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“Yes,” she says, nodding like it all makes perfect sense. “If I can be honest, there’s a lot of sadness in your eyes, but also some hope. I believe we’re about to see the real Peyton soon.”

Her blunt words slide into the space Winona’s call carved out earlier. Less than two weeks and I won’t be legally linked to the man who dimmed me so gradually I almost thanked him for the softer light.

“That’s uncomfortably accurate,” I mutter.

Rose laughs softly. “She’s good at reading people.”

“I’m still figuring things out,” I admit, wrapping my fingers around my glass to take a sip. I don’t tell them how strange it is to live somewhere new that’s still safer than my previous house ever was.

“And,” Soph adds, eyes sparkling, “you live with a very attractive man.”

I nearly choke on my drink. Rose clears her throat. “Ollie is very kind, too,” she says.

“Yes, he really is. And also offensively attractive,” Soph repeats with a dramatic sigh. “Like, unfairly so. Men shouldn’t be allowed to look that good while holding babies.”

Rose’s cheeks turn pink. “Soph, stop objectifying him,” she scolds, though she’s clearly entertained.

“What? Can’t I admire the rare beauty of mankind?”

My stomach does an embarrassing little flip at her words, which I try to ignore. Ollie has done nothing except offer me kindness, a safe place to stay and endless patience while I settle into my new life. But that almost makes it worse. Because attraction is one thing. Attraction mixed with kindness? That’s dangerous territory.

“If you forgot, he’s my employer,” I remind Soph and myself.

She hums with a wicked glint in her eyes. “And your point is…? I’m fucking my boss and life is so damn amazing.”

“Soph! Don’t talk about Jax like that. He’s the love of your life, not some random hookup,” Rose gasps.

“Yes, I love him, but we also fuck in between lovemaking. I bet you and Eli do, too. Don’t deny it.” Rose takes another sip of her drink, not saying a word, and Soph continues. “Back to Peyton. What’s the issue?”

I avoid eye contact, suddenly very interested in the condensation sliding down my glass. Unfortunately, my brain betrays me anyway by supplying deeply unhelpful images of Ollie’s hands, his sleepy morning voice and the way his shirts stretch across his shoulders when he picks Tilly up. And those stupid dimples. Damn it. I can’t find one thing I dislike about Ollie Braxton! Other than that he is my boss.

“I…” I start, then immediately regret opening my mouth because both women lean in. “We have a lot going on in our lives and our main focus is Tilly.”

“And?” Soph says, undeterred.

The truth is Ollie feels safe. I haven’t experienced this feeling with a man outside my family before, and the realization alone is enough to send me into an emotional whirlwind. He doesn’t make me feel small or second guess every word coming out of my mouth. Instead he looks at me like I’m someone worth listening to and I still don’t know what to do with that. Which is exactly why I need boundaries the size of the Pacific Ocean.

“There’s nothing more to say,” I insist weakly.

Soph laughs. “Okay, okay. I’ll behave.”

She does not behave. Especially when her best friend and Rose’s former roommate Haisley arrives ten minutes later, not a hair out of place. The easy smile on her lips suggests she’s never met a stranger she didn’t immediately charm. Add that to her colorful dress and high heels, and the package is complete.

Haisley slides into the empty chair and kisses Soph on the cheek. “Sorry I’m late, my date ran overtime.”

Rose’s eyes widen. “A date?”

“Yep. Anyway, now I’m all yours. Let’s enjoy this girls’ night,” Haisley replies cheerfully.

I try not to stare; there’s just something intoxicating about her. I can’t decide if I want to be her or just borrow an ounce of her confidence for myself. Even the idea of dating and showing my real, unfiltered self to a person who could one day decide it isn’t enough feels daunting right now.

Soph grins. “Peyton, this is Haisley. My best friend and the reason I believe in oversharing.”

“And why I love you so much,” Haisley says, extending her hand to me. “Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you, too.” I shake her hand and try not to look intimidated.

The stunning blonde tilts her head as she analyzes me. “You’re newly single. Bad breakup.”