Page 7 of Take Me
Erika’s nodding along.“And I’ve totally moved on from Neil.”Under the table, she presses the ball of her foot to my toes.“Mason’s been great for a rebound.”
“And fantastic in bed,” I add, feeling her jolt beside me.
“Yep,” she says, licking her lips.“I am, thanks.”
“You betcha.”
“Very…bendy.”
There’s a visual I didn’t need.My brain feels like someone’s rubbing it hard with a bar rag, but I can’t stop now.This is great.This isperfect.
“So yeah, we’re all set for Sam and Maxine’s wedding.”Time to bring this train into the station.“You don’t have to worry about either of us.Or a vegan entrée.”
“Great,” Sam says, smiling.
Maxine beams, too.“Great.”
My evil twin gives me a look I know well.We’ll be discussing thislater.“Great.”
Threading my fingers through Erika’s, I lean into the lie.The hand that’s in mine feels steady and solid, callused and broader than Annabelle’s.
But the warm, hollow core of her palm feels smooth as the seashells I’d hold to my ear as a boy, soothing myself with the shush of the ocean.
My eyes slide to hers, and I fight back an urge to seal this whole plan with a kiss.To claim Erika’s mouth, those rosebud lips parting as her tongue dampens that plush bottom lip.
“We’re excited,” she says, and I think for a second she’s feeling it too.“Can’t wait for the wedding.”
“All the weddings.”My heart’s thudding now, revved by the thrill of our unfolding plan.By something else I can’t name.“This is gonna be great.”
“Amazing.”Squeezing my hand, she presses her toes to the top of my foot.The pressure gets stronger, pulsing up my leg with a strange mix of pleasure and ache.
Looks like we’re in this together.
Chapter2
Erika
My wipers slosh through the river of raindrops slicking my windshield.I squint at the road, guiding my truck through a puddle the size of a lake.This downpour came out of nowhere on my way home from Lucy’s.
“You’re sure you’re okay?”Lucy asked me back on her porch, her eyes filled with kindness as we said our goodbyes.“This thing with Mason?—”
“It’s really new.”I flashed her a smile that I hoped looked sincere before pulling her into a hug.“I promise I’m fine.We’refine.”
I was speaking for Mason as well, since he set this fake dating thing in motion.I didn’t miss his twin’s look of doubt as she released me.
“It’s weird he never mentioned it.You guys dating, I mean.”Searching my face, she smiled.“It’s great, though.You guys kinda fit.”
We fit?“Uh, yeah.Your brother’s quite a catch.”
“I’m glad you think so.”Her expression turned thoughtful.“He’s such a clown, but he’s got a tender heart.You know how he is.”
“He’s tough.”I knew I shouldn’t contradict her, but Mason hates people feeling sorry for him.“What are you wearing to Max and Sam’s wedding?”
Lucy latched on to the subject change, and I sagged with relief that I could quit pretending to fawn over Mason.It’s like ogling my brother or something.
I mean yeah, he’s good looking.Not really my type, but he wouldn’t take it personally if I said so.It’s not like the town’s most affable playboy would date a mechanic who last wore a dress to her high school prom.
And like I said, Mason’s not my kinda guy.That prom I just mentioned?I went with Neil.He looked dashing in his Navy whites, driving us up to Puffin Point so we could fool around in the town’s favorite makeout spot.He’smore my speed: the strong, silent type who’s deployed all the time.I prefer to have freedom and space for hiking or working on cars or hanging with friends.
