“Jules. He invited you back to his apartment to show off his artwork. He was either hitting on you or trying to kill you.”
“He said he was having a party,” I remind her.
Chloe snorts. “Yeah, in his pants.”
I make a gagging sound. “Gross. Nothing happened with the bartender.”
Her eyes narrow, and she examines me like she does when she knows I’m lying. Except I’m not lying.
“But something happened with someone,” she presses.
Instead of answering, I crane my neck, wondering where the hell the server is so I can order some coffee.
“If it wasn’t Jensen, who was it? Because you obviously got some action last night. I can tell by how much you’re blushing.” She leans in close. “Was it someone you met at the bar?”
I somehow feel her before I see her, her presence folding over me like a warm blanket. Alex slides into the chair beside me smelling like bergamot and expensive conditioner. She has on a plain gray T-shirt and ripped jeans, and my body seems to wake up at her proximity.
Who needs caffeine when Alex Pestano is sitting so close? She looks refreshed and not at all like she was up all night coaxing out orgasms and patiently letting me explore every inch of her.
“Hey, sorry.” She casually throws an arm across the back of my chair, and I tryreallyhard not to lean into her. “Did you already order?”
“It’s a buffet,” Chloe deadpans.
Alex glances behind her and spots the food, her eyes lighting up. “Oh, even better. I’m starving.”
“Didn’t get enough to eat last night?” Chloe asks. The way she says it, paired with a knowing sort of look, sends a wave of panic through me.
It doesn’t help when Alex smirks and says, “Not even close.”
Chloe stares like she’s trying to get a read on her.
But then, like a miracle from heaven, the server finally appears. “Can I get you any coffee? Juice? More water?”
“Coffee, please,” I say, though I’m not sure adding caffeine to my pounding heart is a good idea.
“I’ll have a coffee, too, please,” Chloe adds.
“Make that three, and may I please have some orange juice?” Alex’s leg touches mine, and I jump. She doesn’t seem to notice, but Chloe does.
“Three coffees and one orange juice coming up. Help yourself to the buffet.” She leaves us with no further instructions, and Alex places her hands on the table and stands.
“Okay, well, the bacon is calling my name. You coming?”
I can feel myself flush again. “In a minute.”
“Okay. I’ll try to leave you some, but no promises.” And just as quickly as she appeared, she’s gone.
“Oh. My. God,” Chloe says, emphasizing each word.
“What?” I ask, my attention back on the sugar packets.
“You slept with Alex?” Chloe says way too loudly.
I shake my head, unable to stop the panic I know must show on my face. “What? No! I didn’t…we didn’t…I mean…shit.”
There’s no use denying it. I’m a horrible liar, and Chloe would be able to see right through me anyway. I put my head in my hands and groan, preparing for the barrage of questions that are sure to follow.
“I have a million questions,” she starts. “The first of them beingwhat the fuck?”
