Page 30 of Finding You
I decided to keep it simple. “We’re dating.”
“Really?” She raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow.
I shoved some scone in my mouth and nodded.
“That’s great. I’m not being rude, I swear, but Declan doesn’t really date.”
“He’s dating me,” I said with a small bit of defensiveness.
“I know. And I’m psyched for you. We all know he’s a big softie underneath that broody, smoldering exterior. I’m glad you drilled down deep enough to find his soft center.”
I smiled. I really liked Nora. “Me too.”
“And I’m really glad you came into my store. Cece is so busy with Liam, I have been in need of some girl time.”
“I hear you. I can’t remember the last time I just hung out with a girlfriend. And those jeans are so comfortable.”
“And your ass has never looked better.”
I raised my coffee cup. “I’ll drink to that.”
I turned to Nora. “So what about you? Is there a special guy in your life?”
She shook her head, and her thick ponytail whipped around. “Nope. No one special.”
“I don’t believe you.” Nora didn’t seem like the type of woman who wanted for male attention.
“There isn’t. Trust me. I wish I was getting some on the regular. Cece is insufferable, constantly going on and on about all the orgasms she is having. Makes me want to cut her sometimes.”
I laughed. That would be super annoying.
She continued. “I date. When I feel like it. I also fuck when I feel like it. But it’s been a slow year. I’ve been busy with my business, and I just haven’t felt like making an effort with guys.”
I nodded. “Trust me. I get it. I spent years working around the clock. I couldn’t spare the time for a guy, especially if it meant I had to shower and put on makeup first. There just aren’t enough hours in the day.”
“Amen, sister.”
We talked about Nora’s business. She filled me in on her expansion plans, the new web portal she was planning, and about some of the challenges of retail. It was fascinating. I had spent years digging deep into clients’ businesses, understanding everything about what they did, and I loved it. Hearing Nora’s passion and vision was inspiring.
We talked about our families. Nora told me about her overbearing parents and her five older brothers, and I told her about my mom and being an only child. We laughed and joked, and it was so much fun to find a connection with another woman my age.
“So now that you are learning Krav Maga, are you going to go kick the ass of that guy who got you fired? Maybe a quick throat punch?”
There was a part of me that fantasized about that exact scenario. But violence was not the answer, at least for now. “No. I am going to get my justice. The truth will come out eventually. I’m just trying to lie low and recharge so I can go back with a vengeance.” The firm was conducting an internal investigation into the failed merger. Once they learned I was not responsible for the mistake and that Max had framed me, I would either be offered my job back or they would give me a recommendation so I could find a new one. I could be patient if I had to.
“Good girl. They won’t know what hit ’em.”
I smiled. I forgot how nice it was to spend time with other women.
“But speaking of annoying friends who are having lots of sex.” She eyed me warily. “You fought today with the intensity of a sexually frustrated woman. And you certainly don’t look drunk on orgasms.”
I felt myself wither under her stare. How could I throw her off the scent? If I couldn’t keep Nora convinced for an hour, how could we hope to fool the entire town?
“Um… well… we haven’t slept together yet,” I said coolly, hoping that she wouldn’t pry and we could just leave it at that.
“What? Not possible.”
“Yes,” I assured her. “We’re taking it slow.”
