Page 16 of Blue Jeans in Low Beams

The timer beeps again, and I sigh, turning back to the oven. This time the center is nice and firm, so I pull the baking dish out and set it on top of the oven. The chocolatey goodness wafts through the air, filling my nostrils and making my heart happy, a steep contrast to the knot my stomach is still in.

“So, you two have been what? Acting like nothing happened?”

“I told you, we haven’t actually spoken.”

“At all?”

I sigh again, leaning against the counter. My body relaxes, all the worry seeming to release from my muscles. At least for the moment.

“Just that little bit Friday night at the bar. In the apartment, we’ve just kinda been scurrying around each other, trying to avoid the other person, and if we are in the same place at the same time, avoid eye contact at all costs.”

Because I’m not sure I can look Milo in the eyes ever again…

“Is that why you’re stress baking?”

“I’m not stress baking!” I defend.

Except, I am. Sort of.

“Sure you aren’t, Brenna. Sure you aren’t. So tell me, Twix cups or Slutty Brownies?”

“Slutty Brownies,” I mutter, hating that she knows me this well.

Because not only does she know that I’m stress baking, she knows what I’m stress baking. Maybe it’s time I tried some new recipes. Although, considering the occasion, a tried and true favorite is called for.

“Yum. Oreo or peanut butter cup?”

“Peanut butter cup. It’s Anton’s favorite.”

“You’re stress baking for Anton? Why? It’s Milo who saw you naked. And then cleaned your boobs.”

She has a point. Which is probably why it sounds a little strange to her that I’m dropping the name of one of Milo’s brothers and not him. But I have a good reason.

I suck in a breath—time to drop the next bomb. Here goes.

“Oh, did I not mention that part? I’m invited to Sunday dinner at the Hayeses’ tonight. Because, you know, I like to take awkward to the next level.”

Mell is silent for a moment. My heart starts to race the longer she doesn’t speak. It’s not like her to be stunned into silence.

“Know what I think?”

“No, but I bet you’re going to tell me.”

“I think this is your chance. To get out of the lab coat and into the latex!”

Errr…what?!

I push up off the counter, my body freezing midair. She wants me to…what?! I didn’t hear her properly. There’s no way. Mostly because what she said didn’t even make sense. But also because…if she’s suggesting that I… No…no, she’s not. There’s just no way.

“I don’t even know what that means.”

“Neither do I, but it sounded good in my head,” Mell replies, laughing. “Fits our hot-girl summer theme. Very on brand.”

“Latex is on brand?” I question, turning back to my brownies.

I gently tap the sides of the pan, checking to see if it’s cooled down enough to put in the fridge. The glass is warm to the touch still, so it’s probably a tad too soon, but I’m also on a timeline, so I’m going to risk it. Push comes to shove, it cracks and I have to buy the boys a new baking dish. Still won’t be the worst thing that’s happened in this apartment this week.

“Sure?” Her tone doesn’t sound sure about anything, but I don’t push it. I’ll let her have this one. “Oh, gotta let you go. Jon’s calling.”