Page 19 of Furry Equations
“Absolutely not,” Chelsea declared. “Not when my brilliant best friend finally has chemistry with someone—and I don’t mean the kind in your lab.”
“That was terrible.” Natalie groaned.
“But accurate,” Lillian added. “When was the last time you even went on a date?”
“I’ve been busy,” Natalie defended. “Groundbreaking research doesn’t leave much time for romance.”
“All work and no play makes Natalie a very frustrated scientist,” Chelsea singsonged. “And frustrated is definitelynot what you’re looking for in someone handling potentially dangerous formulas.”
“Though I bet Marcus could help with that frustration,” Lillian stage-whispered.
“Oh my God.” Natalie buried her face in her hands. “I hate you both.”
“No, you don’t,” Chelsea said cheerfully. “You love us. And we love you enough to tell you when you need to climb that man like a tree.”
“Chelsea!”
“What? I’m just saying what those enhanced senses of his probably already picked up on.”
Natalie’s head snapped up. “How did you?—“
“Please.” Lillian rolled her eyes. “The way he moves? Those reflexes? That whole predatory vibe? He’s obviously a shifter.” She grinned. “A very hot, very interested shifter who hasn’t taken his eyes off you all night.”
“Speaking of which,” Chelsea added, “what exactly are you working on that requires this level of security? Besides chemistry of the personal variety.”
Natalie took a long sip of water, choosing her words carefully. “It’s complicated. There was an accident in the lab, and now certain people seem very interested in my research.”
“Dangerous people?” Chelsea’s teasing tone shifted to concern.
“Potentially,” Natalie admitted. “But I’m safe. Marcus has been...” She trailed off, remembering how he’d rushed to protect her during the break-in.
“Been what?” Lillian prompted softly.
“Amazing,” Natalie finished quietly. “He’s been amazing.”
Chelsea and Lillian exchanged knowing looks.
“And incredibly hot,” Chelsea added helpfully.
“And clearly into you,” Lillian chimed in.
“And rich enough to rent out entire restaurants.”
“And totally your type—tall, dark, and protective.”
“With hands that look like they could?—“
“Stop,” Natalie laughed, throwing her napkin at them. “You’re both impossible.”
“We’re both right,” Chelsea countered. “And you know it. The question is what are you going to do about it?”
Natalie glanced at Marcus’s table, catching his eye for a brief, charged moment before quickly looking away. “Nothing. I can’t... It’s complicated.”
“Life is complicated,” Lillian said gently. “But that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to be happy.” She paused, grinning wickedly. “And thoroughly ravished by a sexy wolf shifter.”
“I’m disowning you both,” Natalie declared, but she was laughing.
The rest of dinner passed in a blur of good food, wine, and relentless teasing from her friends. By the time they finished their tiramisu, Natalie felt lighter than she had in days, despite the underlying tension of her situation.