Madierm
duty,
Jenny and Audrey sprawled across Hazel’s part, d disasters I kept quiet, sipping my drink and letting the chatter wh
ON THRINK HAW MAT
“And then he had the audacity to ask if I wanted to the expensive steak on the menu,” Jenny wrowned, wey, bwyers for wwwbwa, N invited me!”
W
and 19 Maps
“At least yours showed up,” Audrey countered, “Man wasn’t aligned with the universe tonow and he needNA (0) INE
bd
1 snorted into my drink. “What does that even m
wwwymy
“It means he found someone hotter to book up with,” Hazel sad, mine, She gave me a questioning look, but 1 covered my drink with my hand.
“One’s my limit tonight. I have those project proposals to refer to sorr
Jenny rolled her eyes. “Your boss is a slave driver”
If only they knew what kind of “driving” be actually did.
“Speaking of your boss,” Audrey set up straigner, her eyes fun, we world, “I samle picture in that ‘Eligible Bachelors of Manhattan‘ spread. The man is won by
I nearly choked on my drink. “He’s just my boss,”
“A boss who works you day and night,” Hazed winded her eye on
You have no idea,
“So, Maddie,” Jenny scooted doser, “if you won’t let me see you up with jake, at best all users you wot laid. It’s been what? Six months?”
Last
My checks burned. Try ten hours,
“I’m focusing on my career right now,” I said primily,
“Your career won’t keep you warm at night,” Audrey singsonyed.
I shrugged, “That’s what electric blankets are for”
“Speaking of electric,” Jenny grinned wickedly, “I got a new toy from that boutique on the pres
five settings and
Cheda ha
*95 BONUS
“TMI” I threw a pillow at her head
act so scandalised,” Hazel laughed. “We all know you’re not as innocent as you pretend ”
My stomach dropped. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Remember college? That frat party where you disappeared with that swim team captain?”
Relief flooded through
“That was years ago!”
And nothing since?” Audrey looked skeptical. “Come on, spill. There must be someone.”
1 sighed dramatically “Fine. Do you want to know about my love life? I’m currently in a very committed relationship with the Manhattan real estate market. Did you know that property values in Chelsea have increased 13% since last quarter? And the zoning regulations for mixed–use developments have completely revolutionized how we approach urban planning ”
Audrey mimed, falling asleep. “Boooring!”
“Seriously,” Jenny groaned, “I’d rather hear about your sex life than more real estate talk”
“The Empire State Building was constructed in just 4,10 days,” I continued with mock enthusiasm.” Isn’t that fascinating?”
“Make her stop!” Hazel threw her hands up in surrender.
1 grinned triumphantly. Mission accomplished.
“Oh my god,” Audrey gasped, checking her phone. “It’s almost midnight! I have brunch with Mom
tomorrow.”
“Already?” Hazel pouted. “But we were just getting to the good part where Madison bores us to death with more building facts.”
I stuck my tongue out at her. “You love my building facts.
“Like I love root canals,” Jenny scrambled up, wobbling slightly, “share a cab?”
“You sure you don’t want to come?” Audrey asked me.
I shook my head, raising my still half–full drink. “I’m good here. Someone needs to make sure Hazel doesn’t drunk text her ex again.”
“That was ONE time!” Hazel protested from her position on the couch.
After a flurry of hugs and promises to meet again soon, Jenny and Audrey disappeared into their waiting cab. I settled deeper into the cushions, enjoying the peaceful quiet after hours of girl talk
274
Chapter 108
+25 BONUS
“Okay, spill.” Hazel sat up, suddenly looking far more sober than she had moments ago. “What’s really going on with you?”
“What do you mean?”
“You’ve been weird all night. Whenever someone mentioned dating, you looked like you were calculating escape routes.”
“I did not-”
“You literally started explaining zoning laws when Jenny brought up her cousin.”
I laughed, but it came out forced. “Maybe I just find zoning laws fascinating.”
“You’re hiding something.” She narrowed her eyes. “Or someone.”
I rolled my eyes at Hazel’s accusation. “What are you talking about?”
“Come on, Mads. You’ve been different lately. More… distracted.” She leaned forward, wine glass dangling from her fingers. “And you keep checking your phone when you think no one’s looking.”
“That’s called having a demanding job.” I took another sip of my drink, hoping the alcohol would calm my racing heart. “Mr. Knight expects immediate responses, day or night.”
“Ah yes, the infamous Mr. Knight.” Hazel’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “Who you suddenly started calling ‘Alexander‘ last week when you were drunk.”
Shit. I’d forgotten about that slip–up.
“You’re imagining things. And even if I was dating someone – which I’m not – where would I find the time? Between work, my mom’s hospital visits, and these massive books I need to study…”
“Sex is an excellent stress reliever, you know.” Hazel wiggled her eyebrows. “Better than any meditation app.”
I nearly choked on my drink. If she only knew how much ‘stress relief‘ I’d been getting lately. The marks on my inner thighs tingled at the memory.
“I’m just focused on my career right now,” I said, setting my glass down. “The real estate development world doesn’t slow down for anyone’s love life. Between managing projects and learning the ropes, dating is the last thing on my mind.”
“You work too hard. All those late nights at the office… Wait!” She shot upright, eyes sparkling. “I just had the most brilliant idea.”
“Oh no.” I knew that look. It usually preceded something outrageous. “Whatever you’re thinking, stop thinking it.”
3/4
+25 BONUS
“Mr. Tall–Dark–and–Handsome himself!” She gestured wildly with her wine glass, nearly spilling it in her excitement. “Alexander Knight! He’s perfect – you’re already spending every waking moment with him anyway.”
Her eyes gleamed with mischief as she leaned closer, lowering her voice conspiratorially. “Why don’t you just date him? I mean, you can’t deny the chemistry between you two. It’s practically sizzling, Plus, it would make those late–night work sessions a lot more interesting, wouldn’t it?” She waggled her eyebrows suggestively, causing me to blush.
4/4
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
