“Looked pretty cozy, if you ask me,” Em says. “At least we found a dark spot to hook up. Your new girl seems to be a bit of an exhibitionist.”

“Em—” Duke warns.

She smirks. “If I knew public places were what you needed to get off…” She trails off, brightening. “Speak of the devil.”

My heart stops as I take in Meg’s ash-white pallor. She’s holding a plate of freshly baked muffins from next door and looks like she wants to cry. Or puke. Or bathe in holy water, more like.

Fuck.

I jump to my feet, but Duke is even faster. He takes the tray from Meg’s trembling hands and beams at her. “Meg, love of my life! These smell incredible!”

“Dani put in the order special for your meeting. I made a double batch since I know how you need at least seventy-five grams of white sugar to get you through.”

Duke smacks a kiss on her cheek, and Meg freezes, backing up. She gives him a small apologetic smile before spinning to leave. I am a half step behind her when Dani comes to the door.

“Oh, good, the muffins. You’re a lifesaver.”

Meg brushes past her to the exit without a word, and Dani narrows her eyes at me in concern. “Sorry, Dani, is it okay if I—”

She shoos me away, and I sprint after Meg. By the time I catch her in the kitchen of the coffeehouse, she’s leaning against the counter, hands pressed to the surface, shoulders trembling. It occurs to me that I’ve rushed here but have zero idea what to say. Thankfully, Meg saves me the trouble, shaking her head, a sob breaking free.

“What are the odds,” she asks, “that your ex would catch us kissing the third time I’ve kissed anyone ever?” She raises a hand, shaking her head. “Don’t answer that. We were kissing in a public place. I was being an exhibitionist. I deserved that.”

“First of all, no one deserved that. That was Emily being spiteful with me because she thinks I chose you over her. Which, to be fair, I did.”

“I didn’t realize you two were serious.”

“We weren’t. Not in that way. Friends with benefits at best.”

Meg’s dewy eyes widen, her face pale. “I … should have … I didn’t think. I … Of course you’ve … I mean. Just look at you … Your biceps are like magic…”

“Meg.” I have to cut her off, but I’m as red as a tomato at her biceps comment and my stupid mouth. “I’m a virgin. It was only an expression. A tactless one. I didn’t mean that we’d, um, had those kinds of benefits. Not for lack of trying on her part, but it didn’t feel right.”

Meg’s lips form a silent oh.