Page 70 of Head Over Heels

"Why do you say that?

Florence shrugs. "Last week at dinner, Joe brought up that Karl Schneider died, and everyone was wondering what would happen to his coins. She didn't blink."

That's interesting."Aren't you going to tell her, though?"

"I don't know why it would be relevant. Even if she knew, she doesn't care that much about his assets. She rarely sees him unless he needs a pretty woman on his arm."

I raise an eyebrow. "That doesn't sound like a healthy marriage."

She laughs. "It works for them. They're both bi, and they have a very open marriage. As long as they're discreet about otherpartners and it stays off the internet," she raises an eyebrow at me knowingly, "they're both happy."

That's such a weird concept to me. I can't imagine sharing my partner with others—not if we've made a commitment to each other.

Although, to be fair, I guess I was sharing Ruby with her husband and with Nora.

"About him being bi, that's not public knowledge," Florence says, interrupting my thoughts.

"His secret's safe with me." I wave a dismissive hand through the air and sigh. "Does this change things?"

"Nah." She shakes her head. "Hettie wouldn't see it as a problem. Don't worry about it." She laces her fingers with mine. "It's been a rough week. How are you doing?"

I purse my lips together and sigh. "I'm exhausted. I think the shock of what he did is wearing off. Now I'm just fucking mad about it." I lean my head against her shoulder. "Can I just sleep on you for the night? You're comfortable." I sigh contentedly.

"I can stay the night if you want me to hold you while you sleep."

I look up into her eyes. "You'd have to get up early to go home and get dressed."

She chuckles, a rumble against me. "I have a locker with work clothes at the hospital. If I shower here, I can change there."

"So that means you'll stay?" I murmur against her.

"For you," she whispers, pressing her lips to my temple. "It's too early to go to bed. Do you want to take a bath and I'll make dinner?"

I bite my lip, sleepily gazing into her face. "You know how to cook?" I ask, surprised.

"I grew up in a big Italian family. Of course I know how to cook. Italian, anyway."

That makes me smile. "I don't even know what's in the fridge. I haven't had time to go shopping at all this week, with everything happening with the penthouse. It would probably be easier to order out."

"See, you need Marin, too. You should get an assistant once the estate is settled. You'll be able to afford someone. I can make some recommendations."

I snort. "No, Florence. I'm not going to get an assistant. I might get someone to help deal with Opa's things, but no—not for me." I wouldn't even consider it.

She stands up, leaving my left side cold. "I'm going to draw you a hot bath. What are you in the mood for, for dinner?"

"You," I deadpan.

"You should eat something with calories first," she replies without missing a beat.

"Surprise me." Standing up, I pull her close to me, searching her eyes. I want to kiss her. "Do you know how much I want you right now?" I whisper, my lips a hair from hers.

She erases the distance between us, her lips soft on mine. Her hands grip my head, tangled in my hair, as she inhales my quickening breath. "Stop me, Josie," she says softly against my lips.

I close my eyes and put the smallest space between our lips, leaning my forehead against hers. "Talk to me." I pull back and rub my thumb across her cheek.

She raises an eyebrow. "You need to eat first. We can order, I can go out and pick something up, or I can have Marin get it. She would probably be happy to dosomethingfor me this weekend."

"Maybe she's on a date and she's getting laid right now. You don't want to interrupt that." I fight back tired laughter.

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