dirty weekend away.” She smiled. “That sounds kind of hot.”
It did. “Only we’d have to get suites with single beds.”
Her forehead creased. “Huh?”
“He can’t sleep with me, although he did for an hour or so the other morning.”
“Then, he’s trying.”
“He nearly squeezed the life out of me.”
“That’s sweet,” she said.
“I mean really tight, to the point where I couldn’t breathe.”
“Holy shit. What’s happening to us? We’re surrounded by fucking psychos.”
I had to laugh at that.
“Tell me about James, then,” she said.
“That’s all I know.”
“But has Blake told you whether he’s a player.”
“Lilly, you met him at a place where men buy virgins.”
“Blake was there, too,” Lilly said.
“Yes… but he insists he left.”
She shrugged.
“And I’m finished with him.” My voice trembled as I fought back tears.
“Why?”
“Because he doesn’t do relationships. I want to get out before my heart breaks. I’ve seen what being a booty call has done to Shelly. It’s broken him.”
She nodded thoughtfully. “Should I call the police?”
That jolted me. “I’m not sure.” I thought of Blake. He would know what to do. Any excuse to call him, my heart insisted. “Leave it up to me. I’ll think of something. Now, girlfriend, you’re getting off that fucking couch, and we’re going shopping. And then we’ll check out listings for shops on the net. You’re going to open that salon.”
Lilly lifted her slim frame up. I couldn’t believe how frail she looked.
“First, we’re going to OD on calories. Greasy french fries, a hamburger, followed by a big muddy chocolate cake, washed down with a few glasses of wine.”
“That sounds like fun,” Lilly replied, allowing me to lead her into the bathroom.
“Have a shower, and I’ll get some clothes ready. Okay?”
She smiled, returning to her former bubbly self, which was a relief, because I needed her positivity.
After I’d arranged her clothes, I pressed on Blake’s number, and chose not to text. I craved his voice.
“Penelope.” He picked up within a breath.
His deep sexy voice brought back the memory of his touch, and in a flash, I became mindless. “I…”
“Can we meet?” he asked.
“Um… this is about Lilly.”
“Then we should meet. It’s best to be discreet.”
I gripped my phone. “Okay.”
“When can we meet?”
The urgency in his tone touched me deeply. “I’m having lunch with Lilly, and then we’re shopping. Perhaps later?”
“How’s six o’clock? Can I get Patrick to pick you up?”
“No. I’ll meet you at Piccadilly. At the same bar.”
“I look forward to it. And, Penelope…”
“Yes,” I said.
“It’s nice to hear your voice.”
“Okay, then. Um… till then.” I waited. Can he hear my heart pounding? “Are you still there?”
“Yes. I like hearing your breath.”
I bit my lip hard to override the ache in my core, which was deep and smoldering like Blake.
“See you then.” I ended the call and sat on the bed waiting for my heart to steady.
* * *
WE VIRTUALLY SKIPPED ALONG. Shopping had revived Lilly. For me, it wasn’t just the pretty silk dress I spent a week’s food money on, but the thought of seeing Blake later that day.
“Let’s have a coffee.” Lilly led me into a trendy café.
We sat up at the bench by the window and made our orders.
“This has been so much fun.” Lilly touched my hand. “Thanks.”
“I’m just happy that you’re feeling better.”
“I am. But…” Lilly played with a coaster. “What am I going to do about Alex, the Russian?”
“You can stay with me if you like.”
“And Brent? What do I tell him?”
“Let me talk to Blake.”
“I thought you were about to leave him.” Clearing space for the waiter to set down our order, she smiled at him.
“I am.” I stared down at my fingers.
“Why? I mean, he’s filthy rich, gorgeous, and into you.”
“Why won’t you go out with James?” I asked, tilting my head.
Wearing a guilty smile, she bit her lip.
“You have?”
Nodding, she poured two sachets of sugar into her cup.
“You didn’t tell me,” I said.
“I haven’t seen you in two days. We went out last night.”
“Then why did I find you looking so glum?”
“Because of that fucking savage Alex. It’s freaking me out.”
I touched her hand. “Don’t worry, we’ll figure this out.” Shifting the focus back to romance, I asked, “So did you and James…?”
“Fuck?” she asked.
I nodded.
“No. He wanted me to go back to his house. But I caught a cab home instead.”
“Why?”
“Because I feel really fucked-up about my body. And I’m still healing down there.” She cocked her head toward her groin.
“Shit. It’s been over a week, Lil.”
“There’s no damage, as such. I’m scared. It was so fucking painful.”