Page 113 of Connectio

Chapter Eighteen

“Hi, guys, come in,” Alexis says as she opens the door to the City Towers villa.

She gives Carly a hug and kiss on the cheek, followed by Will, then me. At first, I feel a little weird; Alexis and I aren’t close. But she has a warm, welcoming aura about her, and after a quick squeeze and excited giggle, I feel less like a tag-along when she moves on to Derek.

“Come here, you. So much has happened since the penthouse blew up, and I haven’t properly thanked you for all you did that day.” She wraps her arms around him and hugs him tight.

“Okay, okay. That’s enough. Anyone would think he’s a damn hero,” Bryce says, smiling as he strides barefoot into the foyer, wearing jeans and a shirt, sleeves rolled up, beer in hand.

Alexis playfully rolls her eyes, lets go of Derek, and moves to Bryce, her long blonde hair cascading down her back as she drapes her hands over his broad shoulders. “Everyone knows you’re my one and only hero.”

Carly puts her finger to her mouth and gags.

Bryce smirks.

Oh wow!

“There it is,” Will murmurs behind his hand. “That’s the look that makes all women drop their panties.” He reaches into the back of my jeans and basically gives me a wedgie.

“What are you do—”

“Making sure they stay up.”

“Oh my God!” I swipe his hand away and inconspicuously try to un-wedgie myself.

Carly scrunches her face and says, “You got worms?”

“No! I’m just….” I huff. “Never mind.”

Will rests his arm on my shoulder and pulls me into his side. “Bryce, you remember Lib?”

“I do.” He reaches out, takes my hand, and lifts it to his lips. “Welcome, Ms Hanson.”

My eyes grow wide, but Alexis just smiles.

“Okay, okay.” Will playfully shoves him back. “Anyone would think you’re a damn billionaire.”

Bryce chuckles. “Come in, guys. It’s not the same as the penthouse, but it’ll have to do.”

We step into the living area, and I’m in awe. It’ll have to do?Is he nuts? This place is incredible. Creamy white walls, mahogany door trims and countertops, gold fixtures and fittings, leather sofas. Even the floor-to-ceiling, gold-embroidered sheer curtains are opulent.

“There’s a bathroom and toilet on this level, as well as one upstairs. Feel free to use either,” Alexis says. She waddles behind a bar counter and pops open a bottle of wine. “Drinks are here. Help yourselves.”

Bryce slides in behind her and takes four beers out of the fridge. “We’ll be in the studio, my love. Come in when you’re ready.”

He kisses her neck and gently caresses her full belly, and I can’t help but look away.

“You’ll get used to it,” Carly says. “They can’t keep their hands off one another. They’re like rich, horny rabbits.”

Alexis laughs. “We are not!”

Bryce kisses her one more time. “We are!”

She shakes her head. “We’ll be in soon.” Alexis opens another bottle of wine. “Libby, what would you like, white, red, or this non-alcoholic pink shit I have to drink?”

“Oh.” I cringe. “Just a glass of red, thanks.”

“Carls?”