Page 23

Story: Overruled

“Had someone hex you lately?”

Vera laughs. “That would check out.”

“I just mean that even though he drives me up the fuckingwall, he’s the best sex I’ve ever had.” I raise my head, giving them both a pointed look. “I will deny that if it ever comes up again.”

Nate crosses his heart. “Maybe tell him you want to gag him? You could say it’s a kink of yours.”

I don’t tell him that the filthy words that spill out of Ezra’s mouth actuallyaddto the pleasure of our encounters; I refuse to admit that out loud to anyone. Ever.

“It’soutsidethe bedroom that’s the problem,” I groan.

Vera cocks her head. “I thought you said you guys don’t do it in bed?”

“What?” Nate looks confused. “Where are you doing it then?”

I shoot Vera a look of warning, then shake my head at Nate. “That’s not up for discussion.”

“Sorry,” Nate says with a faraway look. “I’m just imagining the two of you in like a sex swing or something.”

“Stop imagining us anywhere,” I warn.

“Okay, but seriously,” Vera starts. “You have to nip that shit in the bud. I know you’ve gone head-to-head with him before—”

“Pun intended,” Nate deadpans.

Vera ignores him. “But, this is the biggest case of your career. I mean, you’re looking at junior partner here. You don’t need any distractions. Not to mention the shitstorm you’d be facing in conflict of interest if anyone else found out.”

“Dick-stractions, one might say,” Nate muses.

“Shut up,” Vera and I say at the same time.

“Fine, fine,” Nate acquiesces. He takes a sip of his drink, eyeing me. “Vera’s right, you know.” He notices Vera giving him a look of surprise and adds, “But I won’t be admitting that again.”He eyes me thoughtfully. “Unless…are you sure that you don’t—”

“Don’t even finish that sentence,” I warn.

“I’m just saying,” he tries again. “Obviously you likesomethingabout him, even if it’s just his equipment, maybe there’s something more there.”

“There is absolutely nothing more there,” I stress. “I’m not looking for anything more anyway.”

“Listen,” he sighs. “We know better than anyone that products of divorce have issues, but maybe you—”

“Don’t.” I shake my head. The last thing I want to do tonight on top of everything else is end up wallowing over old shit. “This has nothing to do with my parents.”

Vera’s stare is piercing. “I hope it isn’t about Grant.”

“The mysterious Grant,” Nate whispers in awe. “Do I finally get the story?”

“No,” Vera and I say in unison.

“What?” Nate puffs out a breath. “Come on, I know he like broke your heart or something, but neither of you have ever said—”

“Nate,” Vera warns, most likely noticing my frown. She gives me another searching look. “Dani?”

“Of course it isn’t,” I say too quickly. One of the hazards of being friends with Vera for so long is that she has intimate knowledge of the worst parts of me. There’s nowhere to hide from her. I sigh, shaking my head. “It really isn’t. I wouldn’t be stupid enough to let myself get too close to someone like Ezra. Especially not after Grant.”

“Well, then my point stands.”

“I know,” I sigh. “I need to end it. For good this time. It can’t happen again.”