Page 49 of The Truth of Loving You

I took a sip but didn’t want to swallow the sugary sweet alcohol. I choked it down and wiped my mouth with the back of my hand. I should have known a neon pink drink with more ingredients than I was willing to read would be like drinking alcoholic sugar.

“Not a great choice for me,” I admitted.

He laughed. “Let me buy you another drink.” I shook my head and began looking around for Cole, Alec, or any of the Unframed Art crew. “Are you here with someone?” he asked.

“Yes. No.” I continued my scan.

“I think that’s an ‘it’s complicated’ answer. But it doesn’t have to be. Let me get you a drink you’ll like,” he said.

I didn’t have to be a genius to know Cole wouldn’t like that even if we weren’t technically together. I opened my mouth to decline, but a strong palm landed on my shoulder.

Cole didn’t say anything to me, he just stared at the guy.

“Hey, I was looking for you,” I said to Cole’s profile because his glare was murderous. “I bought you this.” I held up my Pink Titanium.

Cole’s eyes slid to me and the outrageously large pink drink in my hand. The guy disappeared into the crowd. Cole arched an eyebrow, and his lips twitched.

“Well, it did put a hint of a smile on your face.” I beamed at him, batting my eyelashes like some drunk, male bimbo.

“What am I going to do with you, Pretty Boy,” he sighed, slinging his arm around my neck.

“I have a list and a spreadsheet if you can’t think of anything,” I said.

Cole’s entire face transformed with his laugh, his eyes crinkled and sparkled while all the tension bled from him. “I bet you do. Are you going to stop flirting and come join us?”

“Cole, you know me. You must know I have no idea how to flirt.” I set the concoction and the napkin with the phone number on the bar. Cole smiled but the pinch of his mouth and the clench of his jaw startled me. He seemed unsettled, which spiked my anxiety and I blurted, “You know you’re the only one I want. I wouldn’t choose anyone else.”

“You are too pretty and too innocent for your own good.” He relaxed, pulling me closer.

I felt the need to make sure Cole didn’t think I was becoming clingy or falling for him, so I added, “I’m sticking to our exclusive noncommittal relationship.”

His grin fell off his face replaced with a scowl as he led me to a large oval booth in the back with Alec and a few other people. Introductions were made, and I tried to figure out the relationships between everyone.

Madyson noticed me watching her play with Alec’s hair and planted a kiss on his cheek. “This guy was my high school boyfriend and I,” she held up her hand and waved her fingers in jazz hands, “turned him gay.”

“Always the shock value with you.” Cole tipped his chin at her.

“You love to embellish that story like a crazy bitch.” Alec pressed his forehead to hers. “I won’t risk our friendship. You don’t want that either.” After a beat, he said, “You can’t live without me.” His tone was teasing, but the affection he felt was evident. He said ‘crazy bitch’ as a term of endearment.

Everyone around the table seemed to understand what wasn’t said and looked away.

“Artists. They’ve all inhaled too much paint or ink,” said a scruffy good-looking friend of Madyson. I laughed in response.

Madyson turned her attention to me. “So, where did you come from and how did you get trapped with this unhinged crew?” She gestured around the table.

“This guy,” I pointed at Cole, “saved me at the bar and then kidnapped me to this booth.” I deflected.

“Nice.” Madyson grinned and leaned forward. “What’s your story? Gay, bi, pan? Do we have a chance?” Madyson’s booming laughter almost drowned out Cole’s growl but not quite. “Keep your panties on, Cole. I’m just giving you shit.”

“We?” I asked when no one commented on Madyson’s use of the plural form.

Cole leaned in and whispered in my ear. “Madyson and her husband, Jayce, are looking for a third to complete their throuple. Their partner left them heartbroken.”

My gaze flew to hers in sympathy. If I hadn’t been watching, I would’ve missed the flash of pain and her recovery.

Madyson reached over and tapped her bright orange nails on Cole’s forearm. “I’m assuming this cutie is the brainiac who installed your new inventory program.” She cocked her head toward me.

Cole moved his arm to rest on the back of the booth behind me. Possessively.

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