Page 111 of Tender Offer
“You’re foul as hell, Ko. I thought we were friends.” Miles points a finger at him.
“You know I’d never put Emmy in harm’s way!” Kojo yells over the scooter’s engine. “We were only on for three blocks. Love you, Trevante! Bye!”
The scooter speeds off, with Kojo’s legs back in the air. Justice is on her phone, calling “the Gigis” about her kids. Miles and Emma went from arguing to tonguing each other down in the middle of the sidewalk.
This part of the ninth arrondissement isn’t super touristy—not that it would stop Miles from cupping Emma’s ass or her from pulling down his neck to reach his lips.
“I promise I covered my pussy with my purse.” She lifts the square accessory, which is no bigger than a slice of bread.
Miles pecks her lips and groans at her hands inside his back pockets. “Good girl, kitten.” He smacks her ass. “I’m always coming behind you. Have me out here looking like Liam Neeson inTaken.”
Emma smirks. “No more hacking on this trip.” She nips at his lip, and he dips his tongue back into her mouth.
Time for me to go.
“See you later, Em,” I laugh. She can’t hear me with all the moaning and rubbing.
Justice scoffs and slips her phone into her clutch. “Newlyweds,” she giggles. We link arms and head in the opposite direction.
Miles and Em said “I do” last year. It was a beautiful wedding in Malibu, overlooking the vineyards. Perfect for the two people who swore off commitment.
Preston and I exchanged vows on his nonna’s property in Sicily two years ago. He proposed a couple months after his birthday, when I moved to London. We’re at the end of the newlywed stage, but you’d never know it.
A compact SUV rolls up. Inside is a very stuffed-in Terence, who looks three sizes too big for the toy vehicle. He squeezes out wearing a white tee, gray shorts, and a grin for his wife.
Justice doesn’t have a chance to say hello before he’s on her. Mouths part, and their hands find a home on each other’s bodies.
“Newlyweds, huh?” I chuckle at the moan that slips out of Justice.
“Sorry.” She wipes her lip with a shy smile and eyes for only her husband.
Terrence runs a hand through the black curls Justice agitated. “Hey, Madison.”
“Hey.”
It was awkward at first, joining this friend group. But, like me and Preston, life had a way of pushing us together.
Preston hired Justice at the Donnelley Brand after the firm she started won a national award for the marketing campaign for Terrence’s state-of-the-art training facility. Jay went on to earn two others, and their working relationship took off. She and I had many heart-to-hearts, with Terrence and Preston developing their own friendship. T’s exclusive training program is a hit in Donnelley hotels, which gives us an excuse to fly to Austin every year.
Emma took longer to crack. Kojo gave us space during our initial collaboration with his Rustin brand. Justice and I are closer, but me and Em have a bond that includes swapping clothes and shoes.
Everyone now lives in Austin. The pressure is heavy for us to follow suit, but Preston and I love Paris. It’s magic when we all come together. Tammi even gets in on the action from time to time. Her and Smokey are coming to Paris for Christmas this year—five kids and all.
“Do you want us to drop you off before we head to the hotel?” Justice thumbs to the rental with a nonexistent back seat.
“No thanks,” I say. “I think I’m gonna walk around for a bit.”
Terrence’s brows narrow. “You sure?”
“Positive.” I smile when his worry lines match his wife’s. When I don’t have security with me, I share my location with Preston and Dayo as a precaution. “I haven’t been over here in a minute. You two get out and enjoy your child-free anniversary.”
“I did want to take you to the Eiffel Tower.” Terrence stares down lovingly at Justice, who melts.
“Let’s do it.”
They kiss again before they’re off.
I smile at the day and make my way over to Rue Chaptal. Sunlight catches on the limestone facade of a building, illuminating Juliette balconies.
