“Jeff lasted almost four months,” she said but Daphne shook her head.
“He was gone for those two months in the middle because of that trip to Ireland.”
“Right… I was still giving you credit for the full four months because I’m a good and loyal friend.”
“I appreciate that. Is Addie in? I need to talk to her,” Daphne said as she stood and turned so she could peer through the glass walls. She caught sight of Addie’s long red curls and held up a finger. “I’ll be right back.” Daphne gave Iris an awkward shrug as she pulled the door open. “It’s been a morning.”
Wendy was updating Addie on an order when Daphne leaned into the room so she waited until they were alone before hurrying around her sister’s desk.
“Please tell me this is good news,” Addie said as Daphne shut the laptop so she could sit on the desktop.
“I’ve been having sex with Silas from the coffee shop.”
“What?”Addie sounded shocked but she waved wildly, demanding details.
“For almost a year,” Daphne added cryptically, making Addie’s brow furrow with confusion.
“Come again?”
“I’d like to and I think I will soon. He’s asked me to spend the night with him,” Daphne informed her with a loaded look. Addie’s eyes narrowed.
“Just get to the part where this makes sense. I know he’s had ahugecrush on you but I would have noticed if something was really going on.”
Daphne laughed as she tipped toward her sister. “He’s a member of the club and he recognized me. Turns out he’s my favorite consort and I’m his favorite queen,” she whispered.
“Oh my God, Daph!” Addie whispered back excitedly. “It’s happening again!” She said but Daphne frowned and held up a hand.
“Don’t get your silk panties in a twist. He wants to help me blow off some steam and get past this block. That’s it,” Daphne vowed.
“That’s it?” Addie looked extremely dubious.
“He’s a little too young for me and I’d be terrible for him. I’d never forgive myself if I hurt sweet Silas.”
“I’m not wearing any panties and he’s not that young,” Addie said dryly. Her face had hardened into a scowl. “And you’d be amazing for him becauseyou’re amazing.You’re only bad at relationships because you pick bad partners. Silas is perfect for you.”
“Exactly. What am I going to do with someone that sweet and perfect? I barely have time for myself. I don’t have the energy for a relationship right now.”
“That’s what I said about Sutton but look at how much more energy I’ve had since we started seeing each other outside of the club. The right person won’t drain your batteries, they’ll recharge them,” Addie said. She was living proof of that but Daphne wasn’t ready to sacrifice a large piece of herself. She was already maxed out and needed every bit of her focus and energy for Addie, Isolde Rose, and her own career. Silas was hot and one of the kindest people she’d ever met and he deserved someone really lovely.
“I think he’s like twenty-four.” Daphne winced at the idea of dating someone six years younger than her, earning a hard eye-roll from Addie.
“I know for a fact that he’s twenty-seven and will be twenty-eight in a few months. I called him a sweet summer child last week and he made sure I knew he wasn’tthat muchyounger than the two of us. Which I thought was strange at the time because you weren’t even there…” Addie tapped her chin suspiciously but Daphne shook her head.
“The age difference might not be that bad but I prefer my men to be older, that’s all,” Daphne murmured with a wave and Addie laughed.
“You’re two years older than him! And he’s hot! He’s so dreamy when he lets his beard grow out and he’s got those big brown eyes.”
“I don’t want to think about his eyes. He’s off tomorrow and wants me to spend the day with him and I plan to keep my eyes on his ass.”
“His ass?” Addie asked and her brow hitched.
“Mmmm…” Daphne hummed as she pictured Silas’s tight, round cheeks. “He likes to bottom before we get to the facesitting,” she whispered from behind her hand. Addie groaned and clutched her chest.
“I love him for you even more now.”
“This is payback for Sutton, isn’t it,” Daphne asked, making Addie beam as she nodded.
“Sure is and in the best way.”