Page 81 of Collide
Andrew and Philippa are watching us like we’re some kind of brunch-floor comedy act.
Before I can respond, my phone buzzes.
Alex
Survived brunch yet? Or do I need to send a rescue team?
I beam at my phone and reply.
Elena
Wedding talk is a bore, but the bacon makes up for it. Will signal if extraction is needed.
Broderick playfully peeks at my screen. I tilt it away, shooting him a glare, but his grin only deepens. He’s enjoying this far too much.
“Oh…she does smile,” he teases, his confidence irritating.
I glare at him in response. The less I give, the more he will get the message.
His brow arches, his perfectly dazzling green eyes sparkle—they actuallyfuckingsparkle. “Boyfriend?” he asks.
“Boyfriend? What boyfriend?” Philippa chirps, her eyes wide, looking between the two of us as she takes a sip of her mimosa.
“It’s no one,” I lie, too quickly. Is it? Alex is…it’s all too new to say. But this isn’t the time to unpack that.
Philippa leans in, her eyes narrowing. “Hold on…are you seeing someone?”
Broderick chuckles under his breath, adding, “Her boyfriend isveryeager this morning.”
Oh, fuck’s sake, can you not?
I shoot him another look.
Philippa gasps, eyes wide. “Wait. Is it Alex? The guy who landed you in the hospital?”
“Hospital? A little rough for foreplay, isn’t it?” Andrew interjects.
My face flames. Philippa snickers.
Broderick lets out a bark of laughter, loud enough to draw a glance from the next table. If the ground could swallow me whole, I’d send it a thank-you card.
“Thanks, Andrew,” I say through gritted teeth, my eyes shooting him daggers.
He and Broderick exchange a glance—quick, too pleased with themselves, like a silent high-five.
Philippa raises a brow. “So, youareseeing him?”
“No comment.” I scowl at Broderick, pissed that he’s getting under my skin so badly. Then he has the audacity to wink at me with those devilish green eyes.
She gives me a look as if to saywe’ll talk about this later.
Andrew, grinning, chimes in, “Pay no mind to Broderick, he only teases pretty girls.”
“Only the prettiest,” Broderick adds smoothly, flashing a panty-dropping smile, dimples on full display, sending shivers right to my core. I’mfucked.
“So, Best Man, how long have you known Andrew?” I push, trying to redirect the conversation away from myverynew love life situation.
“Oh, Andrew and I gowayback,” Broderick says with his whole chest.
