Read Online Losing You (Stars On Fire Book 4) by Ryleigh Andrews - Free Book Online Page B

life,” Tom said, wanting to outright ask about Marc. But he wanted her to feel she could share that with him . . . if it was true.
    When the world’s dopiest smile covered her face, he knew things were good for her.
    “I’m seeing someone.”
    “Someone I know?”
    “Yeah,” she said, nodding her head up and down excitedly.
    “Are you gonna make me gu—”
    “I’m seeing Marc!” she exclaimed, grabbing his thigh and squeezing hard.
    Lizzie and Marc?
    Wow.
    He was right. Though he had guessed, he still sat there in shock.
    Damn . . . Marc and Lizzie. Tom had been too busy to notice this earlier.
    His lack of reaction slowly killed her elation. Her grip on his leg loosened and she fell back into the sofa.
    “Are you mad?” she asked with downcast eyes, studying the cuff of the borrowed sweatshirt.
    “No, I’m not mad.” I don’t know what I am about this, Tom thought. He loved Marc like a brother, but he knew Marc’s vices and wondered if Lizzie knew. Should he tell her? Hell, was it even his place to do so?

    Lizzie
    Well . . . she thought, feeling a little deflated. Lizzie started to get up, but Tom’s strong hand on her leg stopped her. She tried to break the hold but his grip tightened and he pushed her back.
    “I’m sorry. That just threw me. My two best friends together. Two people, who for the most part, have been unattached for years. My mind didn’t know what to make of it,” he said, trying to kid with her.
    She wasn’t buying it. “Whatever.”
    “Bits,” he said, using his strength to turn her towards him. His hand lifted her face to his. “I’m happy for you. I truly am. He’s a great guy. He wouldn’t be one of my best friends if he weren’t. And,” he added, his crooked smile teased her with what else he’d say, “it figures my two best friends would get together.”
    “He’s amazing, Tom. Funny, sweet, sexy as hell.”
    “Whoa! No sexy talk. Marc plus anything involving the word ‘sex’ I do not want to know about.”
    “You mean you don’t want to hear about the way he—”
    His hand covered her mouth so fast, cutting her off. She stuck out her tongue against his palm, licking it in revenge.
    “Eww, that was gross,” he exclaimed, yanking his hand away and wiping it on his jeans.
    “Fine. No sex talk, you big baby,” she said, spinning around, then standing up.
    “I’m not a baby,” he said, getting up as well. “Where you going?”
    “Almost party time.”
    “Really? I thought we had more time.”
    “I was late. Remember?”
    “You’re always late.”
    “Not for work,” she said and laughed at his reaction.
    “Just me?”
    “Yup. You’re special.”
    “Aww, shucks, Lizzie,” he said, putting his hand to his heart. “I feel it.”
    She gave him a quick squeeze before getting to work on the food. “You grilling?” she asked.
    “No. Sausage and dogs in the oven,” he answered, opening the door to show her. “Plus a big batch of chili in the pot.”
    “Smells fantastic. What do you need me to do?”
    As Lizzie helped Tom get things ready, they continued to talk.
    “So . . . you and Marc.”
    Lizzie smiled. “Me and Marc.”
    “You seem happy, Bits.”
    “I am,” she sighed happily. “Even though I don’t get to see him as much as I would like.”
    “You travel a lot!”
    “Yeah. Nature of the job. I leave next week for a longer assignment—at least two weeks. And I’m dreading the time apart, though this time, Marc’s out of town at the same time,” she said, placing the napkins in the holder on the island.
    “Where’s Marc going?”
    “Heading out on tour with his brother for a couple weeks.”
    “Shit. Really?”
    “Mmhmm. I don’t think he’ll miss me this time around.”
    The bell rang and he paused what he was doing and changed his course. “He’ll miss you. Don’t worry,” Tom called out to her.
    Her eyes followed him to the door and smiled when he said, “Hi, Gwen.”
    Without a word, Gwen stormed into the house.