Page 61 of Conspiracies and Chemistry

“When is it?” I asked.

“In two weeks. I know that’s not a lot of time to plan.” Savannah turned to Tessa. “I was hoping we could have a party here.” Savannah said. “Your place is perfect for entertaining.”

“Except for the hidden entrance,” I mumbled.

She waved her hand. “It adds to the charm. We can leave the gate open.”

“There’s a gate?” If I’d known that, I could’ve saved my pants.

Tessa’s eyes were wide and wild like a cornered animal’s. “A partyhere?”

“Only our closest friends,” Savannah said. “No one you’d regret knowing where you live. The girls and their partners. My three kids, if that’s okay. I’ll cook. But you don’t have to decide now. You can think about it.”

Looking slightly sick, Tessa poked at her chicken with her fork.

“We could go to a restaurant instead,” Savannah said.

Tessa scrubbed a hand over her face. “No. We’ll have it here. Invite your kids. ButnotJason.”

“Of course not.” Savannah bristled. Then she said more gently, “Eat. You need the protein.”

After that, Savannah changed the subject, asking me about work, and soon Tessa joined in, seeming more like my prickly, brilliant colleague. Someone I’d kissed and whom I’d chased to her house when she didn’t show up for work. Fuck, what was wrong with me? I wished I could be normal around her. Be her coworker and keep some boundaries. But whenever I caught sight of that long, auburn hair I wanted to tangle my fingers in, her freckled skin I wanted to caress, every rational thought left me.

“You’re staring,” she whispered, leaning toward me when Savannah got up to get more water.

I blinked away from her soft-looking lips. “Sorry, I…are you feeling okay?”

“Yeah. The nap helped.”

“It’s time for another pill.” Savannah plunked the bottle in front of her.

“I think I’ll be okay,” Tessa said. “In fact, I’ll do the dishes.”

When we protested, Tessa said, “You cooked. I’ll clean.”

“Savannah did most of the work,” I said, “so I’ll help you.”

“Fine,” Savannah said. “My bestie and I’ll watch.” She snagged the black cat, Kat, off the counter and pulled her into her lap, scratching behind her ears.

As I put away the leftovers, my new best friend, Hedy, rubbed her striped face on my ankle until I gave her a bite of chicken. (After Tessa said it was okay.)

When the kitchen was spotless again, Savannah stretched and gave a big fake-sounding yawn. “I want to read for a bit in bed. G’night, y’all.”

“You’re leaving?” Tessa’s eyes went wide.

“I don’t think y’all need a chaperone. In fact, Oliver, why don’t you walk Tessa to her room. Make sure she doesn’t fall?” And she winked at me before walking out.

Savannah had to be the least subtle person I’d ever met. Yet I liked her. A lot. I crooked my elbow. “You ready, Tessa?”

“It’s only seven-thirty,” she grumbled. “I’m not tired yet.”

“Okay,” I said. “Want to watch TV or play a game?”

She considered for a moment, those jade-green eyes assessing me. “No. I have a better form of entertainment in mind.” She took my arm. “Let’s go.”

My mind spun as we strolled to her room. Did she mean the type of entertainment I thought she did? I’d made the rules before, but now I’d broken them all by invading her castle like a rogue. I opened the door for her, and she passed me, close enough for a waft of her clean scent. My mind blanked.

She asked, “You staying?”

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