Fool for Love (High Rise) by Harper Bliss Read Free Book Online Page B

be more than friendly neighbours.
    “Would you like…” Alex hesitated for a split second. The pain in her shoulder flared up, fatigue crushing both her body and her mind—and that guard she’d been keeping up for weeks. A layer of resistance peeled away, drifted off in her weariness. “…to have dinner some time?” Heat rose to Alex's cheeks. She hadn’t asked anyone out on a date in years. And yes, this most certainly would be a date.
    “I’d be absolutely delighted.” A softness glowed in Maddie’s eyes. “How about tonight?”
    “Why the hell not?” The only plan Alex had for tonight was falling asleep in the couch around nine and dragging herself to bed at midnight—and possibly being woken in the middle of the night when Nat came home, alone or otherwise.
    “I’ll cook for you. I do the best spaghetti carbonara. Real Italian style.” Maddie slapped herself on the forehead. “Oh shit. That usually works on women, but you’re half-Italian so I may have to eat my words later.”
    “Don’t worry. My mom did all the cooking in our house. I was raised on soup noodles instead of home-made pasta.”
    “Thank god for that.”
    “Well, I wouldn’t say that. She’s a terrible cook.”
    They burst out laughing.  
    “Hey, lovebirds,” Nat chimed in. “Excuse me for interrupting your intimate moment.” She winked at Alex, in plain view of Maddie’s eye-line. “But I must take my leave. Life awaits.”
    Behind Nat, Alex saw Isabella shake her head. If she and Maddie experienced a lull in conversation tonight, they could always turn to the fruitful topic of Nathalie Orange—and how Isabella’s interest was clearly growing beyond the professional.

    MADDIE

    Maddie filled her shopping basket with parmesan and pecorino to grate over the pasta. She was desperate to impress Alex, although she may have picked the wrong dish for that. Alex's question had surprised her, but she hadn’t hesitated for a second. With June’s recent news and her mind drifting off more and more to a departure from Hong Kong, a successful date was the only thing that could keep her from having to make a difficult decision.
    She hurried to the cashier while keeping an eye on her watch. Cooking wouldn’t take long, but making herself presentable would. She wanted to look her best tonight. Every inch the lady she, admittedly, really wasn’t. If she were to stand a chance at all with Alex, she had to make up for her previous impromptu confession about June. Alex didn’t strike her as the type to be fooled by some make-up and a fancy dress, but Maddie wanted to make the effort anyway. She wanted to impress, like earlier that afternoon when she’d flaunted her bicep. Maddie giggled at the memory. Who did that? Who boasted about a bulging muscle in front of the most well-toned fitness instructor ever?
    Alex arrived at eight o’clock on the dot. Maddie hadn’t expected anything else. She wore a white tank top—of course—and tight-fitting jeans. For the first time, Maddie saw her with her hair loose. It fell to her shoulders in dark wavy strands. Maddie could barely hide her excitement at what stood in front of her. Perhaps she had overdressed for the occasion though. Maybe this red number was a bit too statuesque for a relaxed home dinner. Still, she felt Alex's gaze glide appreciatively along the length of her body.
    They kissed each other on the cheek a bit awkwardly before Maddie stepped aside and invited Alex to sit down.
    “You’re not working tomorrow, are you? With your changed schedule.” She pointed at the bottle of Veuve Clicquot chilling in an ice bucket on the coffee table. “I have a nice Rioja to go with the pasta as well.” There’s nothing like making your intentions clear from the start.
    “Heaven’s no.” Alex sat down with a sigh. “This new club opening has really done me in.” Maddie saw her eyeing the bubbles with gusto. Maybe she needed something to take the edge off as well. “And taking my