“Jared!” I greet him at the door before he gathers me in his arms and kisses me on the lips.

That definitely surprises me. Sure, we’ve kissed and fooled around, but it never goes further than that.

After leaving Drake’s home, feeling dejected and with my insecurity at the highest level, I decide to dress up a little. I wear a nude, tight-fitting corset dress that my lithe body and legs look amazing in paired with my sand colored Prada platform pumps to finish the look. I look pretty decent, if I do say so myself. I straightened my usually wavy hair. I forgot how changing hairstyles actually does wonders to a woman’s look alone. I keep my make-up light, but don’t hold back with my scarlet lipstick.

No more Drake, I can’t think about him tonight with Jared. Jared deserves my undivided attention. It also helps that Drake hasn’t tried to call me or text. It hurts that he can’t bother to send me even a quick text; yet, I’m relieved that he doesn’t. Fucking confusing. I want to scream my frustration.

Jared steps back. His eyes heatedly admire my look as he whistles. “You look like a supermodel. I know you’re gorgeous and all, but you never used to dress up this way for me.”

I blush and murmur my thanks. A big part of me is pleased that there is a guy out there that appreciates my efforts.

Yeah, I was pretty laid back before. I guess Jared can thank Drake for making me feel like shit. After I found that picture of him and Shannon, I couldn’t get it out of my head. Jared is a good-looking guy. Six-feet tall with a well-honed body, wavy blond hair, light brown eyes and armed with a charming, amiable personality.

“Where are we going?” I ask before I get my things and start heading out the door.

Jared looks at me, grinning. “Well, since you’re asking, it’s actually my parents’ thirty-fifth wedding anniversary. They’re having this bash at their house. I’m taking you there as my date.”

I can feel my body grow taut. “You want me to meet your parents?” I ask in a whisper.

“Don’t freak out, okay? I just thought since you’re deciding if you want to seriously date me, and be exclusive . . . I want to show you where I come from. Of course, I want Mom and Dad to meet you. It’s only a party. It’s nothing to be scared of. Well, I hope they don’t scare you away.” He looks thoughtful for a moment.

“I’m not scared, Jared. You just caught me by surprise, that’s all.” It’s more like I’m feeling along the lines of a slut because I spent all night having sex with Drake and here comes Jared, sweet and perfect, wanting to introduce me to his parents.

Jared kisses the top of my nose. “You’ll be fine. You’re great. You’re perfect. Well, I think you’re perfect, anyway.”

Shit. Just shit, fuck, shit, shit, shit.

The ride to his parents’ home in Calabasas is pretty engaging. Jared is studying to be a doctor in cardiology and he’s passionate about it. He’ll be doing his residency program at UCLA medicine soon. Jared is actually friends with Nick. I had declined Jared’s invitation for a whole year before I finally decided to give him a shot. Now, exactly when I realize I’m ready to move forward, Drake happens to show back up in my life.

It’s fucked up.

Jared glances at me before he reaches out to give my bare thigh a tight squeeze. His hand stays there, unmoving, just there. “Masie mentioned that you two are planning on opening a business?”

“Since she and I have this obsession with cupcakes and we loved making them in college, we thought . . . well, why not go for it? It hasn’t been finalized yet, though. We need to look for a location first, and then go from there.”

His hand hasn’t moved, but his fingers are stroking my skin, back and forth. “Your cupcakes are delicious. I can’t get enough of them.” His voice lowers, full of innuendo.

Um, is he still talking about cupcakes here? The way he mentions them . . . it sounded downright sexual.

When my phone rings, I decide to get it. It’s Mom. “Hey! What’s up, Mom?”

“How are you, Dear? I’m actually calling to tell you that Patricia is having a luncheon this Sunday. I was hoping you would come.” Mom sounds nervous.

Weird, why would she be nervous? “Sure. Is that all because I’m getting the vibe that there’s more?”

Mom clears her throat. “There is . . . but I’m not sure if telling you over the phone is the best way to tell you.”

There is no way in Hell I am letting my mother off the phone without telling me. “It is, actually. My mind is going through the scenarios right now and I would greatly appreciate it if you would relieve me of that kind of tension.”

“Fine, if you insist. I’m seeing someone. I started dating again.” Huh? Since when did she start dating?

For the last nine years, Mom never even mentioned another guy. So, I had assumed that she wasn’t dating. When did that change?

“Who are you dating?” I am in shock.

“Colin Sandberg”

Oh, Hell. He’s a close friend of Hugh’s and had been very close with my dad when he was alive, too.

“Lily? Will you say something?” Mom is waiting for my reaction. What the heck do I say?

“Um, that was unexpected. I didn’t realize you were attracted to Colin. He’s Dad’s friend, Mom. I don’t know. How long have you been seeing him?”

“A week ago. It just started. He said he finally manned up and asked me out. He’s been meaning to for the last few years, but always hesitated.” That sounds like Colin.

Colin Sandberg is a decent man, gentle and soft-spoken with the sharpest brain around. His wife died five years ago, I think. He doesn’t have any children because his wife didn’t want any, but they were happy that way. It was a lifestyle choice that suited them both. I suppose two lonely grieving people are entitled to find solace in each other.

“I’m happy for you, Mom. I really am. Colin better not hurt you or he’ll have me to answer to.” My mother chuckles at that. She knows I can be a spitfire about it, too; if it ever comes down to that.

I honestly hope that it won’t. Mom deserves to be happy. I hadn’t realized how lonely she must be since Dad died.

“That’s why I called, too. Colin will be joining us this Sunday. That’s why it’s important that you come.”

That warms my heart. Mom. Introducing her boyfriend for the first time. Ha! “Of course, count me in. Lunch, right?”

“Yes, I will see you then. Have a good night, Hon.”

“You, too, Mom,” I say before we part with our goodbyes.

I glance sideways and find Jared looking amused. “Glad my mom’s love life entertains you, Mr. Pearson.”

“It is a bit entertaining, but I think your love life intrigues me more.” He gives my thigh another stroke.

I weave myself nicely on a nice shit pile, don’t I?

“I’m sure it does,” I murmur. Not wanting to open that can of worms. Drake, our past and the ever shifting present, are not what I want to talk or even think about tonight.

My phone beeps to indicate a text message.

Drake.

My heart rate suddenly speeds up, I feel suffocated.

Do I still want to do this weekend thing with Drake? I do and don’t, but after I saw that picture of him and Shannon together, I don’t think I can do it. Hell, but the thought of having a crazy sex-fest with Drake all weekend long makes me break out with goose bumps.

I decide to text Drake back, right then and there. It’s best I get it over with before I meet Jared’s parents because that is a major deal for me.

There. I sent it. The message sounds rational and mature. When it beeps again, I shove it back in my purse. There’s no point in trying to ruin my night. Drake can wait.