Page 25 of My Downfall

“Yes,” Ava gasps as she comes and joins us, a large mug of black liquid in her hands.

“That’s his and let me tell you, it’s fucking stunning.”

“Reed!” Bella shrieks without warning and I swear I damn near have a heart attack.

Ava curses as she spills some of her coffee. “What the fuck, Bella? Warn a girl next time.”

“What’s wrong, baby girl?” he calls as he comes running into the kitchen. This man is absolutely besotted with her.

“Do you know Hudson Davenport? He lives a few houses down.”

Seriously? That’s what the drama was for?

He breathes out a sigh of relief as he answers her. What exactly did he think he needed to worry about when she’s literally a couple rooms over from him?

“Yeah, I do. We’ve attended a few events together over the years. Wait — is thatyourHudson?” He turns to me.

“He’s notmyanything, but yes, he’s who I spent last night with.”

“Is he a good man?” He turns back to his fiancée at her question.

“I think so, yeah; I’ve always got on well with him. I think he’d be good for you,” he murmurs as he aims the last part at me.

“He’s the Dean at my college and my interim professor. Last night was a one-time thing.”

“Mia, sweetheart, nothing with you girls isevera one-time thing. Believe me, he’s regretting letting you walk out of his door right about now. Every single one of you is a catch us guys are lucky enough to have.”

“Reed?” I say as he turns to leave us alone.

“Yeah, Mia?”

“I’m so glad I sent that text.” His eyes widen as my meaning becomes clear. I’m sure he must have been as confused as fuck about who sent that message to him that night.

“You little brat.” He shakes his head at me, a huge smile taking over his face. “So am I, by the way. So am I.”

“What text?” Bella queries next to me.

“Don’t worry, babe. Just say thank you.” I pat her thigh and Reed laughs.

“Yeah, a big fucking thank you.”

***

“I need one of you to take my cell.” I hold it up and wave it out to them. We’ve moved to Reed’s deck and are all sitting on the outdoor couches. “I’m going to end up messaging him over the weekend otherwise.”

“We can’t leave you without a cell phone!” Ava mutters.

“You’ll have to stay with one of us.” Bella nods like the decision is made.

“I’m not staying at your fuck pads.”

“Yep, I don’t blame you. You can stay with me.” Harper reaches over and snatches my cell from my hands and slips it inside her bag. “There, problem solved.”

“Would messaging him really be that bad?”

“Yes.”

“No.”