Page 18 of Hot Girl Summer

I lose track of the time I spend tossing, turning, and willing myself to sleep. I’m not used to sharing a bed, and I don’t like it one bit.

“Phi? Are you awake?” Ryan’s deep, silky voice cuts through the silence as he shifts his weight to face me.

“Mmhmm,” I hum. My eyes are still closed.

“Do you ever think about us?”

“It was a long time ago.”

“That’s not an answer.”

“Sometimes,” I muse, and a smile crosses my lips. “But then I remember that time you cheated on me with your French exchange student and broke my heart. Goodnight, Ryan.”

After my outburst, he doesn’t dare move or breathe, and I sleep soundly the entire night.

Chapter Five

WhenIemergeinmy gym clothes the following morning, a jug of fresh green juice and three tall glasses lay on the kitchen counter. Stefan’s husband, James, has clearly beaten Ryan to his late-night promise.

“Mate, what are you wearing?” Ryan asks, stifling a laugh.

James’ blue floral kimono barely covers his modesty, but it’s his loungewear staple, and he wears it well.

“Good morning, you two,” James says, throwing a pointed look in Ryan’s direction over round-rimmed glasses. “And where didyousleep last night?”

“Chill, Miss Marple.”

“That’s Jessica Fletcher to you, Sir.”

“It’s not my fault your couch is from the children’s section of IKEA,” Ryan says. “I slept in Phi’s bed to save my back.”

James cocks an eyebrow, then divides the juice between each glass, and hands one to Ryan, then me.

“I think I’ll give it a miss, man,” Ryan says, curling his lip.

“Oh, go on. It’s kale, cucumber, celery, lemon and ginger. I promise your body will thank you.”

“Coach makes us drink beet juice before a game. That’s enough for me.” Ryan checks his watch. “I should get home, get some things—if Chrissy hasn’t changed the locks. What are you guys doing today?”

“I’m flying this afternoon.” James says.

“I’m meeting April at the gym,” I say, gesturing to my black crop top and high waist leggings ensemble. I actually have a day off on a Sunday for once.”

“Best not say anything about this little rendezvous, then,” James says, peering over his glasses again. He turns to Ryan. “And as for you, my friend. I hope for your sake that Chrissy isn’t there. But if she is, send her my regards.”

The men bro-hug goodbye, then Ryan turns to me, circles an arm around my waist, and plants a kiss on my cheek.

“Thank you, again, for being such a great friend,” he says.

“Anytime.”

He gives me one last smile before he picks up his things and leaves.

With a new found smugness as a direct result of Ryan’s appreciation, I slide up onto the kitchen counter and savour my drink, letting the cold, green goodness coat my throat. Nothing can touch me. I am wonder woman.

I pull out my phone and check it, and my stomach does a victory backflip when I see the one notification I have secretly been hoping for.

Danny Pearce followed you back!

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