Page 66 of Ballrooms & Blackmail

God, I hope so.

“Okay, now that we know you’re okay and not being held captive by a surly, albeit sexy billionaire,” Marie says, “I think it’s time we get down to more important subjects.”

Rory grins. “Just saying, I don’t think River would mind being trapped with her surly, sexy billionaire.”

Considering how much I’ve liked the last few days with him? She’s not wrong.

But I don’t want to think about how hard I’m falling for Thorn or what that might mean or how it might go wrong or what he’s holding back. I just…want to bask in the glow of what feels right.

And these women are part of that.

Because this—laughter in the air, good food shared, Mia’s babbling, us all talking over each other, fighting about our favorite parts of the book we’re reading together—is so freaking precious.

I lived too long without it.

I’m not letting it go—not ever again.

Even if part of me wants Thorn to be walking back into the penthouse, his mouth tipping up at the edges, his eyes warm, his voice gentle when he asks what movie we’re watching tonight.

On the trails of that thought, my phone buzzes from beside my wine glass.

THORN: How’re you ladies doing on food?

I grin, shake my head. Know he just can’t help himself.

RIVER: As you know, we’re overloaded on baked goods.

Three dots appear almost immediately.

THORN: Got it.

THORN: So I’ll have the delivery set for an hour from now.

RIVER: Now, that’s rude.

THORN: Trying to feed you is rude?

RIVER: Insinuating we’re eating you out of house and home is.

THORN: You forget I’ve seen the aftermath of Girls’ Nights before, little hen.

RIVER: We’re very dignified.

Except—even as I send that—cackling rings out as a very undignified discussion about our book takes place.

“Cover your ears,” Tiff teases, reaching out to block the side of Mia’s head

“Never,” Rory says. “Her lessons will start early.”

Buzz. Buzz.

THORN: Have fun, little hen.

I smile and put my phone away, looking up to see the girls are watching me.

“I really like her smile,” Marie stage whispers.

“I know,” Chrissy agrees.