Page 9 of Vegas with my Ex’s Best Friends

“You color-code your tabs,” I say. “Deadline order.”

Her eyebrows lift. “You caught that.”

“I read everything.”

“That's either impressive or mildly concerning.”

“Both,” I reply.

She laughs, quick and unguarded. The sound catches me off guard in a way I don't trust.

Just before seven we both reach for the carafe.

Her hand closes around the handle first. Mine settles over hers.

Unexpected.

Neither of us moves right away.

A half-second of stillness stretches between us. Her skin is warmer than I anticipated, soft against the back of my knuckles, and the faint citrus scent of her sleeve hits me all at once. My pulse kicks hard once, twice—loud in the sudden quiet of the kitchen. I almost say something. Almost ask if she feels it too, this pull that has no business existing.

Then the rational part of my brain slams back online. Connor's sister. Your best friend's sister.

She pulls back quickly, like the contact carried more weight than she wanted.

I give it a beat, then lift the carafe, pour her cup first, and set it beside her. I pour my own and return the carafe to its exact spot.

She stares hard at her screen.

“Thank you,” she says, quieter now.

“Of course.”

I return to typing, but the numbers feel secondary. All I can still feel is her hand and the speed with which she pulled away.

That speed tells its own story.

Across the table, she slips in her second earbud.

I don't like it.

Chapter five

Chapter Five—Liam

The penthouse line rings at ten-thirty on the second night. I'm closest, so I pick it up. I already have a pretty good idea who it is.

I'm right.

“Hey.” Connor sounds like he's calling from another decade. “Just checking in on the place.”

“Place is fine,” I say, leaning against the kitchen counter. Through the doorway I catch Riley cross-legged on the couch, laptop glowing, earbuds in, the corner of her mouth doing that almost-smile thing. “We're all settled in.”

“Good.” Connor pauses, clearly working up to something. “I know I mentioned this before you guys arrived, but I want to make sure we're clear.”

“Okay.”

“Riley.” Another second. “She's my sister. Not a Vegas situation. I know you're all decent guys, but I need it said out loud. She's off-limits.”