Reckless Abandon (November Blue, #2)(58)

” His condescension is palpable. I’d love to punch him.

They’re right outside the bedroom door. My head is spinning wildly, and I don’t think I can stand, let alone engage in a

confrontation with Turner. I try to calm the vortex of my brain, in case I need to intervene.

“I think it’s inappropriate for you to wander down the beach after midnight and not return my calls. That’s what I think is

inappropriate.” I can almost see her hand on her hip by her tone, and it makes me smile.

“It’s him or me, Ember. When you figure it out, come find me.” Adrian’s voice gets softer as he walks away.

“What the f*ck is that supposed to mean? This isn’t a competition, Adrian. I’m with you.”

Ouch.

“Figure it out, Em.” He slams the door shut. For a moment, I can’t tell if Ember’s left with him, until I hear her feet pad

down the hallway. I close my eyes and pretend to still be asleep.

“Bo?” she whispers as she quietly opens the door.

I don’t respond. Ember walks to the side of the bed and stands still, but I can hear her breathing and smell her perfume. I hear

her dresser drawer open and chance a glance with one eye in her direction. She lifts off her dress from last night and reaches for

a t-shirt. She really has lost a bit of weight; her shoulder blades don’t hide in her skin the way they should when she puts her

arms down.

I close my eyes when she starts to turn around. She sinks slowly onto the bed. Suddenly, her hand is on my bare chest, just over my

heart. I beg it to slow down, but it won’t; her touch is its life. Without a word, she rests her hand there for what feels like a

minute. I hate that I can’t see her face. With a heavy sigh, she moves her hand to my forehead, brushing my hair aside. Her soft

fingertips glide down the side of my face and her thumb traces my bottom lip, pausing long enough for me to have to suppress the

urge to kiss it. I can feel her pulse pounding against the pad of her thumb.

Ember stands, balancing herself on my arm and running her fingers along the outside of the leather cuff Rae bought me for my

birthday last year. She lets her fingers trail the length of mine as she pulls her arm away and walks out of the room. I hear her

leave her apartment, get in her car, and drive away. I reach for my phone.

It’s now or never.

“Rae? Yeah, it’s me. No...I’m fine. Listen, I need your help.”





Chapter Twenty-Six



Ember



I drive straight to Monica’s. My mind is spinning—I had to get out of there. I managed to leave Bo a note, telling him to feel

free to use the shower so he doesn’t smell like a frat house when he gets home.

It’s me or him. Adrian’s words echo through my soul. I shake my head and try to figure him out. He knows about the kiss. I didn’

t deny it and I don’t know why. You know why.

Sleepy, and probably hung over, Monica answers the door.

“You look like hell,” I tease as I slide in. She groans in response and wanders to the kitchen and pours coffee.

We settle onto the couch and let the caffeine work into our systems in silence. I take a breath and share my version of the night.

I have to back up a bit to remind her of the parts she’s hazy on, but as soon as I say “Better Man,” her eyes widen as the night

seems to fall back into place. Josh staggers out of the bedroom in time to hear the blow-by-blow of getting Bo into my apartment

and to bed.

“Wait. C.J. didn’t help you at all?” Josh rubs his eyes and gulps coffee.

Monica rolls her eyes. “That’s what you’re pulling from the story? You need help.”

“Or more coffee,” he grunts and walks to the kitchen.

“So what are you going to do about Adrian?” Monica sets her coffee down and crosses her arms. “I mean, clearly you’re thinking

about it, or you would have followed his sorry ass straight to Boston.”

I snort, “Adrian Turner doesn’t need me to chase after him, Monica.”

“Maybe he does.” She shrugs.

Maybe he does.

“I can’t believe he told me he loves me.”

“Yeah, right before he told you he figured out Bo kissed you.

“Good point.” I arch my eyebrow.

“I know.” She arches hers.

“I don’t think I love him. I mean, I care a lot about him and, sexually...come on. But ...” I shake my head and look past

Monica.

“Say it, November.” She can see my thoughts, I swear it.

“I know I said it the night of the Coldplay concert but...I really think I might still love Bo.”

Monica raises her palms to the sky. “Praise the friggin Lord!”

“What’s with the revival in here?” Josh chuckles as he reenters the room. I often forget his dad is a preacher. It makes me

laugh every time.

“Our girl here has finally admitted, out loud, to still having feelings for Bo.”

“I said might.” I’m ignored.

“Thank God.” He sits back, seemingly relieved.

“You two are awfully spiritual this morning,” I mumble into my coffee.