Page 44 of Twisted Gift

“Yeah,” she says, her brows furrowed with confusion.

“It was Jules.”

Her eyes widen, and she moves away from my side to face me. “Jesus, Aurora. What the hell?”

I nod. “I know.”

She gapes at me, shaking her head, and finally says, “I don’t really know what to do with that.”

I surprise both of us when I laugh. “Yeah, me neither.”

She cringes. “Are you good?”

I shrug. “I have no idea.”

Allison nods before reaching over the bar. She cracks open an expensive bottle of bourbon and hands glasses out to the group. I’ve never been a huge whiskey drinker, but I accept it without protest. If there’s ever a time I’ll drink bourbon, it’s tonight.

I take a sip, cringing at the burning sensation that lights a path straight to my stomach.

Tristan leans over and takes the glass away, setting it on the bar with a soft chuckle. “Hey,” he says. “Let’s take a walk.”

“Okay,” I swallow again, trying to get the taste of liquor out of my mouth.

We head toward the hallway that leads to the office and loft.

“I’m just checking up on you,” he explains. “Rory.” He cups my cheek in his hand and leans in, putting us nose to nose. So close I can feel his breath on my lips.

His eyes lock with mine, his dark lashes pulling me into the depths of his endless blue gaze. I could get lost here forever. That much hasn’t changed. I doubt it ever will.

He leans down, and my eyes start to close, but just as his lips touch mine, I turn my face away.

“We can’t,” I blurt.

“I’m sorry,” he murmurs. “I didn’t mean to—”

“No,” I cut him off. “You didn’t do anything.” I let loose a shallow breath. “I think we need to focus. If we let ourselves... For now, I think it’s best we keep this—you and me—strictly professional.”

A ghost of a smile touches his lips as he shakes his head.

My eyes narrow. “Quit it.”

“What?” he questions.

“Looking at me like that.”

“Like?”

“I’m not going to kiss you, Tris.”

The corner of his mouth lifts. “I know.”

“I . . . Good.” I let loose a sigh. “You should go,” I say.

“I can’t do that, sweetheart, when you’re still holding my hand.”

My eyes drop to where my fingers are laced through his, and my cheeks flush.When did I grab his hand?I pull my hand free and step away. “I have to go... make sure our friends aren’t drinking my bar dry.” I hurry out of the hallway without looking back.

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