This feeling in my stomach, it must have been nerves. It couldn’t possibly be anticipation. Because nothing good would come from a visit from SJ.

Except it sort of had, at brunch. Hadn’t it?

The way he stroked your thigh was very, very good … the dirty, smut-loving part of my brain said slyly. You climaxed so hard last night, thinking about his hands on you …

That’s just because I’m about to ovulate, I argued with myself like a lunatic. I’m always super horny for a few days beforehand!

Which meant a visit from SJ today would be a very, very bad thing. Ovulation hormones plus an unfairly attractive man, whose alter ego happened to be every monster romance girlie’s wet dream …

“I don’t think he’ll be around today. He’s gone out of town on business,” I told Humphrey, hoping my voice sounded airy and not dishonest.

The way Humphrey’s face fell was almost comical. “You better approve him for official best friend introductions soon, because I am itching to check this guy out!”

I slapped him on the arm, maybe just a little harder than necessary. “Excuse me, you’re madly in like with my best friend!”

A wistful smile playing played at the corners of Humphrey’s mouth. “I really am, you know.”

My heart went all squishy, and without thinking, I pulled him into a hug. “I know you are … and I am so flipping happy for the both of you!” Tears prickled my eyes, and I pulled out of his embrace, wiping at them, giggling wetly.

“So … when are you and Ezra going out again?” I asked, setting up Luci’s little playpen at the front of the stall.

Humphrey grinned. “Two sleeps. He wants to cook me dinner at your place, Sunday night … since he’s finishing this night shift stint.” His cheeks turned an adorable shade of pink.

“Aww, does that mean I’ll need to wear my noise-cancelling headphones to bed?” I raised a cheeky eyebrow.

Humphrey swatted at me. “Oh my God, don’t …” His grin widened. “But maybe you should …”

I winked at him. “Consider it done. Now, don’t you have some pottering to do … or whatever it is you call it?”

Humphrey tilted his head to the side, hazel eyes gleaming. “You know, I’m not even sure what it’s called. Potting, maybe? Claying? Sculpting …” He shrugged, then handed me his phone. “Hey, send yourself a message so you have my number … and if your big blond beast turns up unexpectedly this evening, I want to be the first to know.”

I sighed, tapping a bunch of emojis into his phone under my number and hitting send. “Everyone is so desperate to meet SJ.” If only they knew the truth, they’d be more than happy to keep their distance.

“SJ,” Humphrey sighed, pocketing his phone. “Gosh, even his name sounds adorable.”