Page 45 of Indulge
“Perfect,” she says around a mouthful of pasta. “Almost as good as your smile.”
I nearly choke on my wine. “You flirting with me, sweetness?”
She grins. “Depends. Are you flirting back?”
We both know the answer.
By the time we finish dessert, the tension’s become its own language. We drift across the street to a bar glowing with amber lights and low music. It’s easy here, two people pretending they don’t have the world hanging on their shoulders.
Bella leans on the counter beside me, swirling her cocktail. “You’re not so bad, you know.”
“High praise.” I raise my beer. “To not being so bad.”
She clinks her glass against mine. “To temporary freedom.”
We drink. Laugh. It’s good. Too good. And then I hear it.
“Rowan?”
The voice is honey over broken glass.
I turn. Lyla. Tight black dress. Red lipstick with an evil grin. I’ve not seen her since the awkward agreement ending.
She smiles like she’s already winning. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”
“Well, here I am,” I say flatly.
Bella straightens beside me, the easy warmth gone. She doesn’t say a word, just slides a little closer. It’s subtle but intentional.
Lyla’s gaze flicks to her. “And who’s this?”
“Bella,” she says before I can answer.
That catches Lyla off guard. “Girlfriend?”
Neither of us answers.
“Mm.” Lyla’s smile doesn’t reach her eyes. “Guess you moved on fast.”
I feel Bella’s hand rest on my forearm. Her nails graze my skin just enough to send a message neither of us says out loud.
“Some of us don’t like living in the past,” Bella says sweetly. “But it’s cute you’re still checking in.”
Lyla’s jaw tightens, but she forces another smile. “Always a pleasure, Rowan. Meet me in the club soon?”
“No,” I say firmly. “Take care, Lyla.”
When she finally disappears into the crowd, Bella lets out a slow breath and takes a sip of her drink.
“You okay?” I ask.
“Club?” she retorts.
“Yeah. It’s complicated.”
Her mouth falls open. “Is she a prostitute?” she asks with a gasp.
I chuckle. “No. Well, I don’t think it’s called that.”
