Chapter 20 #2
“Seriously, your aesthetic is so soft and romantic,” Meghan says, still scrolling. “It gives book heroine energy. No wonder you’re studying fashion in Paris.”
That makes me smile. “Thank you… Honestly, I think half my inspiration comes from the books I read anyway.”
“Stop. You’re a reader, too?”
“Oh, yeah. Total bookworm.” I reach into my purse, pulling out my Kindle. “This never leaves my side.”
“I love you already,” Meghan says dramatically, clutching her chest. “What kind of books?”
“Mostly romance,” I admit. “The more angst and tension, the better.”
She lets out a delighted squeal. “You and I are going to be friends. I already know it.”
I grin before glancing over at Inès. “What about you, Inès? What do you read?”
She shrugs casually. “Mostly historical nonfiction, biographies, classic literature… but Meghan and Camille have slowly pulled me into the world of romance.”
My interest piques. “Wait, who’s Camille?”
“My sister. She’s in New York,” she says with a fond smile.
“Oh, got it.” I nod, then tilt my head. “So… when it comes to romance, what kind do you prefer? Like, are you more into the sweet slow burns, or the dark, angsty kind that emotionally ruins you?”
“If I had to choose… I’d say I like the ones where the characters earn it. Where the love is patient, and complicated, and kind of sneaks up on them.”
“Oh, I have so many recommendations for you,” I say, practically bouncing in my seat. Then I gasp, clutching my chest like I’ve just had a divine revelation. “Wait… this is a sign. We have to start a book club. Can you imagine the chaos of us dissecting romance tropes together?”
Meghan slams her hand on the table. “YES. I am so in.”
Inès laughs but looks intrigued. “Honestly, that could be fun. We could even make it a mix… some romance, some literary fiction, maybe even thrillers if we’re feeling wild.”
“Uh, excuse me,” Meghan says, pointing at her belly. “I’m about to have a baby. I need fluff, not existential crises.”
“Fair,” Inès concedes, laughing. “But I’m vetoing anything with bad writing. If I’m spending my precious free time reading, it better be worth it.”
“Deal,” Meghan says, grinning. “What should we call this legendary book club of ours?”
“What about The Novel Notionists?” Inès suggests, making both Meghan and me scrunch our faces.
“No… we need something clever,” I say, pulling out my phone. “What about Spicy & Sweet Reads?”
Meghan wiggles her fingers like she’s conducting an orchestra. “I like it, but it’s missing a little… sass. How about Bad Bitches & Books?”
“How about something less sassy like The Swoon Squad?” Inès suggests.
“Yes!” Meghan says immediately. “It’s perfect. Short, snappy, and totally us.”
We all exchange numbers to set up a group chat, and Meghan’s already brainstorming the first book pick before I’ve even finished saving their contacts.
“This is going to be dangerous,” I say, laughing.
“Oh, absolutely.” Meghan grins. “But it’s going to be so worth it.”
I smile, enjoying my time with them. They’ve made me feel at home in the short time we’ve known each other. I have never had a group of female friends before, so I am very excited.
Just as we’re settling back into the moment, the door creaks open, and Kingsley pokes his head in with a playful smirk. “Should I be worried that you’re plotting world domination without me?”
“Hi, King,” Inès says softly, her smile lighting up the room as if he’s the only person in it.
Kingsley strides over to her, effortlessly lifting her as he sits down, settling her onto his lap like she belongs there. “Hi, butterfly,” he greets, kissing her temple.
The tenderness between them is palpable, and I can’t help but smile at how utterly smitten they are with each other.
Before I can dwell on the sweetness, Justin walks in with Calvin trailing behind. Justin heads straight for Meghan, and the way he bends to kiss her makes my chest ache a little.
“Did Desmond leave?” Meghan asks, smiling up at him.
“Yes. He was needed at Luxe,” Justin replies, settling beside her.
Before I can even think to stand, Calvin’s already behind me. He tugs me gently out of my chair and into his lap. I gasp, half in surprise, half in something else entirely. His arms wrap around me, his warmth seeping into every inch of me.
“Having fun?” he murmurs against my ear. His beard brushes the sensitive skin of my neck as he leans in, the faint scrape of it making my breath hitch. Then his nose nudges into the curve where my shoulder meets my throat, inhaling like he’s memorizing me.
I shiver at the sensation, squirming slightly. “I am,” I whisper, turning to face him.
Calvin takes the opportunity, capturing my lips in a kiss that’s deep and unhurried. My fingers instinctively curl into his shirt, and it takes all my willpower not to melt into him completely.
“Ahem,” Meghan interrupts with a sassy grin. “I thought you guys were trying not to miss us.”
“You know we can’t resist you.”
Laughter fills the room and wraps around us, light and easy.
As the night winds down and Calvin and I get ready to go, that same feeling lingers in the air. It feels comfortable and familiar already, and I don’t want to let it go.
“Don’t be strangers,” Kingsley says, grinning.
I hug Inès and Meghan, both of them squeezing me back.
“We have to do this again soon,” Inès says.
“It was so nice to meet you. Text us,” Meghan adds.
“I will.”
Calvin’s hand slides to the small of my back, his thumb brushing against my skin as he leads me toward the elevator.
Even if whatever this is between us doesn’t last… I really hope the friendships do.