Page 56 of My Ex's Best Friend

I’m surprised she doesn’t disappear completely inside it.

“Last night was amazing,” I tell her. I find her knee under the sheets and give it a gentle squeeze.

“It was for me, as well.”

I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding.

I wasn’t sure how she was going to react, especially since we set the wrong precedent the first time we slept together. And last night was so sudden. I don’t want her to regret her decision. I don’t want to lose her again.

"Maybe next time we have a serious conversation, you won't be naked," I tease.

She pushes me away playfully. “Stop.”

"Timing has never been our strong suit, has it?"

She smirks, a playful glint in her eye. "No, it really hasn't. But maybe we're finally getting the hang of it."

A hint of worry creases Kiera's brow. She starts, "Well, about last night—"

"We don't need to talk about it, Kiera. It's okay."

“But we have to. Jake, we work together. You're my boss. We can't just pretend like nothing happened."

I run a hand through my hair, understanding the weight of her concern. "Look, Kiera, I value our professional relationship. Last night was... It was personal and amazing and beautiful. We can keep it separate."

“Do you believe that?”

“No,” I say reluctantly.

“And it’s not just that I’m worried about, you know?” she says. “What does it mean for us? We can’t just ignore it forever.”

"I'm not suggesting we ignore it, Kiera. I'm saying we don't have to decide anything right now. We can figure it out as we go along."

Her eyes search mine, looking for reassurance. "But we work together."

“And we will handle it. Look, we're in France. We're free. I don't want to sweep it under the rug, but I also don't want it to overshadow everything. Can't we just enjoy this time together and deal with the rest later?"

She sighs, a mixture of reluctance and understanding. "I just don't want things to get messy, Jake."

“Neither do I.” And after tonight, I’m surer than ever that I never want to lose her again. “Now what do you say we go out and get some fresh baguettes and pastries.”

She smiles and puts her arms around me. The action makes the sheets slip down to her waist, exposing her breasts. Her nipples harden under my gaze.

She looks down at herself. “Sorry,” she says, but her face doesn’t echo the emotion.

“I’m not.” I push her into the bed.

“What about baguettes?”

“Baguettes can wait.” I push her legs open.

All day and all night we try and fail to leave the room, and the baguettes are forgotten, but we talk and get to know each other all over again. Body and soul.

15

KIERA

I wake up with a wide smile, the morning sunlight filtering through the curtains casting a warm glow on the room.

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