Page 132 of Nothing to Tell

“It wouldn’t mean anything to him.”

“No, it would be entirely mechanical.But if you close your eyes, he’ll give it his best shot.”

She would never be that close to Zairn and her friend knew it.It was a tease, a way to cheer her up.The idea was so ludicrous, it worked.

“Because the equipment only functions for you.”

“You better believe it.That cock only comes when Lola calls.”

Her next laugh was stronger.“And only he can make you call.”

“All night long, sister.”

This woman deserved complete, submerging happiness.It was such a wonder how two people could be so perfect for each other while coming from such completely different places.

“Zairn Lomond is one of the most desirable men on the planet.”

“Mm hmm.”

That must contribute a lot to Roxie’s confidence.Not that she got it from Zairn, but being part of a solid partnership.Nothing was shouldered alone.What belonged to Roxie belonged to Zairn too, from their friends, their business, every detail of their lives.Except, somehow, they didn’t crowd each other.Nothing felt forced or hostile.

“And you married him.”

“Want to know what else?”Roxie’s bass dropped just a little.“We started out as friends.”

She couldn’t let her mind even go there.“He wanted you from the moment he met you.He told me that.”

“I didn’t say we weren’t horny friends.We knew each other six weeks before we had sex.How long had you known Bastian before you two…?”

“Less than that.”She quickly followed up.“But not by much.”

“Sometimes biology follows instinct.It knows something you don’t.”

“What?”

Roxie’s laugh was short.“Oh, honey, if I tell you that, I’d suck the fun right out of it.”

“You’re supposed to be my friend,” she said on a faux sob for the sake of clarity.

“Get on a plane.Be my friend up close.We’ll get through this.”

She’d wrecked one friendship, did she want to wreck another?Yet there was something appealing about the idea of running out on her life.It didn’t fit and she couldn’t figure it out.Something had to change.Roxie was so together, so calm and optimistic, maybe she could absorb some of that by proximity alone.

“I have a client meeting tomorrow morning.”

“Take the meeting, then get on a plane.”

Maybe it was time to let someone else take the wheel.

“Let me think about it.”

“Twenty-four hours,” Roxie said.“You better be in the air within twenty-four hours.”

She worked well with clear instructions and Roxie delivered.It didn’t solve anything but at least gave her something to work toward.Would it be enough to distract her from the mess of her life?

FORTY-FIVE

WHETHER OR NOT she was going to get on a plane, she needed her files.Yes, that’s right, from her office at Bastian’s.