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A burst of laughter from the doorway makes us both jump. A couple stumbles onto the balcony, after clearly too much champagne. They stop short when they see us.

"Oh! Ms. Pietra, we didn't realize…" They back away awkwardly.

I let out a shaky breath, but I can't bring myself to move away from her. "We should probably head back inside."

"Probably," she agrees—but neither of us moves.

"Josie." Her name is raw on my lips. "When we get home…"

She pulls me closer, and I stop caring who might see us.

The door opens again. "There you are!" Aimee's voice breaks the spell. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but the Mayor would like a word before he leaves."

I close my eyes, forcing myself to remember where we are. Business function.Right.When I open them, I slip back into my professional role.

"Of course." I straighten my shoulders. "Shall we?"

Josie follows me back inside, but something's shifted between us. We still have another hour before we can leave—but every glance, every touch, builds in anticipation of later.

21

Florence

It's nearly midnight by the time the limo drops us off at my house. I pull Josie up the steps by the hand, too much alcohol loosening my inhibitions. "You should stay. It's late." Marin opens the door, and I pull Josie in behind me. "Do you know how sexy you look in that tux?" I pop the button on her jacket just below her breast.

"I was just an accessory on your arm tonight." She winks, taking my hand and pulling it to her chest. She leans into me, softly brushing her lips across mine. "We accomplished what we needed to tonight. I don't think you need to worry about the rumors anymore." She pulls back, turning around and heading for the kitchen.

"What are you doing?" I ask, trailing behind her.

"Putting something in my stomach to soak up the alcohol. Getting some water. I need to be up in the morning for work." She unbuttons her jacket and drapes it over a dining room chair.

"You could stay." The emerald green vest under her jacket hugs her curves in all the right places, making me want her even more.

She whirls around to look at me, her hands on her hips. "Will you stop already!"

I stumble backwards, frowning.

"I'm not spending the night." She takes a step closer to me. "You know that Mel's not my ex, right? She and I are friends. We've never been more than friends."

"You wish it was more," I state flatly, swallowing hard. "If it were up to you, it would be more."

She shakes her head. "I wouldn't change anything. I love Mel. She's my best friend. She has been for seventeen years. I wouldn't change what we have for anything."

"You still want her." I know I sound jealous.I am jealous.

Her shoulders sink. "No. I'm genuinely happy for her and Renna. They're amazing for each other." She picks up her phone, typing a message. "I'd never take that happiness away from her. From either of them." She straightens her shoulders. "I need to put something in my stomach."

I step in front of her, blocking her way. "Stay," I breathe. "Please."

She closes her eyes. "Don't ask me to stay, Florence," she whispers. "I've been staring at the curve of your neck all evening. Do you know how long I fantasized about you after that first time I saw you?"

"What?" I cup her face. "What are you talking about? Open your eyes, Josie. Look at me."

"You have feelings, Florence. I want you so badly, but I don't want to hurt you." Her gaze flickers to my mouth before looking into my soul again.

"How long did you fantasize about me?" I ask roughly. "Tell me."

"Every night for months." Her words rocket heat to my core. "Every night."