Page 43 of Chasing Smoke

That, and if I stay any longer, I may have to go to the bathroom and take care of myself.

“You on shift?”

The mention of my job brings the two of us out of our lust haze, and she gently shifts to the side and slides off my lap.

For a moment, Caleb’s face is all I see, and I don’t dare look around at the pictures of them, or the couch that he told me they fought over for a half hour before Collins eventually gave in. Now I’ve made his wife come as she rode my dick.

Stellar friend there, Ansel.

“I have to drive into Portland tomorrow.” I’m not sure why, but I don’t want to tell Collins the real reason why. I have no idea what will happen, and I’m not sure I even want the job. I don’t want anyone to know yet. So I’ll tell her the same thing I told my family when they asked. “I made plans with a guy who used to go to high school with us.”

She accepts my answer easily, which makes me feel like a piece of shit. But it’s just an interview, and a first interview at that. There isn’t a lot to say about it.

“That sounds fun.” She gives me an earnest smile. “Does all this mean you’re done accompanying me to events?”

“Never. I’m not sure what this is exactly, but I still want you to move forward. Do you have something in mind?”

“Maybe…”

I chuckle. “That reaction doesn’t sound like it’s going to fare well for me.”

She laughs. “I saw that the bookstore has a book club meeting coming up in a few days. I’ve already read the book, but I’d need to skim for a refresher.”

My eyes narrow a fraction. “What kind of book club?”

Her gaze swings away from mine, and she bites her lip. None of this is a good sign for me. “It’s a romance book club.”

“Romance?” My eyebrows raise. “You understand that I’ve never read a romance novel in my life, right?”

She places her hands together in prayer pose. “You wouldn’t have to. I mean, unless you want to, but I know you wouldn’t have that much time. You could just sit there with me, not add anything.”

“What’s the name of the book?” She tells me, and I scroll through my audiobook app. “All right, I’ll listen to it to and from Portland. Don’t want anyone thinking that I have anything against romance books.”

She claps her hands. “Thank you.”

Her eyes sparkle, and a warm feeling invades my chest.

“You’re lucky you’re so damn cute.” I lean forward and place a chaste kiss on her lips.

When I pull back, it feels right and natural. Not like I’m stabbing my best friend in the back.

I push the thought away. For now.

My dick is still half erect, so I discreetly adjust myself on the way to the door while Collins follows. I spin around at the door. It’s a little awkward, standing at her door saying goodbye the first time after the dynamic of our relationship has changed. Have we made a mistake in crossing the line?

“The socks are cute, by the way.” I point at her feet. The words just tumble out of me, and I feel like a bit of a dumbass complimenting her socks, but Collins’s smile is warm.

“Thanks.”

“Text me the details about the book club.”

She nods, hands fidgeting in front of her. “Will do.”

Unsure, I place a quick kiss on her cheek. “I’ll see you then.”

And then I leave.

As I back out of the driveway, I know I’ve been honest, but I’m still not sure that what just happened was the right thing to do.