She made me feel downright homely.
"Eva," she said breathlessly.
"What a surprise."
"I'm sorry to barge in uninvited.
I just need to ask you something real quick."
"Oh?" She kept the door partially closed and leaned into the jamb.
"Can I come in?" I asked tightly.
"Uh."
She glanced over her shoulder.
"It's best if you didn't."
"It doesn't bother me if you have company and I promise, this won't take but a minute."
"Eva."
She licked her lips.
"How do I say this .
?" My hands were shaking and my stomach was a quivering mess, my brain taunting me with images of Gideon standing na**d behind her, their early-morning f**k interrupted by the ex-girlfriend who wouldn't get a clue.
I knew how well he liked sex in the morning.
But then I knew him well, period.
Knew him enough to say, "Cut the shit, Corinne."
Her eyes widened.
My mouth curved derisively.
"Gideon's in love with me.
He's not f**king around with you."
She recovered quickly.
"He's not f**king around with you, either.
I would know, since he's spending all of his free time with me."
Fine.
We'd talk about this in the hallway.
"I know him.
I don't always understand him, but that's a different story.
I know he would've told you upfront that you and he weren't going anywhere, because he wouldn't want to lead you on.