Page 88 of Collide

“Babe,” she exclaims, leaning in like she’s about to deliver a masterclass. “It’s not cheating until you put a label on it.”

“It still feels wrong.”

“Elena, no. It’s about keeping your options open.” She sighs, shaking her head like I’m a lost cause.

Options…like Broderick?

That thought comes out of nowhere and slaps me in the face.

What the fuck, brain.

I shake the thought off.

“Until you and Alex slap a label on it—or agree you’re exclusively dating—you’re still a free agent.”

“Okay, Master Fisher,” I shoot back, raising my glass. “I’ll take your word for it.”

“You should. I hook ‘em in, line and sinker, have my fun, and toss them back. Swim, little fishy, swim away.” She grins wickedly. Like the heartbreaker that she is.

We laugh, clinking our glasses together.

“I don’t doubt it.” I chuckle.

Riley’s smile fades slightly, her gaze sharpening.

“Do you know if Alex is seeing anyone else?”

The question slams into me harder than I expect.

Something twists inside, tight and sour.

Jealousy.

A new, unfamiliar shade of it. I’ve only really ever felt envy toward my sister, and even then, it always felt petty, childish. But this is different. This feelspalpable.

“I hope not,” I say, a little too quickly.

The next day,after the shoot, Riley and I spend the afternoon shopping and taking in the sights.

She’s arranged a date with Connor later that evening, the same night Alex and I haveoursecond date.

To say I’m tingling with excitement is an understatement.

I called Alex earlier, and he told me to dress casually. Thank God Rio is easily accessible—he helps me put together an outfit that fits the brief, but is still sexy: fitted jeans, a black off-the-shoulder top that clings to my body, tucked neatly into the waistband, paired with strappy heels.

Rio suggests wearing my hair up to accentuate my neck. I don’t even hesitate. I loved the way Alex kissed me there, and I hope tonight he will again.

I head down to the lobby to wait for him.

My phone buzzes in my hand, and I answer.

“Hey, where are you?”

“I’m in the parking garage. Come downstairs.”

“Okay, on my way.” My voice comes out shrill as I’m already moving toward the elevator, pressing the down button. “I’ll see you soon.”

“I’ll be here,” he says before ending the call.