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“Keep it warm for me.”
“Mm. I’ll try. No promises.”
“Eden.”
She laughs again. “Don’t worry, I won’t invite Bennett in our bed. Or the battery-operated boyfriend that you told me I wasn’t allowed to fall for. It’s strictly a party of one over here.”
A laugh rumbles in my chest. “I’m glad to hear it.”
“Why’s that?”
“Because I didn’t make you come last night. And I’ve been thinking about it all damn day.”
Silence. Then a soft, shaky breath.
“I’ll leave the light on,” she says.
Click.
I stare at my phone for a second, her voice still echoing in my head.I shove it in my pocket and walk back into the office with the kind of smile I reserve for deals I already know I’ve won.
“Let’s make this quick,” I say, nodding at Bennett, who looks like he’s one spreadsheet away from a stroke. “We’ve all got somewhere better to be tonight.”
I know I do. And I can’t fucking wait.
twenty-two
EDEN
It’s almost nine in the evening and the house is silent save for the huge television currently playing an eighties movie, complete with big hair and designer clothes. Bennett went upstairs an hour ago, and I’m in the living room, avoiding my sister’s calls.
My phone is warm in my hand. I scroll past Autumn’s missed calls, past the family group chat, and send a message to West.
I’m watching a romcom. All the best marriage-of-convenience movies have the heroine blowing thousands on the hero’s black Amex. Why haven’t you given me a credit card to splurge with? – Eden
The response is almost immediate.
What would you spend my money on? Building a llama sanctuary in Peru?- West
I snort.
No. A red Ferrari. – Eden
Liar. - West
Fine. A really expensive vibrator with heated side panels and Bluetooth speakers. Happy? – Eden
I’ll allow it. But only to keep you company when I’m not with you. – West
So now you’re regulating my fake sex life? That’s a little possessive. - Eden
You’re fake splurging on my fake black Amex card. I feel like we’re even here. – West
I grin.
Are you coming home soon? – Eden
No. – West
