Page 87 of When Forever Falls Apart

I pivot to meet her gaze, crossing my arms defiantly over my chest, but then my stance softens. I’m not one to discuss my personal life, preferring to keep things private, but Billie is someone I have come to trust. Given that she is removed from the situation, perhaps I can gain some outside perspective.

“Nicole is most likely flying back to Paris.”

With a gentle push, Billie guides me into the kitchen, but doesn’t stray far, keeping a watchful eye on the customers. “So, yesterday, Nicole strolled in here asking for her boyfriend. Now she’s heading back to Paris, solo? What does that mean?”

I rake a hand through my tousled hair, the weight of her words pressing down on me. “We were on a break. No more confusion.”

“How very Ross and Rachel of you,” Billie replies, a teasing lilt in her voice. “So, were there specifics to this break?”

“What do you mean?” I ask, my heart racing as I brace for her next question. “I don’t like where you’re going with this.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” she states adamantly. “I have observed things, and those observations will remain with me for now. I get it, it’s hard to confess feelings, so this mindfuck you’re in… it’s understandable.”

I rest my palms firmly on the cool countertop, feeling its smooth surface beneath my fingertips. Slowly, I lower my head, allowing the weight of the day to pull me down. The tension has reached every part of me, so I gently stretch to ease the tightness and worry. My muscles begin to unwind, but the reality still lingers between us.

What am I supposed to confess to Billie?

That I’ve slept with Madelina and can’t get her out of my head? And the thought of another man touching her drives me to insanity?

Or how everything I’ve ever worked for is possibly waiting for me in Paris. But now, I’m questioning my entire life’s choices?

Billie gently places her hand on my shoulder. “Hey, whatever is meant to be will be. Right now, you need to rest. Just head home, and I’ll close up. Sleep will bring some clarity.”

I nod, knowing she’s right. Every part of me aches, and a few hours’ sleep will help me get a better grip on the situation, especially since I agreed to dinner with Madelina tonight.

“You’re right,” I say, a much-needed yawn following. “Can I ask you something?”

“Anything.”

“Do you believe in right place, right time?”

“Yeah.” Billie sighs with a smile on her face. “You just gotta follow your gut and let the universe take care of the rest.”

A quick knock on the door is all it takes before it swings open, revealing Madelina with a broad, mischievous grin spilling across her face. She’s in a snug tank top that reads “I Like My Books Spicy and Coffee Icy,” the fabric tight against her tits and exposing her belly button. Below, she’s wearing loosewhite linen shorts, but my focus is on how her tits bounce with her every movement.

Fuck, how am I already hard?

“So, you like your books spicy?” I ask, teasingly.

Madelina’s eyes shimmer playfully. “Don’t you?”

“I can’t say I’ve ever read a spicy book,” I reply, feigning innocence. “The authors I read tend to steer clear of anything romance-related. They’re all about beheading victims or solving some mysterious disappearance.”

With a spirited tug, Madelina takes my hand, her fingers warm and inviting as she pulls me into my sister’s apartment. “Oh, then I have some work to do. You have no idea what you’re missing out on. The smut, the tropes. Tell me, what are you in the mood for?”

The question is left open to interpretation, and my interpretation is that if Madelina were to stand before me, naked, whatwouldn’tI be in the mood for?

“You’re asking me what I’m in the mood for?” I question with an arched brow.

She nods, a slight innocence in her eyes. “Yeah, what floats your boat?”

My gaze fixates on hers, a teasing smirk on my lips. “All of it. Nothing’s off-limits.”

“Interesting,” she replies with a soft chuckle. “I’m starving. The pizza should be here any minute. Let’s eat first.”

“Sure, everyone needs stamina.”

“Are you going to behave yourself? We’re trying to get to know each other on a different level,” she reminds me, her voice light yet coy.