Page 54 of Twisted Beauty

Almost immediately, she saw those three dots dancing on her screen and felt a rush of relief that her friend was replying so quickly.

Have you had hot monkey sex with the Hunk yet?

Liv fumbled over the keys, typing as fast as she could. No! Of course not.

Then yes, you’re an idiot.

Liv rolled her eyes, even though Katie couldn’t see her. Obviously, if she wanted someone to stop her from tearing off Matt’s clothes, Katie wasn’t her girl. Two days ago you said he was an asshole.

He’s a HOT asshole, Katie texted back. You don’t have to like him. Just use him for orgasms.

Liv felt her face heat. At a text, for god’s sake. You did NOT just say that.

I did. He’s the perfect rebound guy. I say go for it. Katie followed with a flurry of emoticons—a flame, a tongue hanging from a mouth, a heart split in two, and several others.

Matt’s voice carried down the hallway and Liv stopped texting to listen. “I know you can take care of yourself.” He sounded exasperated. “Yes, I’ll tell her.”

Liv’s phone pinged, pulling her attention back. Livvy?

Gotta go. I’ll text you back later. Liv shut off her phone and tucked it into a drawer in the bedside table. This was one conversation she didn’t want Matt to see.

She went back to the living room in time to see him plop down on the couch. He tossed his phone onto the coffee table and looked at it like he’d rather throw it out the window.

“Is Tito okay?” she asked.

“His usual ornery self.”

Liv tried not to smile, but Matt looked so ruffled by his eighty-something-year-old grandpa, it was cute. Tito frustrated him, but what she wouldn’t give for a grandfather like that. Or any family member like that.

“He wants us to stay put, safe from the storm. He insists everything’s fine over there,” Matt said.

A flash of lightning caught her attention, and she glanced out through the sliding door. Dark clouds hovered at the horizon and a streak of lightning bolted down into the ocean. But the rain seemed to have tapered off just overhead.

“You don’t believe him?” she asked.

“Tito always has an agenda when it comes to my life. I never know what to believe.”

Liv nodded. She’d seen evidence of Tito’s meddling firsthand, but she was growing to love him anyway. How could she not? He meant well, and seemed to care deeply about everyone he knew. “Maybe some fresh air out on the patio will help. Looks like the rain’s letting up.”

Matt took a deep breath and his shoulders visibly relaxed. “It won’t last. See how dark those clouds are at the horizon? But sure, let’s go out…if I can trust you. Last time you lured me out onto a patio, you took advantage of me.”

Liv felt her mouth drop open. Though why she’d be surprised he brought that up, she didn’t know. At least he was smiling again. Teasing. So maybe he wasn’t all that upset that she’d kissed him?

“Are you flirting with me, chef?”

“Just making sure my virtue is safe.”

She shot him a look of mock irritation. “I’ll try to contain myself.”

Liv stood up and slid open the door to step outside. Light rain pattered along the edges of the patio, but she stopped under the overhang to stay dry. The fresh air felt thick with heat and moisture, but still wonderful.

Matt stepped out a moment later, brushing his hand along the small of her back as he came to stand beside her. Her stomach dropped and fluttered at his touch.

Maybe Katie was right. Maybe she’d be an idiot for letting this opportunity pass her by. The sparks between them were undeniable, and neither of them wanted anything more than just this moment. So really, what could it hurt?

Liv turned away from the water and faced Matt. He was just inches away and she knew he felt this spark between them too. She could see it in his eyes.

She stood on her tiptoes and brushed her lips over his. A thrill rushed through her body and she heard his sharp intake of breath.