Page 43 of Dirty Roxie

“Yeah, I’m good. It’s time.”

I nod in understanding even though I have no idea how that might feel. It’s got to be difficult for her. Not that she has all this love for him, but because she was raised to believe he was right, above all else. And if she confronts him, she’s implying he’s wrong about something, and that goes against everything she’s been taught her entire life.

“Arm okay?” I ask.

“Could be better,” she smiles.

“You smell like sex.” I wiggle my eyebrows at her.

“That could not be better.” Her smile grows.

“Dayum, girl, that was quick! I just saw Mack downstairs less than an hour ago.”

“Sometimes quick still gets it done.”

We giggle over that and rejoin Ronan and Mack, who are standing somewhat awkwardly next to one another. Not quite friends, yet no reason to be enemies. I bust between them to break the tension and give Mack a hug next.

His huge body engulfs mine in an embrace, and he feels too big. Whereas mere weeks ago, I thought his was my preferred body type, a big beefy guy with arms the size of tree trunks. I now think back to lying in Ronan’s arms on our picnic, straddling him at the pool, dancing with him at the party, and realize he’s perfect for me in size. Large enough to be manly, slim enough I can hook my legs around his waist.

I look over at him to see Daria fussing over his newly dyed hair and fake glasses. Then realize I don’t see Reed anywhere. “Hey, where’s Reed?”

As if on cue, another knock sounds at the door, I skip over to answer, excited to give my old friend a hug since I don’t have to pretend I don’t know him any longer. Only instead of Reed on the other side of the door, I see Quinn.

And she doesn’t look very happy.