Page 88 of Revenge Puck

I turn away from Blaire completely because I cannot survive her reaction and this conversation simultaneously as she begins whisper-hissing, “What’s he saying? Jules—what’s he saying?”

I pace to the kitchen like distance will protect me from both him and her.

“Juliette?”

“Yes,” I answer into the phone, trying to sound normal.

“You still there?”

“Yes, I’m here,” I tell him hastily. “Sorry, Blaire is…” I shake my head. “I’d love to eat. With you.”

“Good. I was hoping you’d say that and full disclosure—I’m not putting on a show. It’s pasta. The delivered kind that comes in a box.”

“Sounds fantastic.”

“And.” His chuckle is low and deep. “If you’re feeling generous, maybe you’ll let me eat your cookies.”

Blaire catches a glimpse of my face.

Her eyes widen.

She mouths, “What? What did he say?”

I turn my back on her, cheeks flaming hot. “Did you mean that how I think you meant it?”

“I don’t know, did I?”

“You know exactly how that sounded.”Let me eat your cookies…

“How did it sound?” His tone is light. Innocent. “They’re all I’ve been thinking about. They melted in my mouth.”

I had melted in his mouth.

The heat spreads from my cheeks to my entire body. I shiver, the tingles spreading down my spine, teasing between my legs at the memory of his face there.

“Oh my god,” Blaire whispers frantically. “Is he talking dirty to you?”

I whip around and shake my head. No!

“You liar, you should see your face!” she whispers some more. “You are so red right now.”

I take a swipe at her. “Get out of here!”

“This is my apartment!”

“Juliette?”

“Hmm?”

“Text me when you’re on your way. And don’t bring anything—I have everything you need.”

The line clicks dead.

Phone in my hand, I stand at Blaire’s kitchen counter motionless as she flies into the room. Takes one look at my face and wordlessly hands me her glass of wine.

“Jeez, are you okay?”

I chug the rest of it.