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“Is the book sexy at least?” she asked.

“I’m in between books right now. Can you suggest one for me to read?” I asked and she stepped closer to me.

“I thought you were the one who knew allll about the sexy books, princess.” Her smile was cocky and, fuck, I adored it.

“I’m always open for something new,” I said, realizing in half a second how sexual that sounded.

“Hmmm, what should you read,” she said, tapping her chin and pretending to think about it. Lacey got out her phone and did something on it. My phone buzzed with a new message that I was going to assume was from her.

I read the message and it was just a link for a book. Obviously, I clicked on it and read the description and then looked up at Lacey.

“Read it the other day. Definitely a one-hander,” she said, shoving her hands in her pockets.

“Good to know,” I said, immediately buying the ebook. The story was pitched as a lesbian take on Beauty and the Beast crossed with Medusa, so I was sold. I didn’t comment on the one-handed thing. I’d never read and tried to get off at the same time. You’d have to have some serious concentration to pull that off.

Lacey winked at me as if she knew exactly what I was thinking, and my face went red and I looked away.

“You have a good night, Gwen,” she said, stepping around me and twirling her truck keys around her finger.

“I guess I will now,” I called after her and she laughed as she hauled herself into her truck.

“Thank me tomorrow,” she said out the window.

Did she mean literally thank her or…

I got in my car before either of us could say anything else inappropriate.

As always, Lacey waited for me to turn my car on and pull out before falling in behind me.

* * *

I didn’t tell Sterling or Kai about Lacey sending me the link for the sexy book. They’d latch onto that and decide that it meant that Lacey was trying to seduce me. I mean, she might be, but I didn’t think so. It was more…teasing. Pushing me to see how much would make me blush or piss me off. That didn’t mean it was romantic or anything.

“Remember, book club is next week. I really hope you join us,” Kai said when I came over for dinner.

I sighed, but for the first time, the book club was sounding like it might be kind of fun. And it would be an excellent place to network, if nothing else. I wish I’d thought of that sooner.

“I’ll go,” I finally said, and Sterling nearly tackled me in her excitement.

“Get off me,” I said, pushing her away as she made growling noises at me.

“You love it,” she said, pretending to bite my cheek and then sitting back on the couch.

“You should invite Lacey,” Kai said, trying to be smooth.

“She does love to read,” I said, thinking about that book she’d recommended. I couldn’t wait to get back into the van and start it.

“Then that’s perfect. Please tell her that we’re not scary and there’s no pressure to participate or even say hello. And the food. Tell her about the food,” Kai said. “And drinks, if she’s into that.”

“Plus, I can finally meet her and give my official assessment,” Sterling said.

“What official assessment?” I asked.

“You know, make sure she’s good enough for you. I mean, she won’t be, but I can at least make sure she’s not a complete asshole that will waste your time.”

I rolled my eyes at her. “Honestly, Sterling, that’s ridiculous.”

“Is it? Do you need me to remind you of how you acted with Kai?” she asked.