Page 60 of In It to Win It

“I know, I know.” My voice comes out like a snarl. “First I thought she was still with Martinez. Then I found out she wasn’t. Before I could move, I found out she’s dating Anthony Hipster.”

He chokes on a laugh. “Um, yeah. Well, shit. I didn’t know . . .”

“Seriously?” I lift my head to peer at him. “Lacey didn’t tell you about the wedding?”

“Okay, yeah, she did.”

“Asshole.” I punch his shoulder.

He laughs. “Guess it wasn’t that good with you. She found someone else pretty quick.”

“Sure, kick me when I’m down.” I exhale sharply. “I can’t stop thinking about her. And she wants us to be just friends.”

“Ouch.” He winces.

“Yeah.”

“Well, I’d say it’s pretty clear. You gotta forget about her.”

“That’syour advice?” I scowl.

“You know it’s the right thing.”

I nod reluctantly. I’m trying to do the right things. But it’s fucking killing me.

12

TAYLOR

JP textsme on Sunday morning about bringing Byron over so he can see his new place and get acquainted with it. A great idea.

No. It’s a bad idea. The worst idea. This is like jumping into a bonfire with gasoline-soaked clothes on.

I feel like I’m about to give a speech to a thousand people, naked, as I drive to his place, my hands sweaty on the steering wheel, my belly a mass of jumping nerves. Byron is happily oblivious in the backseat, his face up to the window I’ve cracked open, panting eagerly.

I love him.

Byron, I mean. I love Byron.

I’m doing this for him. I know he’s only a dog, but there’s no such thing as “only a dog” when the dog’s been in your family for years and he’s such a sweet guy and . . . well, I love him.

I sigh. I can do this.

JP and I are friends. That’s what I suggested to him the other night. We’re both always so . . . tense . . . around each other. We need to get past that and just be friends.

Sure.

He’d looked at me as if I’d just told him I was going to become a sex worker when I suggested that. And I’m not sure if it’s because he hates me or because he wants to bone me. Maybe both.

I sigh. That’s pretty much how I feel about him.

No. That’s a lie. I don’t hate him. But I do want to bone him.

Shit! I’m dating someone else! I can’t be thinking things like that about JP.

Standing in the foyer at Lacey’s place the other night, heat crackling between us, melting my panties, tightening my nipples . . . I forgot all about Anthony.

What iswrongwith me?

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