Page 70 of Not In The Contract
Frankie sat beside her, the rest of my friends in their usual seats.
Except for Reid, who was once again in Brazil.
“I missed your face,” I teased.
“Liar, you missed my sexy body—hey!”
Frankie snatched Hayden’s iced tea out of her hand and sniffed at it with a curled lip. “Vodka? Really?”
Hayden shrugged. “It’s my day off, I can drink whatever I want.” She sniffed.
“It’s like ten-thirty in the morning,” Frankie scolded her.
Cam laughed. “Don’t worry.” She chuckled. “She’ll regret it later, she always does.”
Hayden stuck her tongue out at Cam and pried her drink out of Frankie’s hands.
“I’ll be good, I promise.” She smirked.
Frankie let it go with a simple eye roll, allowing Hayden to have her way.
“Did something happen, Alex?” Taylor asked, her hand dropping to my outstretched forearm.
“No,” I lied with a smile. “I just had a gap today and thought it’d be great to see you guys again. It’s been a while.”
“How are things going with that student—what was her name?” Elliot hummed.
“Devon,” I answered, my heart fluttering in my chest. “It’s been a weird adjustment. I’m not accustomed to having people live with me. But she’s been surprisingly easy to get along with.”
Taylor threw Cam and Hayden a knowing look and I sighed.
“None of that, please,” I said. “I can see through your innocent little facades; you don’t even know her.”
“But you seem to.” Hayden winked. “Has she managed to wriggle into your heart yet?”
“Through psychological study?” I said sarcastically. “Yeah, there’s nothing more romantic than unloading psychological trauma over dinner.”
Taylor choked on a giggle that she quickly hid behind her coffee, her eyes watering a little.
“You know, trauma bonding is a thing,” Frankie said knowledgeably. “It’s also very strong in some cases.”
“Yeah, but this isn’t aSpeedmovie and I’m not Keanu Reeves, honey.” I chuckled.
“But you’re one hell of a Sandra Bullock, babe,” Hayden purred.
“Ew, don’t ever talk to me that way again.” I laughed. “I’ll set Frankie on you.”
“Frankie would never hurt me.” She grinned. “Right, sweetheart?”
Frankie answered with a kiss and Taylor groaned.
“Is nothing sacred anymore?” she mumbled.
“Perhaps we ought to find you a leading lady, huh?” I asked her, and she blinked owlishly at me.
“When was I ever a part of this conversation? You’re the one living with a gorgeous woman. I’m just here for the show.”
“For now,” I whispered, narrowing my eyes at her for emphasis.
