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“Urgh, I’m thinking about work and the dreary weather back in Seattle.” There is no point blabbing about my sudden and unwarranted feelings about Mr. B. Especially to Charlize. She’ll only encourage me, whether it’s a bad idea or not.
“God, don’t remind me,” Imogen sighs. “It’s been nice having girl time and being able to sleep in and having the bed all to myself.”
“Well, enjoy it while it lasts, though I’m sure lover boy Nate will be wanting you back by now. You are one of those sickeningly happy couples who’ve got your shit together.” Charlize laughs.
“God, tell me about it,” I agree. “How do you find an uncomplicated man who’s loyal, smart, sexy and funny, oh, and one who doesn’t want to jump into bed with someone else.”
“Maybe you’ve already found him.” Imogen shrugs. “When I met Nate, it wasn’t like he was my type at all. Then we got talking and went out on a date, and it was the best date I’ve ever been on. I guess sometimes in our minds we have this person in mind, and it rarely ever turns out that way. Look at how many toads I’ve kissed. Look at Charlize…”
“Hey!” She pouts. “I’ve enjoyed all my toads, except maybe a couple. Okay, maybe more than a couple, but that’s all partof the fun. Taking a potential out for a test drive. There’s no point trading in for a second hand Datsun when you can have a fucking red Ferrari.”
I shake my head. “I pity the man who gets stuck with you.”
“Men, sweetie, I might start my own reverse harem.”
Imogen splutters her drink as I pat her on the back before she chokes. “You’ve been reading way too many of those romance books, girl.”
“Yes, and it’s why I have such high expectations,” she maintains.
“Back to the subject at hand,” Imogen goes on, looking back at me. “Are you having feelings for Mr. B?”
I didn’t exactly expect either of them to come right out and ask me. It was easy fooling myself, but I guess I’m a little more transparent than I thought.
I shrug. “He’s wonderful, what else can I say?”
They exchange a look.
“What?”
Charlize narrows her eyes. “I know that look, Ari.”
I glance at her bewildered. “What look?”
“That look that says you’re feeling a little bit more than something down under.”
I shake my head. “That’s insane.”
“Why?” Imogen counters. “I’ve known you a long time, Ari, and I’ve never seen you this blissed out before. You have a flush to your cheeks and a glow to your skin and just a general happiness in your step. That can’t all be for nothing.”
“She’s got a flush because Mr. Bentley’s been eating her out every freaking night,” Charlize chirps.
“Why don’t you announce it to the whole pool?” I say through gritted teeth.
“And anyway, everyone has a holiday glow when they’re on vacation. It’s because we’re not at work.”
“You forgot about the hot sex with an older man who clearly knows what he’s doing,” Charlize snorts. “Imi has a point, though, you do seem pretty relaxed, there’s no denying it.”
“Well, Iamrelaxed. It’s been the best birthday ever. I couldn’t have wished for better, and not just because of the upgrade.” I give them a smile. “You guys aren’t too bad either.”
“We aim to please,” Charlize says with a wink. “And you’re not so bad yourself, for an old duck.”
I couldn’t honestly wish for better friends. They never judge, and while Charlize is a sex-crazed maniac, I wouldn’t want her any other way. Imogen has always been the peacemaker out of the three of us, and she’s way more level-headed. Together, I think we balance each other out.
“It is gonna suck, though,” Imogen goes on, turning onto her front. “When we get back to Seattle, and I mean, has he said anything about seeing you when you get back home?”
I sip on my drink as dread fills through me. I know it’s stupid, and I battle with right and wrong with Lukas every time I nut it out in my mind.
“I doubt he wants that,” I reply, feeling the swell of regret in my gut.
