IZZY

My cell buzzes with another text message from Moody.

With a heavy breath, I delete it, just like I’ve deleted the last dozen.

Five days have passed since the engagement party. Since he came roaring back into my life.

It doesn’t matter how many times I tell myself to stop thinking about him, I keep seeing his face, feeling his touch against my skin.

Hot.

Electric.

Scorching.

And the dreams. Damn, the dreams are sinful torture that leave me aching with need. An ache not even my vibrator can curb.

The thought of seeing him again makes my skin prickle and my stomach clench. At the same time, my face burns with shame.

I’m getting married. I shouldn’t be thinking about anyone but Jason.

“You okay?” Kate asks, sitting down on the couch beside me with her glass of wine, her dark brows drawn down in concern.

“Better now that you’re here.”

Her lips tug up, but I can see the worry in her green eyes. “Have you decided on a date for the wedding?”

“Jason was hoping for late May.”

“That soon?” Her brows draw up.

“It’s all been such a whirlwind.” I sip at my wine, my emotions scrambled, and my heart betraying me.

“I’ll say it again. Are you sure this is what you want? I know he’s filthy rich and looks like Bradley Cooper and everything, but I just...” Her lips tighten and I can tell she’s struggling to hold something back, which for her is odd because Kate usually says whatever’s on her mind. It’s one of the things I love and hate about her.

“Just spit it out.”

“There’s just something off about him. I can’t put my finger on it. I mean, how well do you really know him?”

“I know that he’s stable, and he respects me. We want the same things. Plus, my parents love him. It’s a good arrangement.”

“How romantic.” She rolls her eyes.

“Romance is overrated.”

“Right,” she says sarcastically. “Well, please tell me he’s at least hung.”

“God, you’re crude,” I say, laughing.

Kate loves men, and they love her. But she’s not really one to settle down. Once that insta-connection is gone, so is she.

“Well, is he?” She takes a deep sip of her wine, eyeing me.

I shrug, feeling my cheeks warm.

“Shit, Izzy. Please tell me you’ve slept with him.”

“Of course. It’s just not a big part of our relationship.”

Her eyes go huge. “Bullshit. It’s the most important part.”

It’s my turn to roll my eyes. “Not everyone’s as dirty minded as you.”

“True.” She chuckles, then raises her brows and leans forward studying me. “When’s the last time you two had sex?”

“I don’t know,” I say sheepishly, because I honestly can’t remember.

“And you don’t think that’s weird?”

“We’re both busy. I’ve been working nights and–”

“And nothing. I hate to tell you this, but if he’s not getting it from you, then he’s getting it somewhere else.”

“Jason’s not like that.”

“Does he even make you come?”

“God, Kate. You’re incorrigible.”

“I’m just saying, you’re young, beautiful, and successful. You deserve more than a cold fish between your legs.”

I choke on my wine and start to cough.

“What about the hottie I saw you flirting with at the party?”

“I wasn’t flirting.”

She smirks. “But you knew who I was talking about. What’s his name?”

“Moody,” I say on a sigh.

“God, what I wouldn’t give to have a tumble with him.”

“Kate.”

“Maybe you could give me his number. Hook us up. Since you’re getting married and all, you wouldn’t mind, right?”

“Sure,” I mumble.

“There’s the look. I knew it.”

“What look?”

“That one.” She points her finger at me, one brow cocked. “You’re jealous.”

“No, I’m not. He’s just…he’s a bit of a playboy. I wouldn’t want to see you get hurt.”

Kate’s expression goes stoic, her green eyes studying me. “He’s the one, isn’t he?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Bullshit. I can see it on your face. He’s the guy who broke your heart. Left you all…” She motions with her hands up and down my body. “…cold and bitter.”

“I’m not bitter.”

She snorts and shakes her head. “So, what did he do?”

“Nothing. I told you–”

“You always were a shitty liar.” She reaches over and picks up the wine bottle from the table, then refills my glass. “So, tell me, is he as good in bed as he looks?”

She stares at me until I finally answer.

“Better,” I admit, because it’s the truth.

“Hah! I knew it.”

“It doesn’t change anything.” My cheeks are on fire, but I manage to glare at her.

“It changes everything. I saw the way he was looking at you. Like he could devour you.”

“Or destroy me,” I mumble, but Kate doesn’t seem to hear.

“You’ve got to call him. If he’s the one, then–”

“I’m getting married.”

“To someone you don’t even love.”

“That’s not true.”

“Really?”

“It might not be the whole insta-lust thing, but what I have with Jason is–”

“Boring.”

Yeah, boring. But boring doesn’t break your heart and leave it shredded in a million pieces.