Page 17 of Not So Happily Ever After (British Bad Boys)
“Yeah, I was at the time. But then I thought about it. What’s the worst that can happen?”
Even though it’s too early in our renewed friendship to play the word games we used to, I can’t help myself. “Is that a trick question? Because I can think of a couple of things that might fall into that category.”
“Only a couple?” She smiles at the bartender and takes her drink. “You’re slipping.”
“Give me a break. It’s been a while since anyone’s put me under the spotlight.”
She gives a silent laugh and takes a sip of her drink. “Don’t tell me your social life’s come to a screaming halt now Lucas’s moved to Spain.”
It made an impact, but not as much as she probably thinks. “Lucas is my oldest mate. He’s not my only one.”
“That’s good to know. It’d just be sad if you were sitting all alone in your flat every night.”
I snort with laughter. “Seeing as I work late most nights, you can swapflatwithofficeand you wouldn’t be far off.”
She rolls her eyes, and it’s obvious she thinks I’m joking. “I used to think you couldn’t exist without endless partying.”
“You’d be surprised.” Not that her comment is completely unjustified. I’ve done my fair share in the past.
“You obviously have hidden depths.”
I’m not sure if she’s taking the piss, now. “Is that an insult? Just so I’m clear.”
She laughs. “You’re really out of practice, aren’t you? You never used to ask me that before.”
“And you didn’t answer the question.”
“I don’t know how you thinkhidden depthscan be an insult. If anything, it’s a compliment. In fact, you should write that down. I don’t give out compliments that often.”
“It shows.”
“Ouch.” She narrows her eyes at me as she tries not to smile. Goddamn, I’ve missed hanging out with her, and I only just stop myself from brushing back a stray curl that’s escaped her ponytail and fallen across her cheek.
Don’t fuck things up this time.And rule number one is no touching.
“You’re not exactly an expert at it, either,” she says.
“I’ve had my moments.” Not that I can remember any of them. Not when all I can think about are Mac’s beautiful blue eyes, and how damn hard it is not to take her hand. I take a quick gulp of my pint, but it doesn’t drown the memory of how amazing that one night we shared was.
Stop thinking about it.
“Lucas settling down with Violet hasn’t got you looking for a girlfriend, then?”
Agirlfriend? Where the hell did that come from? “I don’t do commitment.”
Not anymore.Tried that once, and look what happened. I enjoy being single. In any case, I’ve way too much stuff to sort out with my career. Casual relationships without any expectations of more are all I want.
“I wasn’t suggesting you find a girl and move in together.” She takes another sip of her drink and gives me a considering look over the rim of her glass. “Just… You know. Seeing the same girl more than twice.”
“What makes you think I don’t?”
“Are you telling me youdodate?” She sounds amazed, and I’m not sure why it rubs me the wrong way.
“I’m a serial dater.”
She gives a fake shudder. “You know that’s nothing to brag about, don’t you?”
“I’m not trying to hide anything. What you see is what you get.”
