Page 28 of Manhattan Secret

Not sure if he’s lulling me into a false sense of security or he’s grown bored and moved on.

It’s odd to wonder if I’m elated or disappointed his interest has waned so suddenly.

I should be happy, that is a fact.

Even entertaining thoughts of that man-boy is every kind of wrong, but I can’t stop thoughts of his mouth and his strong hands sneaking into my brain at odd times of the day.

Needing fresh air and to decompress from a particularly challenging class that morning, I head out for lunch at a small bistro around the corner.

The Manhattan skies are crisp and blue, the crowds are as rude and manner-less as always and the warm sunshine feels nice on my bare arms as I meander along with thoughts of a chocolate croissant and a latte as big as my head.

I don’t have my lunch in front of me not three minutes, a sip of latte swishing around my mouth giving me the feel goods, when the door swings open.

It’s some sixth sense that makes the hairs on my nape rise and has me turning around because I justknowwhy. I know who’s walked in.

Sure enough, the smirk of the century is already looking my way as Lachlan and his friend Ethan bound into the bistro laughing at something.

Lachlan may have been laughing but his eyes read a whole other story.

Intense.

Challenging.

I visibly deflate both in breath and the sag of my shoulders

My first instinct is to abandon my lunch and head back to school.

I can’t be here with him, not with my stomach choosing that exact moment to swirl like a tumble dryer.

I raise my brow, letting him know I don’t care if he’s here and then I dip my head over my phone, dismissing his presence like I can give no fucks that my heart is beating like 1990s techno music.

Returning to the group text conversation with my friends.

Cali:I don’t understand why a grown-ass man can’t pick up his clothes from the floor.

Priya:Sounds like divorce to me.

Cali:I think so too. It drives me bananas.

Laney:He gives you the good dick. Deal with his damn clothes. Get a housekeeper.

Priya:Voice of reason. I like it. She’s not wrong, you said he banged your brains out in the garage last night when he got home, Cal.

Cali:Fuck! So I have to forget how annoyed I am because the guy knows how to make me come? That’s bullshit.

Cali:Fine, I’ve rethought divorce. But I will elbow him in bed, just to get my frustration out.

Priya:Speaking of frustration. Laney, did you find your mystery sex god yet?

Cali:That segue was clean! And I second what our Arabian princess said.

My cheeks react by filling with molten lava blood with the prospect of discussing Lachlan while he straddles a chair only three tables away from me.

I can’t look.

I can’t look.

I won’t look.

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