Lace (Just This Once 4)

“He’s my favorite.” I reach my hands forward. “I’ll give it back to you as soon as I’m done.”

“You’ll keep it.” She flips open the cover. “There’s a special treat in there for you, Liv.”

My gaze drops to the book and the personalized inscription.

It’s just my name, the word ‘Enjoy,’ and the signature of one of the greatest detective novelists of our time.

Tears prick the corners of my eyes when Kate slides the book into my hands.

“Why did you do this for me?” I ask softly.

Her hand brushes against my forearm. “Friends treat friends. I know you’d do the same for me if you were friends with anyone who knows the Hemsworth brothers.”

I laugh as I slide my hand over my cheek to brush away a tear. “I totally would.”

“Especially anyone who knows Chris. He’s my favorite.”

I tap my forehead. “I’ll store that to memory.”

“I’ll take off before Alexander gets here.” She turns back toward the door.

I glance over at my phone on the coffee table. It’s still silent. “Stick around for a bit. When he gets here you can make a quick exit.”

Her bag drops to the floor. “I read the last page of the book on the subway on my way home from work. Do you want a spoiler?”

I lift a finger to her lips to silence her. “Don’t do it.”

She smiles. “I won’t tell you how that story ends but the one playing out between you and Alexander tonight is going to have a very happy ending.”

“If he ever shows up.” I roll my eyes. “If he’s not here by midnight, I turn into a grump and go to bed alone.”

Her gaze drops to the watch on her wrist. “The man has exactly one hour to get his ass down here.”

***

Three hours later, I wake up with a start when my phone rings.

I fumble in the dark to find the lamp on the nightstand next to my bed. I turn it on, shielding my eyes from the bright glare of the light.

I pick up my phone and bring it to my ear.

“Hello,” I whisper into it.

“Olivia?”

I rest my head back on the pillow. “Alexander? What time is it?”

“It’s late,” he pauses. “Very late.”

“I was asleep,” I state the obvious. “I’m going back to sleep.”

There was a time in my life when I would have given up just about everything, including sleep, to accommodate a man.

I won’t anymore.

I have an important meeting tomorrow. I need to be alert and rested.

“Wait.” His voice is gruff. “I’m fucked up right now.”