Page 14 of Jagger

What was the harm in letting my best friend know where I was? She’d been a good friend for years, my maid of honor at my wedding. I obviously had trust issues because I didn’t answer her right away. It was silly. No, my hesitation was ridiculous. Esme would never betray me.

“Some small town called Danger Falls.”

She burst into laughter. “You ended up at a place called Danger Falls? You’re pushing karma. Aren’t you? You are one gutsy lady though.”

I hadn’t thought of it that way. “Maybe, but karma made my choice for me.”

“At least you still have a sense of adventure. So, where are you staying?”

“A sinfully gorgeous cabin in the mountains.”

“Wow. You spared no expense. Good for you. Now, you just need to find a hot man and everything will be better.”

I almost choked. She almost always caused that reaction in me. The woman had no filter, which I adored about her. I’d learned a long time ago to keep my mouth shut, never making waves. Being noticed wasn’t always a good thing, which was one reason I’d been shocked Joel had sought me out at a bar. I wasn’t flashy and hated sexy dresses. It was better to remain in the background.

“You know what they say about getting under a man to get over one?” My bestie added insult to injury, which prompted a few sexy and totally inappropriate images about Jagger.

“Not in this lifetime.”

“Then you’ll die old and lonely.”

“Why, thank you very much,” I told her.

“I’m serious. There must be a hot dude where you’re staying?”

I glanced around the living room, more impressed by my surroundings than before. I could only imagine what the views looked like in the daylight. One wall was entirely made ofwindows and wood beams. With the huge stone fireplace and raised hearth, I could seriously learn to relax.

“A few of them, but it doesn’t matter.”

The moment I made the statement, I knew I’d made a mistake. “You met a hot guy. I can tell!”

She was way too excited.

“He just helped me get the cabin. Nothing more. He’s a grumpy bastard anyway.” Why was I providing any ammunition to the woman?

“Uh-huh. I know you better than you think I do. Is he a dreamboat?”

The answer was a profound yes, but I refused to get carried away on her slow boat to China. “He’s okay. But a total ass.”

“You know what they say…”

“Don’t you dare. I didn’t leave town to hook up with some grumpy asshole.”

“Me thinks you doth protest too heartedly.”

“Stop it. I’m going to sleep now.” After I consumed at least one glass of wine.

“Fine, but think about what I said.”

“Never,” I told her.

“You will die so lonely. So very lonely.” We both laughed and I could tell she had more on her mind.

“Just say it.”

“It’s really nothing, but…”

“But what?”

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