipe his hand away. “We’re not doing this again,” I tell him, my voice mysteriously low. “You are not running away from this.” “I think we’re done.” “No, Bradley Hamilton, we are not done.” “What would you like me to say? You thought I was capable of crippling your business on purpose.” “No, I reacted emotionally, and I apologized. We’ve both made mistakes here.” “I’m sorry.” “Don’t do this!” My voice echoes off the walls, and Brad looks slightly alarmed. “You can fight with me, Brad. You can yell and scream, or you can explain and be patient. You can curse or you can whisper, I don’t really care. But what you cannot do is run away from this—from me.” He’s stunned into silence, and I can’t say that I blame him. I’ve never bursted so passionately all over anyone, but it’s not as if I have a choice. I need him, and I need him to explain. I need him to understand. I need him to face me this time, and not retreat into himself. “If we’re going to be in a relationship, we can’t have a misunderstanding and not talk for three years,” I say. “We have to figure these things out. By talking. Or fighting. Or something. Just don’t pull away.”

“I don’t want to fight with you.” “I’d rather be fighting with you than silent without you.” The words are pouring out by this point, and I have absolutely no filter left. My chest heaves with the weight of everything, the distance between us. A distance that slips away the second Bradley reaches for my cheek and cradles it with his palm. The next second, his lips are on mine, hot and angry and possessive. My arms loop around his neck and we tumble back against the wall, a mess of hurt and frustration linked by friendship and love. When we pull away, we’re both puffing like Olympic swimmers coming up for air. “Fine,” he says. “How do you want to do this?” “Do what?” “Fight!” I watch him for a moment, struggling to see if he’s serious. Under my intent stare, a slice of awkwardness creeps into his gaze, and I realize he’s serious. He’s trying, really trying. “Let’s not fight. I don’t want to fight.” I reach out and tug on his shirt before sliding down so I’m seated against the wall. “Come here.” He scoots next to me until my entire left side is linked with his right one. “I know you didn’t want to cripple my business, and I know you’d never do that. Just like you know

how much I care about you, and I said the wrong things earlier,” I start with a shaky breath. “I’m sorry.” “I’m sorry, too.” “So, what’s happening?” “Leo, the asshole,” Bradley says. “He must have somehow figured out that I was onto him.” “Bill,” we both say at once. “I should’ve known he’d rat me out to the highest bidder.” Bradley gives a shake of his head, his fingers trembling against my knee with rage. “I must’ve pushed Bill too far when I told him I didn’t want to see your place again, and he realized it meant something to me. That you meant something to me.” “So, he took the offer you refused and brought it to Leo.” I fill in the gaps. “And Leo put two and two together. He realized you were looking at other properties. Bill ratted you out to Leo in hopes Leo would pursue the offer.” “Leo likely figured I’d have proof sooner or later, so he wanted to act first. Preemptive revenge.” “They were taking the offer to Chris,” I say, suddenly resigned. “Who, if he’s halfway intelligent and wants to retire, should take it. If I were in his shoes, I would.” Brad winces. “I am so sorry, Lexi. This is all my fault. Inadvertently, but I still screwed everything

up.” “No, you didn’t know. You were doing the right thing getting away from your sleazy business partner, and you enlisted the wrong person to help you. It’s not your fault.” “Sure as hell feels like it.” “It’s not.” “Doesn’t change the fact they’re still trying to get you booted out.” I’m silent because really, there’s nothing else to say. “Unless they haven’t signed the deal yet,” he says, grasping at straws. “Maybe we could...” I reach a hand out, circle it around his wrist. “Relax. It will be okay.” An eyebrow raises as he glances at me. “But —” “Look, it sucks. But businesses have recovered from worse. I’ll get through it.” “We’ll get through it. You’re not going to lose Minnie’s.” “Oh, yeah? You’ve got something up your sleeve that I don’t know about?” “I’ll fix this.” “Brad.” I turn to him, his eyes kaleidoscopes glittering back. “I don’t blame you for what happened.” He leans over and presses a kiss to my forehead. “I’m going to fix this.”

“First...” I glance over at the elevator doors. “Can you fix this?”

Chapter 31 BRADLEY I have no idea how the hell I’m going to fix this. All I know is that Sasha and Kitty showed up tonight at my girlfriend’s apartment with enough wine to fill a wheelbarrow. I know because I helped them lug it up. After we managed to get the stupid elevator running again, Lexi and I parted ways so that she could go home, shower, relax—pamper herself a little. Take a few deep breaths. Think. The sort of thing people need to do when their world is falling apart around them, and there’s not a whole lot that’s looking up. And it’s all my fault. If I had never stepped in that car with Bill...if I’d never listened to his stupid little sales pitch, maybe we wouldn’t be in this position. If I’d never partnered with Leo, or tried to separate from him before I had proof, then maybe this wouldn’t be happening. I have the documents pulled out in front of me, and I’m pouring over them again. I’m not even particularly sure why; I already have the evidence I need—balances that don’t add up, expenses of his that match the amounts missing. It’s enough for me to confront him, and if I bring it to the court system

or a private investigator, we’d have the rest of the evidence in days. Hours, even. Leo’s guilty, and he knows it. He also knows that I’ve figured it out, and that was my mistake. I should’ve gone straight to a lawyer, or an authority, and demanded this be taken care of without bringing in outsiders. Now, my career is in jeopardy, as is Lexi’s. I’m not worried about the long run with Leo. In the long run, he’ll never win. But the short term has me concerned. If he kicks Minnie’s out of their building, Lexi will not be in good shape. She put on a brave face back in the elevator, but I could read between the lines. She’s worried, and rightly so. Hence the reason my papers are back out, and I’m determined to find a way to put an end to Leo and Bill’s horrendous plan before it can get off the ground. It takes a few glasses of wine—borrowed from across the hall—and most of the evening before I formulate a plan. The idea comes to me slowly, in waves, almost sluggish thanks to the alcohol. But when it clicks, it clicks hard, and I know it’ll work. In fact, I’m so confident that I leave my apartment and set off on foot. Leo’s townhome is a mile and a half from my apartment in the direction of our gym. As I walk, I go over all the things I

want to say in my head. Most of them will never make it out, but I need the practice. I reach the outside of Leo’s home some twenty odd minutes later. He bought it a few years back, just before we started our business. His perfectly landscaped garden blinks at me, tiny lights scattered throughout the pristinely organized shrubs that are surely taken care of by hired help. The front door glares at me, new and shiny and too nice for this neighborhood. I raise a hand and pound harder than necessary on it. When nobody answers, I pound again. I know it’s late; I don’t care. These sorts of things can’t wait until morning. Finally, on the fifth go-around, Leo’s head pops behind the window and peers outside. He flicks the front light on when he recognizes me and stands behind the window for a long moment. “Open up,” I say. He probably can’t hear me, but he most certainly can read my lips. “Now.” Leo throws the deadbolt, then opens the door. The chain is noticeably still in place, and I lean toward it. My nose is practically sticking between the open crack until he goes on and undoes the chain, too. “Brad,” he says. “Did your girlfriend send you here?” “Give it up,” I say. “I know exactly what you’re doing. If you’re hoping to drive a wedge between me and Lexi, it’s not going to happen.”

“I’m not trying to drive any wedges.” Leo’s spray tan seems brighter than usual, and he has an earring in one lobe. He’s wearing some flimsy, old-looking t-shirt that probably cost him a hundred bucks. Even his eyebrows have been turned into weird, perfect little chili peppers above his eyes. I can’t stand the man. Even harder to digest is the fact that I let this go on so long; so long it very nearly ruined the best thing that ever happened to me. I don’t mean the gym. “Can I come in?” I push past him through the doorway. “Thanks. I’d say next time you should ask me in, but there won’t be a next time.” Leo might be a rat, but one thing he’s not is stupid. He lets me through. To the layperson, Leo’s muscles might look bigger than mine, but we both know who would win in a fight. The muscles he’s got on his arms are finely tuned things made from lifting dainty weights at the gym. Our gym. I’m taller than him, and I’m not very dainty. I come from years of getting battered on the ice, pressed against boards, shoved around by men even bigger than me. Not a whole lot scares me. I can’t say the same for Leo. “You know why I’m here,” I say, turning to face Leo. “Why? Why couldn’t you drop things?”

“I didn’t chase after anything. It fell into my lap.” “Right.” “Imagine my surprise when a real estate agent shows up talking about this hot new property my business partner wants for his gym. For our gym.” “It wasn’t going to be our gym.” I parrot his words back. “It was going to be my own damn gym.” “Ours wasn’t good enough for you?” “It was until you went and stole from us.” “Stole? Right. You know, man, if you’d just asked me, I would’ve told you where the money came from.” “I know exactly where it came from.” “You think you do, but you never bothered to ask.” Leo tsks in annoyance. “I saw you eyeing the car, the toys. Yet, not once did you ever ask where it came from.” “I don’t make a habit of prying into the personal lives of my friends and business partners. Business is business. Until you make it personal.” “My grandmother died. It’s an inheritance.” A flicker of hesitation stirs inside me, but I recover quickly. “I can read you like a newspaper, Brad” Leo says, my name dripping with sarcasm. “You don’t have a shred of proof. You’re blowing smoke.”

“I was hoping you’d come clean before I brought in the lawyers.” “Come clean about what? Blowing the inheritance money I got from my grandmother on some toys? Sure, maybe it wasn’t the smartest thing to do—hence the reason I didn’t outright tell you. But it’s not illegal, and it’s certainly none of your business.” “We’ll pretend you’re not lying about the inheritance. Here’s what we’ll do: let’s split ways,” I offer. “You keep the gym, the original location. I don’t want anything except my half—buy me out, and I’ll set up shop elsewhere. And this should go without saying, but I expect you’ll leave Lexi’s business alone.” “Ah, now we’ve finally reached the meat and bones of the issue. I was waiting for this to come around.” I cross my arms and take a moment to survey the too-neat entryway that belongs to Leo. He lives in a museum of dainty vases and flashy artwork on the wall—probably fakes, unless he’s stolen enough money for those items, too. “You only confronted me because I dragged your girlfriend into this.” “I was looking to end things quietly, peacefully, until you fired a cannon at me.” “No cannon’s been fired.” He raises his eyebrows with a smug smile to match. “This ball

dropped right in my lap.” “Shame it didn’t drop a pair of ‘em.” Leo barely notices the insult. “Everything that I’m doing, everything happening to Lexi, all started with you. If you hadn’t gone to Bill in the first place, he wouldn’t have come to me with an interesting proposition.” “You didn’t have to listen.” “Tell me you wouldn’t listen if a real estate agent came to you with a deal for your business...that you had no idea about.” “We both know that’s not what happened. I told Bill I wasn’t interested. He sensed there was a gap between us. He brought you an under the table deal that was supposed to belong to me.” “Us. We are business partners. Yes, even now. Don’t forget, my friend—the gym is half yours, too. Are you really interested in ruining it for both of us?” “Drop the deal with Bill, Chris, and the new property. I’ll leave quietly and hand over the reins to you. Nothing will have to change.” “You’re the one breaking the contracts. You want out? You’re forfeiting your half. We signed a five-year agreement. If either of us wanted out within five years—for personal reasons—the other keeps the gym.” “It’s not for personal reasons.”

“I’d call that little hooker of yours a personal reason.” I have him by the throat in seconds, pinned against the wall. I don’t even remember acting, don’t remember lunging for him—everything happened so fast. He warbles some sort of apology, his face turning red. His feet are barely on the floor, and ironically, those perfectly grown gym muscles aren’t doing him a whole lot of good. I release him, just enough so that he can breathe. My hands hold him up by the scruff of his collar as his eyes go wide and fearful. I didn’t want to do this, I didn’t want to react without thinking. But there’s no turning back now, and nobody is going to talk about Lexi that way in front of me. They never have in the past, they never will in the future—at least, they will be damned sorry they did. “What did you call her?” “Sorry,” he groans. “I didn’t realize...” “Realize what?” “That you liked her—” “That’s where you’re wrong, asshole. I don’t like her, I love her. And you aren’t going to go around talking about any woman like that, let alone the one I hope to marry.” He gurgles another response, and I let up the slightest amount.

“I’m waiting,” I growl. “Sorry,” he mumbles. “I didn’t mean anything by it.” “Good. Then go apologize to her and tell her you’re leaving the real estate deal behind.” “But—” “Tell her that you’ll never interfere with us, or her, again. Not our personal lives and not our businesses. When I leave today, the only thing I want from you is a check and a signature that finalizes our business separation.” “You can’t get out of our contract.” I sigh, relaxing into the truth I’ve had in my back pocket this whole time. Really, I’d wanted to see how far he’d take his lies, the web of them, the depths to his attempted deception. Even I’d been impressed with how far he’d gone this evening. He’s a bigger piece of crap than I’d ever expected. I reach into my pocket and pull out a few carefully folded slips of paper with all the evidence I’ll need to get out of our contract. Enough line items of him skimming from our company, enough proof to win a court case in five minutes. “Take a look at this,” I tell him. “At your leisure. I believe you’ll find everything you need in there.” “What is this?” “Here’s what’s going to happen.” I let him go and take a few steps toward the door. When I reach

it, I face him again. “You’re going to give me the investment I put in, and half the profit we made together. Exactly split down the middle. You can subtract what you already skimmed from your half. If you don’t, I’ll know.” “But—” “For a hockey player, I’m not half bad at math.” I give him a crooked smile. “Unfortunately for you. I even made it easy. There’s an amount on the bottom, there, and if you have a check to me by tomorrow, I won’t even get the lawyers involved.” “But—” “Underneath that number, you’ll find another contract I had drawn up that releases us each from obligations to one another, and will leave us free and clear to pursue our own interests. No more penalties.” “I’m not paying you money when I didn’t do anything wrong.” “Think about it overnight,” I tell him, resting a hand on the doorknob. “I’d think long and hard about it, and then I’d revise your lies. Just in case it turns out that money wasn’t coming from Grandma.” Leo’s line of expletives are enough to tell me it’s time to leave. I yank the door open and stride through his front lawn as he stands in the doorway watching me go.

When I reach the boulevard, I turn to find him still glaring holes in the back of my skull. “One more thing. I expect a full apology to Lexi. After Lexi comes the check made out to me. If any of that doesn’t happen tomorrow, your grandmothers, your lawyers, and everyone at the gym will find out what happened here.” “You can’t threaten me!” “Just cut me loose, Leo. That’s all I’m asking. That and an apology to a woman who is owed one. That’s hardly a threat.” “Your clients will follow you to your new gym.” “Should’ve built a better client roster,” I say. “But I’m not going to steal your clients. I’ll leave quietly. Nothing has to change, unless you insist on misbehaving.” He’s fuming as I turn the corner and disappear from view. It should feel good to know that my suspicions were right. It should feel great to know I’ll be a free man tomorrow if all goes well, and it should be exciting to think of the new opportunities an influx of cash and a wide-open horizon will bring. Instead, I feel quiet. Oddly calm. Somewhat off-kilter, and a little antsy. It’s not over until it’s over, they say. Unfortunately, it’s not quite over.

Chapter 32 BRADLEY “Another order of waffles, please.” “You can’t be serious.” Lexi drops her rag onto the counter and watches me for any sign of a joke. “That’ll be your fourth one today.” “I have been here all day.” “What’s going on?” She leans against the counter, oblivious to the rest of the diner as she sets her laser focus on me. “You’ve been fidgety all afternoon.” “I’m just hungry.” “No, you’re eating yourself into a coma.” She gives a smile, and then tries for a joke. “How are you supposed to carry me to the bedroom tonight if you’re too full to move?” I try for a smile back, but it’s clearly not working. The thing is, I’ve been here all day waiting for Leo to show up. When I left his place last night I figured that surely he’d crumble to my demands and drag his ass here this morning. After all, my demands are hardly unreasonable. Fifty-fifty split, just like we went in, and I’d leave quietly. He gets to keep the gym and the customers, and I’m out on my own. That, and an apology. I figured it would be a no brainer. Neither of us would win if we got lawyers involved, especially

not him. So why the hell hasn’t he shown up yet? “You’re not fooling me, Brad. What’s going on? I told you not to worry about the other stuff,” Lexi whispers. “It’ll take care of itself. Or, we’ll figure it out together and move on. Until I get kicked out of this place, I’m just going to keep making my waffles, and you are going to keep eating them. No sense stressing when there’s nothing we can do.” “I told you I’d take care of it.” “That’s what I’m saying! You don’t have to! We’ll be fine.” She reaches out and squeezes my hand, giving me sympathy it doesn’t feel like I’ve earned. “Maybe it’s a sign. Maybe we’re supposed to move to a new, bigger and better location.” I’m spared a response by the entrance of three new arrivals—Lucas, Kitty, and Sasha. Judging by the box in Sasha’s hands and the coffee cups in the others’ hands, they’ve come from next door. “Sasha’s is closed for the day,” Kitty says. “Time for dinner. Can we get some poutine tonight? I’m feeling fat.” “Oh, I haven’t had poutine in forever,” Sasha says with a nod of agreement. “Let’s make it a super-sized order.” “Jumbo-sized,” Lucas agrees. “I’m starved.” “Yes, your highnesses,” Lexi says, looking over my shoulder. “Get in line behind this guy. It’s his fourth order of waffles for the day.”

I get a quick round of applause and some raised eyebrows from the group as I force a smile and return their greetings. “Eating for two?” Lucas says, elbowing me in the gut. “I thought you’d been putting on some weight.” “Isn’t he glowing?” Kitty agrees. “He just has that sheen about him.” “That’s called the food coma sheen,” Lexi says. “He’s stress eating.” “What’s the stress?” Kitty asks. “Your therapists have arrived. Dish.” “Forget about it,” I say. “Maybe I should switch my order and share the poutine.” I’m not hungry. I haven’t been hungry since my second order of waffles, but I’m not particularly excelling at making conversation today, and I needed a reason to stay at the diner for as long as it took to see Leo’s apology. If he apologizes. The chances are getting slimmer and slimmer as the daylight wanes. “He’s worried about my rent going up,” Lexi says. “But we’ll figure it out. Customers will follow, even if we move locations. It wouldn’t be so bad.” “Not at all,” Sasha chimes in. “I’d have to move too, and maybe we could just combine shops. Save on real estate. I’ll do the baking and coffee, Lex takes on the rest.”

“Not a bad idea,” Lucas says. “Where do I fit in?” “Right where you are,” Kitty says. “Which is the same place I fit in. On the eating side of things.” Lexi turns away to get their order started when the door opens and another figure walks into the restaurant. I don’t bother to turn my head because I’ve been swiveling my neck all day, and I’ve got a crick in it. One disappointment after the next as the bridge team came in, then the grandmothers, then Barb and her water aerobics group, and then...half the city. “What the hell is he doing here?” Lucas’s voice is low. “He here for you, Hamilton?” My head jerks up, and I’ll pay for that tomorrow. I’ll be lucky if I don’t need a neck brace by the time this day is over. But this time, it’s worth it. Leo’s eyes meet mine as he walks through the door, a hint of surprise at finding me here. Then dismay takes over as he scans and finds an audience watching him. Kitty, Sasha, Lucas— everyone but Lexi, who’s busy humming and tossing some fries. Leo glances behind him, probably calculating how quickly he can get out of here. If we hadn’t all turned to look at him, he would’ve slunk away like the skunk he is, but now, it’s too late.

Stepping the rest of the way through the door, he strides across the room and stops next to me at the counter. “Didn’t expect to see you here.” “I was just about ready to throw in the towel,” I say. “Didn’t expect you to show.” “I didn’t expect to find a show.” “If you’d arrived earlier, you wouldn’t have.” I scan him over. “Don’t let us stop you from doing whatever it is you came to do.” He fishes in his pocket, drags out two slips of paper, and hands them over. My eyes land on the top one first, the signed contract. His signature is on it, releasing us from our duties to one another and the gym. My chest constricts as I flip it upward and peer underneath at a check. The check. These two slips of paper are my future. They’re closing old doors, opening new ones, and setting me free from the garbage of these last three years. My exhale is somewhat shaky. The time has finally come to move on. From business, from the accident. From the ugly fog that took over afterward, and the ensuing years of silence and quiet. Glancing around, surrounded by old and new friends, resumed and improved relationships, I look at Leo and nod. I have no ill will toward him, no anger or resentment. Just a whole lot of nothing.

“Lexi,” Leo says, clearing his throat. “Can I talk to you for a minute?” Her shoulders straighten at the sound of his voice, and she spins slowly from her place at the stove. “What the hell are you doing in my diner?” “I’d like to speak with you in private.” Lexi glances at me, then at her friends. “Whatever you need to say, you can say it right here.” “But—” “Okay, then goodbye.” I look down at my empty plate, hiding a smile. If I’d ever thought Lexi couldn’t handle herself, I’d have been dead wrong. The iciness in her voice sends shivers down my spine, and I’m the one she likes. Leo attempts another throat clear, but he botches this one like a teenage boy. When he speaks, his voice cracks. “I’m sorry.” “For?” I jump in, but I’m silenced by Lexi’s glare. I quickly apologize and fall silent. Lexi fixes her stare back at Leo. “What are you apologizing for?” “For using you to get back at my business partner,” he says, his knuckles gripping the counter so hard they go pale. “I wasn’t interested in your space until I realized it would hurt Brad.” “And?” she presses. “And what?” he asks.

“And you left my assistant a five percent tip last time you were here!” Lexi folds her arms. “Give Sasha another five bucks. Don’t be a cheapskate. She’s amazing, and you were insulting.” Leo blinks in awe at her, and I can’t hide a laugh either. With the amount of money I have in my hand from Leo, five bucks is a drop in the bucket. I can see him thinking this is a joke. Which is a huge mistake. “You think this is funny, huh?” Lexi rounds the bar and comes face to face with him. “Well, it’s not. I don’t care if you owe her thirty cents or a thousand bucks, it’s the principle of it. Give her the rest of the tip she deserves, and I’ll accept your apology.” Leo gives a stunned shake of his head, then pulls out his wallet and smartly forks over a tendollar bill. “Are we good?” “I’d say good is overkill,” Lexi says. “We’ll call it even.” Leo takes a step back, looks at all of us, and spins on his heel. He tries his best to exit with whatever shred of dignity he has left... and it’s not much. “That settles that.” Lexi hands over the money to Sasha with a wink. “Be careful not to spend it all in one place.”

Chapter 33 LEXI The gang has been here for a lot longer than I expected. There’s a buzz in the air, whispers, and the sensation that something is going on without my knowledge. That’s why I’ve escaped into my office for a minute with the excuse that I need to powder my nose. There are a few things wrong with this. First of all, nobody powders their nose anymore, least of all me. But when nobody blinked an eye at my powdering the nose excuse, I knew for a fact they were so distracted they couldn’t even focus on the words leaving my mouth. Peeking out from around the corner, I see Lucas, Brad, Sasha, and Kitty all dive their heads into a huddle. When Sasha’s eyes flick up toward me, I yank my head back just in time and take a few deep breaths. Part of me wants to sneak out and eavesdrop, and the other part is just plain confused. The last time Kitty kept a secret from me was during the planning of my surprise twenty-first birthday party. My birthday’s not for five months. Whatever’s happening out there feels far more urgent.

I busy myself tidying up the office. I won’t be able to keep my mouth shut once I step out there and see their heads snap to attention, so I’m trying to burn the nervous energy. Closing time is in one hour, so I just need to hold out for sixty minutes. The door opens, and I fly against the back wall, a hand to my chest. “Brad! Ever heard of knocking?” “Sorry.” He flinches, but it doesn’t stop him from entering the room and closing the door behind him. “Listen, Lexi—” “I know, Brad. I know it was you.” An uneasiness settles across his face, further proving my point that there’s something happening out there right now. The whispers and the heads bent together. He’s trying to figure out exactly what I know. I decide to have a little fun with him. “Did you think I wouldn’t notice all of you coming here at once? That’s not an accident.” “We always come here for dinner. We have a group text chain, and you’re on it. You knew we’d be here.” “Yes, but you’ve been twitchy all day. You’ve never eaten so many carbs in your life.” “I came in here to check on you.” Brad cleverly changes the subject, takes my hand, and leads me to the couch. “Are you okay?”

“You told Leo to come here and apologize, didn’t you?” “I asked him.” “Politely?” “Not in so many words.” I reach over and squeeze his hand. “You didn’t have to do that, you know.” “I know, but he did owe you an apology. It was a cheap shot for him to come after you. I still feel horrible that I ever put you in the position where you entered into my business world.” “It’s fine, Brad. Really. In fact, maybe it was a blessing in disguise.” “How do you figure?” “Well, it opened my eyes. I am barely holding onto this lease, and it’s not healthy.” “What? People love your restaurant! The place is always busy.” “It’s an expensive location, and I just... I don’t want to raise the prices. These people are my friends. They’ve been coming here for years.” “It’s business, Lex.” “That’s exactly what Leo said,” I say, just a little too sharply. “And I get it. I understand the logic, I really truly do. But at the end of the day, it’s my choice.” He bows his head slightly. “It is.” “And it made me realize that at some point or another, things are going to get shaken up. Even if

Chris isn’t selling to Leo, he’ll sell to someone else. And that someone else will want to raise rent— because it’s business.” “Lexi—” I hold up a hand. “But this whole event made me realize that it doesn’t matter. We’ll be okay. I’ll be okay. I’ll open a new location, or I’ll try something new. Maybe I’ll even start looking around for a new spot before Chris retires—beat the next guy to the punch. Maybe I’ll—” “Before you do any of that, listen.” Brad leans in, silencing my next explanation with a neat kiss to the lips. “I have something to tell you.” “I don’t care, Brad. It’s over. Leo’s gone—we don’t need to talk about this anymore.” “This isn’t about Leo, this is about you.” I’m a little taken aback, and I adjust myself on the couch as I wait for the other shoe to fall. “Me?” “There was a chance Leo wasn’t going to back down. A chance he might’ve tried to take this to court, or go through with the deal anyway and snatch this place out from under you.” “I already told you, I—” “I said I’d fix it, and I wasn’t sure that I could. Which is why I needed some help.” “Is that what you all are whispering about? I don’t need pity, Brad. You should know that better than anyone else.”

“This isn’t pity, this is...” He trails of, and there’s a hint of awe in his voice that has me suspicious. “What is it?” “Your customers love you. I’m going to let them explain.” “My customers?” “Come on.” He grabs a hold of my hand and pulls me toward the door. “Now this—I didn’t have to do any arm twisting for this. When your customers caught word of what was happening, this came together on its own.” He pulls the door open, and I follow him out. There in the diner is a wash of people. The water aerobics crew, and the men in uniforms. Cole the fireman waves from behind the bridge club, and Sasha and Kitty are interspersed between the Italian chess family. Lucas has himself surrounded by the grandmothers. Rick stands near the back, and even Luis has poked his head out from the kitchen. The second I step out, they begin to applaud. Smiling, whistling, the room is filled with the sounds of celebrating, which makes absolutely no sense. There’s nothing to celebrate. “I didn’t need to fix the problem,” Brad says, just for me. “You fix your own problems.” “But—”

“Just by being who you are.” He eases an arm around my shoulder and dusts a kiss across my forehead, which earns extra cheers from the grandmothers. Even Lucas doesn’t look completely disgusted at our PDA, which is impressive. “What is this?” I ask, directing the question to nobody in particular. “Why are so many people here?” Barb takes the lead, stepping forward and patting Lucas’s arm on the way. She clears her throat, waits until all the attention is on her, and then grins. “When we heard that someone might buy this place out, we got worried.” “Worried?” “Where else can we go for ladies’ breakfasts? You have the cheapest prices, the best food, and you never kick us out for ordering only orange juice.” “So, we all chipped in,” one of the uniforms says, joining Barb at the front. I recognize him, but I’ve never gotten his name. “You never charge us full price, and you’re always giving us free food or coffee.” “We talked to the landlord,” a water aerobics lady adds in, “and we’ve raised enough for the down payment on this place.” From the very back of the room, another figure marches forward. It’s Chris, and he’s holding a slip

of paper in his hand. He shuffles, slowly, until he reaches my side. “Take a look,” he says, handing over the paper. “If you want this place, we’ll see if we can’t get it into your hands.” “No,” I say, in complete denial. “It’s too much. I don’t even want to think about the cost of it. I’ll never be able to carry the mortgage.” “Mortgage is less than rent,” Chris says. “With a down payment this size, it’s yours if you want it.” “But—” “Stop arguing,” Barb says. “We all just forked over the amount we should’ve paid you in the first place. You give us so many sales it’s a rip off. We all know it, and now it’s our chance to return the favor to you.” “We also want to keep the place running,” one of the bridge guys says. “Finding a new spot for the weekly game would be a nightmare. This is central to all of us.” “I...” I look down at the paper. I can’t even focus on it. In the back of my head, I’m well aware there are hundreds of details, logistics, and ittybitty business items to even consider before making this a reality. But that’s not the point. “Thank you,” I say, my voice shaking more than my fingers. I’m rattled from head to toe, and the pounding of my heart is about to knock me flat

on my back. I reach out a hand to Brad and steady myself. “It’s too generous of you, and I can’t tell you how much the thought means to me. I really —” “Just tell us you’ll keep this place open,” Barb says. “That’s all we really want. And for you to be happy, of course, but that goes without saying.” “Well, thank you.” I give a shaky breath, then a smile. “Minnie’s isn’t going anywhere.”

Epilogue LEXI I wave at my parents, blowing kisses toward them as they pull out from the curb of our apartment complex. They wave back, grinning as they cruise away from airport drop-off duty. Turning back to my brand-new, very tan husband, thanks to a gorgeous week spent honeymooning on Fiji, I raise an eyebrow. “Have you heard from anyone since we landed?” “Not a soul.” “I texted Lucas to see if he could pick us up, and he ignored me. Didn’t even say no!” “Maybe they’re busy.” Brad swings an arm over my shoulder and rolls me in for a quick kiss. “Who cares? Lucas would’ve wanted to hang out afterward, hear about the trip, yada yada. I’d rather have you to myself.” “Seriously?” I look up into the handsome face staring back at me, those chocolate eyes set against the golden glow of his skin. “How do you have any energy left?” “We’re still on our honeymoon,” he says. “We’re not technically home yet.” I glance up at our old apartment complex. We’d decided to stay here for the short term, though we had upgraded our digs. We hadn’t moved far—one

floor up, to be exact, into a more spacious twobedroom with a nice big balcony. “Fair enough,” I agree. “Then again, I’m really excited to be home. You still have to carry me over the threshold, you know.” “Oh, I know.” “Actually... I’ll make you a deal. If you carry my bag inside, I’ll spare you the hassle of lifting me up.” He barks a laugh, grabs my bag, and leads the way toward the front of the building. We push the doors open and pull to a fast stop. “You’re kidding me.” I stare ahead at the elevators, both of them looped into one big mess of caution tape. “What is happening?” On the doors are posted various versions of Out of Service warnings. “You know what this means.” Brad’s eyes twinkle as I catch his gaze. “I’m not walking up eight flights of stairs with both of our bags.” I sigh. “We’re risking the service elevator?” “Unless you have a better idea.” Thankfully, my new husband is big and buff and strong because I have no desire to drag my bag an inch further. We’ve been traveling for nearly twenty-four hours, and I’m ready to be home. Brad makes my bag look like it’s filled with feathers, though it’s most certainly not. I might have shoved a coconut in there from the beach

because it looked like Lucas’s head. Cheaper than a souvenir. The service elevator dings its appearance. Brad hauls our stuff in first, holds the door open for me, and then presses the button for our new floor. When it begins ascending, he leans against the wall and gives a happy sigh. “The place where it all began,” he says, surveying the space. “I’m starting to love it in here.” “Technically, it all began when you moved next door as a kid.” “But the good stuff began after we met here.” “You mean, the part where we began sleeping together.” “Well, that is a giant perk of this new-fangled relationship we’ve got going.” “New-fangled? It’s not so new anymore.” I drop my purse to the floor and step across the colossally slow-moving elevator to nestle into the nook of his arm. “You’re stuck with me now.” “Thank God.” Just then, the elevator jerks to a stop. “I spoke too soon,” I whisper. “I didn’t mean literally.” Brad’s trying to hold back a bark of laughter, but it doesn’t work. His eyes sparkle, and finally, he gives up all pretense of remaining calm. “I really just want to be home,” I say. “I’m tired, and gross, and—”

“You’re not gross. You’re sexy, and you should relax. We have all day. Neither of us have to be back to work until Monday.” Thanks to our friends, both of our businesses have been well taken care of in our absence. Sasha, Kitty, and Rick all pitched in to manage the restaurant, along with a newly re-hired Theo who had begged for his job back with the promise to actually work this time. It’s a good thing I believe in second chances. Bradley has spent this past year building his new gym—kitty-corner from the diner. As it turned out, Chris had a few properties in the area and was happy to unload one of them on Brad. I can wave to my husband from behind the counter, and he can wave back from his front desk. It’s gooey sweet and annoying to just about everyone else, but I happen to love this arrangement. Lucas is still playing hockey, and he ended up bringing a few guys from the team to work out at Brad’s gym. That brought a wave of ladies to sign up who enjoy watching the hockey pros sweat and smell disgusting. I have no complaints because after the gym, all those sweaty guys shower off and pile over to the diner with all of their groupies. Business has never been better. People say we’re lucky, and I have to agree.

Except with elevators. Somehow, our luck seems to run out in elevators. This elevator in particular. “I can’t believe both elevators were out,” I say. “On the one day we need them.” “Maybe it’s a sign.” “What sort of a sign?” Brad lets the bags sag to the floor as his hands find their way to my waist. He traces the skin peeking out from between my halter top and my jeans, sending little shivers that ease the grumpiness from my system. Then his hands travel up and over my back to the bare skin of my shoulders. Before I know it, he’s untied the string of my halter top and pressed his mouth to my neck. “What do you think you’re doing?” I murmur, not quite wanting this to stop. “We’re in public.” “Nobody can see us here. Don’t you think it’s fitting? Christening the place where this all began? I did warn you this might happen.” “Brad, we shouldn’t—” His lips travel from my neck to my collarbone, and I hiss in a breath. “What was that?” he says, running a hand over my breasts, his thumb teasing through the thin fabric as it falls down to reveal a swatch of skin. “Do you want me to stop?”

“How are we still able to be turned on?” My leg wraps around his as my arms circle his neck. I press my forehead to him, savoring the slow burn in my stomach, the desire for him reignited. “We’ve been in bed for a week.” “Like I said, this is still technically our honeymoon.” “Take off your shirt.” He slips out of that baby in record time, his hands coming to land on the snap of my jeans. The button comes undone to reveal a bright pink, festive pair of lacy panties. I was going for the island vibe. Apparently, it worked. “You get sexier and sexier every damn day,” he says. “Which is alarming because I already can’t focus at the gym.” “Stop talking and kiss me.” He obeys, hooking his hands under my behind, then toppling forward as my back crashes into the wall and his hands rove over my sides. I tug him closer, he holds me tighter. My fingers dig into his back, his lips brush my neck. He nips at my chin, caresses my skin, and then lifts me so my legs wrap around his waist. “We shouldn’t be doing this. Bradley, we should...” “Not be doing this.” He finishes my sentence, then runs his hand over my hip. “Wrong. Think of it as a productive use of our time.”

“What?” “Consider it practice for baby making. You always said you wanted kids, right? We’re married now, and we have our businesses and our apartment, so... why wait?” “Okay, but I think we could manage five minutes until we get to our apartment.” “We’re stuck. We’re just using our time wisely —” He’s silenced as the elevator jerks to a start. “How’d it do that?” I ask, petrified. “We never pressed the button.” “Or called for help.” “Or—” “Shit! Tie my shirt. Tie my shirt, Brad!” The strings from my halter top are dangling, and Brad is completely naked from the waist up. I struggle to button my jeans and tie my shirt at the same time, which means neither get done by the time the doors slide open. I realize what’s happening just a second too late. The hallway is filled with balloons, and faces are staring back at us. Staring into the elevator and watching the shitshow that is me and Brad trying to get dressed. These are faces I recognize. Faces like my brother, Kitty, and Sasha. “Oh, look,” Brad mumbles. “Your parents.”

I freeze, clutching my shirt to my body as Bradley wraps his around me like a towel. Our audience also has apparently lost the ability to speak until Kitty lets out a giant snort of laughter and breaks the silence. “Surprise!” she calls, joined weakly by the rest of the group. My brother looks like he might vomit, and I deftly avoid my father’s eye contact. “What were you guys thinking?” I hiss as Sasha steps into the elevator and ties my halter top strings. I button my pants while Bradley slips on his shirt, and then I gather up my purse. “I mean, thank you, but seriously?” “What were we thinking?” Lucas reacts on a ten second delay. “We were thinking it’d be funny to surprise you where this all began! We weren’t thinking you’d get it on in the three minutes you were stuck!” “That was only three minutes?” I glance at Bradley. “Yikes.” “Felt longer,” he agrees. “We didn’t know you’d be here,” I say, a bit defensive. “And anyway, we’re still on our honeymoon.” “No, that ended in Fiji,” Lucas says. “You’re home now.” “Technically, we’re not quite...” Bradley begins, then sees my father watching him, so he shrinks to

the back of the elevator. “Never mind.” “Why does everyone keep thinking we got our start in the elevator, anyway?” I climb from it, holding the door open as Brad shuffles our bags out. “We met about a million years ago.” “Yeah, and apparently all of your sexual tension and frustration is still bubbling over,” Kitty says. “A week in paradise, and you’re still scrambling to get your hands on one another in the service elevator.” “Were you all responsible for the caution tape out in the front lobby?” I point at them accusatorily. “And mom, I thought you dropped me off to go home.” “We wanted to have a surprise welcome back party,” my mother says. “That’s why Lucas and everyone ignored your messages. We didn’t want anyone to give it away.” My dad makes a weird sound in his throat, and Bradley murmurs something that sounds like an apology. I cringe into the background and sink against Brad’s side. He’s bigger than me, so people’s eyes go to him first. I’m working on my ability to become invisible. “Oh, people, give it up,” my mother finally says. “These two have had eyes for each other for two decades. It’s a good thing they love each other.” “Thanks, mom.”

“We’re all adults here, so let’s move along and celebrate! There are worse things than a couple so madly in love they can’t keep their hands off each other.” “Agreed, Mrs. Monroe,” Bradley says. “I do love your daughter, and—” “Don’t push it, Bradley,” my mom shoots back. “She’s still my daughter, and your fly is down.” The End

Author’s Note Thank you so much for reading, and I hope you enjoyed the story! If you’re interested in more sexy, fun romance stories—stay tuned for the next book releasing on December 26th, 2017 titled DAD BOD! Read on for the synopsis!

DAD BOD I’M A SINGLE MOM. He’s a single dad. In theory, we should have something in common, right? Wrong. When I receive a phone call from my daughter’s school, I’m shocked to find my sweet little girl has been in a fight. Hauled to the principal’s office to straighten things out, I find myself sitting next to none other than my first kiss —Tyler Daniels—the man who’d taught me the meaning of trouble. After living the high life in NYC, he’s back in town to ruin me again. This time—the joke’s on him. I’m older and (sometimes) wiser, and after my last failed relationship, I’m in no mood to have my pigtails pulled. Not even when Tyler decides to try that kissing thing all over again. However, Tyler’s gotten a lot better at that kissing thing, and when one steamy kiss leads to the next, I suddenly find myself thinking about Tyler Daniels and his smoking hot dad bod at the worst of times. Even if his presence in my town will run my beautiful little inn right out of business. When push comes to shove, however, Tyler Daniels and I are not cut out to be friends—and I’m not sure if we’re ready for more.

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Did you love Hangry? Then you should read Delivery Girl by Lily Kate!

Good things come in extra-large, smoking hot packages. Things like pizza. The very pizzas that I deliver for my dad’s restaurant, Peretti’s Pizza. It’s a temporary job, something to pay the bills until I graduate from school, but it does the trick. In fact, it's working quite well until Ryan Pierce of the Minnesota Stars decides to order a pizza from me, and life as I know

it turns upside down. You see, Ryan Pierce doesn’t just open his front door. He opens it buck naked. And suddenly, I’m not the one boasting the biggest, hottest package in the room. However, it’s what happens next that gives me butterflies whenever my phone beeps. Ryan starts to call, and then text, and then fifteen pizza deliveries and one fantastic night later, we’re friends with benefits. So when he asks me to be his fake girlfriend at his brother’s wedding, I’m happy to help. But the longer we pretend, the more I worry that this is one package I might not be able to handle. ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** This is a full-length, standalone romantic comedy with an HEA. It is intended for audiences 18+ due to mature content including romance, language, and ridiculously fun times.