I gestured to the space around us. “So, we didn’t just have a nice conversation?”
“Talking about the weather is polite, yes, but it wasn’t special.”
Closing the distance between us, I reached out to touch her. She didn’t move, didn’t even attempt to step away from me. Searching her eyes, I grazed my hand over her jawline. “You can’t stop this,” I whispered.
“Stop what?” she breathed.
“The pull that makes you want to be near me. The inevitable connection we have. It’s still there.”
She swallowed against the thumb I’d pressed against her throat. “I don’t want to be your friend.”
A smile tugged at my mouth. “You already said that.”
“You’re not listening to me.”
“I heard you.” I inched closer, brushing my nose against her cheek. “You don’t really believe what you’re saying, though.”
When she opened her mouth to talk, I took the moment to trace her lips with my finger. “Oh God,” she mumbled. “You can’t do this.”
“I promise I won’t do anything you don’t want me to do.” I flicked her hat off, sank my fingers into her curls, enjoying her sharp gasp. I wanted to kiss her more than I needed to breathe in that moment. We were so close I could feel her breath against my mouth, smell the hint of cinnamon mixed with hazelnut. “But I’m going to let you set the pace.”
“You’re so full of yourself.” She shoved me away, scrambling to pick up her hat and place it back on her head. “You think you’re funny, huh?”
“No, I’m dead serious. But since you want to change the subject, you’re going to need me if you want to get this job done sooner than later. Set up the interview. I’ll tell you who I’ve interacted with. Answer any questions you have about the company I keep.”
She waved me off. “I already know what I need to know.”
“Well, like I told you earlier, I’m here because you are. As long as you’re here, as long as Ms. Tea is wreaking havoc, I’m not going anywhere.” Before she could protest, I straightened her hat, ran my fingers over the brim. “Sounds like Bri is here.”
Albany blinked, glancing into the house. When she cracked open the patio Hendrix and Bri were arguing about whether feta cheese belonged on pizza. She smirked. “It absolutely does.”
I couldn’t stop staring at her. “What?”
“Feta cheese?” she said, her voice low. “It definitely belongs on pizza.” She froze when she stepped inside. Turning to me, she said, “Since you’re here, you can grab a piece.”
Laughing, I said, “Only if you have another non-feta cheese option.”
Chapter 10
Albany
Picture this… A sex-starved woman whose last orgasm was the night before she filed for divorce months ago, fueled by visions of the man who broke her heart, a smutty romance novel, and a drawer filled with sex toys.
Yep, that’s me.And I’m fucked.
I stared out of the window at the slew of people walking down the street. Outside the restaurant, blue skies and mild temps set a vibrant mood, made me want to soak up the energy. The fun vibe of Campus Martius Park, an area in the heart of downtown, was electric. Buildings that were once vacant had been restored, shops were full of customers … the city was lit with excitement. It felt like another world, a melting pot of diverse cultures, trendy restaurants, and one-of-a-kind experiences.
“Albany?”
I tore my gaze from the fountain in front of the restaurant and met Bri’s concerned gaze, before turning my attention to the waitress. “I’m sorry, what?”
The woman smiled. “Would you like to see the dessert menu?”
“No, thanks.” Once the waitress walked away, I took a healthy sip of my third mimosa. “So good.”
“What the hell is going on here?” Kay asked. She snatched my drink away from me. “I thought we were past your drunk phase. Not another sip.”
Brianna snorted. “Too late. She’s already gone, Sissy.” She snagged one of the brunch potatoes off of my plate.
