Secrets of the Lotus. Michelle Garren Flye

for a moment. “Josie?”

      “Oh, yeah. She asked me to call her that. Sorry.”

      Dan shook his head, unable to resist teasing his friend. “I’m starting to think I’m not the one who’s in danger of falling in love with her.”

      Alan glared at him. “I’m trying to tell you to be careful. It’d be easy to lose track of what exactly you’re using her for, you know. I don’t want to see this whole thing blow up in your face.”

      Dan nodded and turned to glare out at the city lights, his momentary light spirits dissipating. When he heard Alan leave, he threw back the last of his drink and tossed the glass carelessly onto his desk, leaving a trail of condensation on the sleek wood. He couldn’t help but feel Alan had a better grip on the situation than he did.