Page 102 of Just for the Plot

I need a little bit more time.

“Why haven’t I moved on?” I ask, giving it some thought. “Why would I let go of someone who means so much to me? There might still be a chance for me to figure things out with her.”

“There is?” she asks, looking far too excited for me. “Then why don’t you just go for it?”

“It’s complicated, but maybe…maybe soon I can.”

“Well, I will need all the details when it does happen.” She takes a bite of her hash brown and moans. “Oh, this is perfect. How did you know I’d need this?”

“Because I know you pretty well at this point, Bower.”

“You do.” She flashes me a smile. “By the way, you never responded. Did you like my shirt last night?”

I pick up a hash brown as well and take a bite. “I did,” I answer. “Do you think it would fit me?”

She scoffs. “Maybe one pec, which by the way, when did you get an ass?”

“What?” I laugh, nearly choking on my hash brown, because I never thought I’d hear her ask that.

“I was watching you yesterday and all of a sudden my eyes were fixated on your rear end and how pronounced it was. I don’t ever remember you having an ass like that. Was it the belt you were wearing?”

“Uh…no.”

“Oh my God.” She covers her mouth with her coffee mug. “Do you stuff down there?”

“For fuck’s sake, Bower.”

She chuckles and then groans when she realizes it’s too much for her head.

“I’ve been doing a lot of squats and lunges, building up my legs, which in return, builds the muscles in my glutes.”

“Well, send me your routine, because a girl would like a rounded rear like that.”

“Uh…thank you.”

She smirks and then clinks her mug with mine. “You’re welcome.”

CHAPTER 18

BOWER

Bower:Are you sure you still want to go to the party tonight?

Bennett:Yes.

Bower:Because you can back out if you want.

Bennett:I said I’d go.

Bower:Okay, well, it’s on a rooftop and it’s businesswear, so suit coat and button-up. Do you have that?

Bennett:Did you really ask that question?

Bower:Right, dumb question. Okay, I’ll be at your place around six. That work?

Bennett:See you then.

I set my phone downand scan the notes I took while Adalade dictated about everything she’ll need for a gala she’s attending in a few days. I glance down at my bags, counting them and checking off my list, the hostess gift being the most important errand I ran today.