Page 9 of Make Me Stay

I bumped my hip into Nicole’s. Where I was short and curvy, she was tall and lean with glossy blond hair. “Staring much?”

She waggled her brows. “It is a nice view.”

“Up!”

I turned at the chef’s voice and went to exchange cash for food then I went back to my station beside Nicole. “I thought they already had a job today.” I took a bite and resisted the urge to moan. I should have gotten an egg white-something but fuck it. After no sleep, I needed the boost.

Nicole handed me the mini bottle of hot sauce she always kept in her purse. I dabbed it on mine and took another bite. This time, the moan came through.

“This place might actually put a few curves on me,” Nicole said between bites.

“You can have some of mine.”

She snickered. “Girl, you look amazing.”

“My perpetual cheerleader.”

“You know it.”

“Aren’t you supposed to be at work?” My eyebrows shot up as theMurdock Brothers - You dream it, we can build it!was revealed on the banner.

Nicole shrugged. “Slow day at the diner. I have class this afternoon, anyway.”

“You’re done this week, aren’t you?”

She nodded. “Finals on Monday. Can you believe summer is here already?”

“Not at all.” We both tipped our heads as Wyatt and Kai struggled with the heavy ropes. I unabashedly watched Kai’s biceps, triceps, and whatever elsecepsbulged.

“Mercy.”

“Ditto,” I said with a sigh.

She giggled and wadded up her white paper wrapper. “I miss you.”

“I know. We’ve both been crazy. Are you taking summer classes?”

“Nope. Taking this one off. I’m so close to finishing my paralegal classes, I can taste it.”

“Then we have a date at the lake when your finals are over.”

“I’m in.” She bumped my hip. “Nice to see Kai in town again.”

“Won’t be for long, but it is a nice view.” I grinned at her.

“You should use that to your advantage. Duane didn’t know you had a clit, let alone know how to find it. I bet Kai wouldn’t need a map.”

“Stop.” I nearly choked on my last bite.

“I’m serious. He’s the perfect rebound.” She looped her messenger bag over her head. “You already have the hots for him.”

“I already live with him.”

“I’m sorry, what?” She turned me towards her. “Explain.”

“He’s crashing at Wyatt’s place while he’s here. Doesn’t want to live with his parents’, which you know I get.”

“So, he’s literally right there. Talk about serendipity.”

---