Page 27 of Wicked Love

“But somehow, in the middle of the night, we were on each other and it was so—” I drop off here, glazing over at the thought of everything that happened with Bowie.

“Tell me you are not leaving us hanging there!” Calista cries.

“Was it amazing?” Elle breathes.

“So amazing,” I whisper. “But then Becca got sick and Bowie ran out of there…and never came back.” I exhale. “And I could’ve gotten past that, but he could hardly look at me at brunch, so I got the hint. He’s not interested. He’d had too much to drink, we were in the same bed and all worked up after dancing…it didn’t mean anything.”

To him, I almost add.

“Oh, I guarantee you, it meant something to him,” Ellesays. “I’ve known that man for years now, and he doesn’t just do this. I swear, he doesn’t. Helikesyou.”

I shake my head. “Even if he entertained the idea for a second, he was over it by morning. And it’s Bowie Fox. He could have anyone he wanted. There are entire sites built around him, for crying out loud.” I point to his page and we all look at the pictures of him with a variety of different hairstyles.

Calista’s shoulders sag as she scrolls down, and we all gasp when we see a picture of his hair even longer than it is now. His helmet is in his hands and he’s scowling from the sidelines.

“Holy Nordic god,” Tru says.

“Actually, it’s Austrian god,” Elle says.

“Oh, that’s right.” Tru shakes her head. “I was blinded by the long blond hair.”

Elle clears her throat and looks at me. “You are gorgeous, Poppy. I don’t know what you’re talking about…this wholehe could have anyone he wanted. So can you! Are you interested in him?”

Tru and Calista jump in too, telling me I’m so pretty.

I laugh. “You guys are so good for my ego. Thank you. My sister is prettier.”

They laugh but then realize I’m serious.

“Okay then, there are two models in your family because seriously, have you seen you?” Calista asks.

I close my eyes and press my lips to the side, trying not to laugh. “I have a healthy dose of self-confidence, but I’m more girl next door than a model!”

“Girl next door Bowie would like tofuck,” Calista whispers the wordfuckand we all crack up.

It sure seemed like he liked it. I sigh.

“I’m sorry to disappoint you guys, but there’s not going tobe any of that going on, trust me. I got the message loud and clear from Bowie and he does not want—” I point at myself and wave it around my body. “Not happening.”

“If Sadie were here, she’d know what to do,” Tru says.

“Yes, we need Sadie on the job,” Elle says. “In the meantime, I just decided I’m having a party at my place on Saturday night. Can you all be there?”

“I’m in,” Calista says.

“I’ll check with Henley, but I think we’re clear.” She rubs her stomach and makes a face. “Do you know I have never liked olives before now, but I just ate one and could eat every single one off this board!”

“Baby likes olives!” Elle cheers.

Calista holds the board up to Tru and Tru scoops off the olives. When she leaves a few, Calista gives her a look and she laughs, taking the rest.

“You’re coming Saturday night, right, Poppy?” Elle says, giving me a pointed look.

“Uh, I think I can?”

“Good. And I’ll tell my husband to get Bowie’s head on straight before that night,” Elle says.

“Oh,” it’s dawning on me now, “no, please don’t say anything. I’d die if he knew I talked about this with you guys.”

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