Bad Seed

“Just making sure,” I said. “Thanks for telling me.”

Andrea watched me closely as I took another sip of my champagne. I couldn’t have described my mood if I wanted to. I’d been so happy just moments before, and now, I was still happy but reserved. There was something about hearing Joshua’s name, something about knowing he had asked about me, that made me uncomfortable.

“You okay?” Andrea asked.

“Just…” I began. “I don’t know. It’s strange.”

“What is?” Andrea asked.

“I don’t feel sad anymore,” I said. “Before, when someone would mention him, I’d feel this weight on my chest. My eyes would burn, and I would want to cry.”

“And now?”

“It’s a different feeling.” I shrugged. “Less intense.”

“You’re getting over him,” Andrea said wisely. “That’s a good thing.”

“It is, isn’t it?” I smiled, and Andrea nodded encouragingly.

We spent the rest of the day talking about anything but Joshua. My mind turned back to Michael and, by the time Andrea left, I couldn’t stop myself from calling him.

“Julie,” he said when he answered. “I was wondering when I’d hear from you. How was the interview?”

“It was amazing,” I said. “I got the job.”

“Congratulations!” Michael said. “That’s fantastic!”

“Thank you.” I beamed into the phone.

“Tomorrow,” he said simply. “You free?”

“I am,” I said.

“Great. We’ll celebrate then.”

CHAPTER 12

MICHAEL

Julie wore a short, tight black dress. She came to the door with her hair curled and her eyes alive with excitement. I tried my best to keep my eyes on her face, but it was impossible. That dress hugged every single curve, and my willpower just wasn’t strong enough. I looked her up and down, my eyes lingering on her bare legs and black high heels.

“Like what you see?” she asked, her voice low and suggestive.

I looked back up at her face. Her eyes were dark and full of that same, familiar hunger. I grinned and stepped forward. My hand slid around her waist, and I pulled her in for a kiss.

I groaned against her soft lips. When we pulled apart, I sighed deeply. “You look incredible.”

“Thank you.” Julie smiled and dipped her hips to the side, showing off her dress even more.

I laughed and held out my arm for her. She took it, and we hurried toward my car. Once inside, I cranked the engine and pointed us out of town.

“Where are we going?” Julie asked.

“Into the city,” I said. “This is a celebration, after all. A fancy restaurant is in order.”

“I don’t need fancy,” Julie said, laughing gently.

“Which is exactly why you deserve it,” I said.