Page 76 of Make Me Yours
“Friends with benefits,” I murmur with a cringe. “Even saying that out loud feels weird.”
Sloane lifts her mug. “I was not expecting that.”
Rina throws her hands up. “I can’t even believe you’re on the fence. It’s Steele. The guy practically breathes swoon. Have you seen him lately? I’d climb him like a tree.”
Callie rolls her eyes. “Ignore her. I understand, Lilah. You two have been friends for years. That’s a lot to risk.”
They both turn to Sloane, the official tiebreaker.
The dark-haired woman leans back in her chair with her arms crossed, and studies me carefully. “What is it thatyouwant?”
I open my mouth before slamming it closed again.
The answer terrifies me.
Finally, I whisper, “I think I want to say yes.”
Sloane nods. “Then do it.”
Rina raises her cup. “To bad decisions and hot sex.”
“To friendship,” Callie says with a laugh. “And figuring it out as we go.”
We all clink our mugs together, and for the first time since Steele made his offer, the weight pressing down on me eases just a bit.
Because no matter what happens, I have these women to help me get through it.
26
STEELE
We pull up to Gold Coast Table, the rooftop restaurant where we’re meeting my cousin and his wife. It’s one of Lilah’s favorite spots with one of the best views in all of Chicago. I booked it on purpose, hoping the setting would ease some of the strain still lingering between us.
The valet takes the car, and I round to her side, holding out my hand.
As soon as we touch, a spark zips through my fingertips.
We ride the elevator up in silence, the ambient music doing little to drown out my worries. Her perfume lingers in the air, subtle and warm, and I have to stop myself from leaning closer and inhaling a big breath of her.
When the metal doors slide open, we’re greeted by a wash of golden light and the low buzz of conversations. It’s the kind of place that slows time and makes the world feel smaller. More intimate.
I keep my hand at the small of her back as we walk, guiding her through the maze of white tablecloths and flickering candles. I probably shouldn’t touch her like this until she gives me her answer.
But I can’t seem to help myself.
I’ve waited too damn long for her.
And I really hope tonight changes everything.
The hostess leads us to a table near the railing where Bridger and Holland are already waiting, tucked into one of the best spots on the patio. Fairy lights twinkle overhead, casting a subtle glow across the table. Portable heaters hum, warming the crisp evening air.
Bridger rises with a grin and pulls me into a quick hug. “Good to see you, man. It’s been way too long.”
“We’ve missed you two.” I clap him on the back before leaning down to kiss Holland’s cheek. “You look amazing. Everything good with the baby?”
Beaming, the redhead rests her hand over her bump. “She’s doing great.”
“She?” Lilah asks, her voice touched with surprise.
