I grin despite myself. “Honestly? It’s amazing. He cooks. We watch old movies and talk. He just listens, and it’s—”
“You’re mad for him.”
“I amnot.”
“Whatever you say, love.” Pippa twirls her fingers casually, like she knows something I don’t. “But I’m not the one wearing his kit under my coat.”
I gape. “How did you—”
“You’re not subtle,” she says with a smirk. “Plus, Carlos and Sebastian told Luke they suggested it to you.”
I groan. “Do they know?”
Pippa laughs. “God, no. They’re daft. They have no idea. But Oliver’s going to lose his mind when he sees it.” She crosses her arms, a devious sparkle in her eyes. “Real talk, though. How’s the sex?”
I choke on air. “Pippa!”
She shrugs. “Come on, love. I’m married, not dead. I can window-shop without buying the product. I want to live vicariously through someone getting railed by Oliver Bradshaw.”
I hide my face in my hands. “Oh my god.”
“You’re glowing! Spill.”
I peek at her through my fingers, then drop them and shake my head, laughing. “It’s… incredible.”
“Fuck.” Her mouth drops open like she’s receiving divine revelation. “I really hate you.”
“I don’t even know how to describe it,” I ramble. “It’s intense, and tender, and really dirty sometimes, and—”
Pippa lets out a muffled scream into her palms, then fans herself dramatically. “It’s hot in here.”
We dissolve into a fit of giggles. Once she catches her breath, she looks at me more seriously. “If it’s so great… why not stay? Make a proper go of it.”
I straighten, my smile fading. “I have rules.”
“Addison,” she says gently, “you’re already breakingsomeof them.”
I shake my head. “Please. Don’t.”
Her voice softens. “But if it’s so wonderful, then maybe it’s worth finding out if the rules even matter anymore.”
“Pippa.” I swallow hard, staring at the floor. “Please don’t push this. Just be my friend.”
She watches me for a second, then nods. “Okay. I won’t push.”
“Thank you.”
“But you’re mental if you think I’m not going to enjoy this.”
“Fine,” I say, giggling.
I smile and link my arm with hers as we head back out into the tunnel.
I feel better now that someone knows, someone I trust. It feels like I’ve been holding my breath and can finally take a deep breath.
But the worst part? I know she’s right.
34
