Page 23 of Bad Boy Done Wrong
Carrie found her mind wandering back to Zach, who was right this minute across the street at Garner’s with Ethan. Ally had driven her to book club so she could ride home with him and she knew it wouldn’t be long before she and Zach would bail. The chemistry between them only intensified the more they did together. She’d expected it to ease up, at least a little. There was no book boyfriend who could compare to what Zach did for her. In just five short days he’d made up for so much of what she’d missed out on with her ex. Hard to believe she’d only known Zach for less than a week when she felt so comfortable with him. She’d fought back the urge to ask him questions about himself, knowing it would make her get too attached. It was the only way to protect her tender heart. She didn’t talk about him with her friends either. Not that anyone knew much about him, they’d all just met him for the first time at his welcome-home party, except Mad, who’d grown up with him. His sweet smile came to mind, bringing a rush of warmth. He showed it rarely, but when it came out, it just bowled her over. She let out a swoony sigh, remembering the last time he smiled like that, this morning when she—
“Carrie?”
She straightened. “Huh? What?”
Hailey exchanged a look with the other women. “I said are you still with us?”
“Yes. Why?”
“Because Mad asked you how realistic the medical scene was after Colt was shot and you just let out a happy sigh.”
Carrie flushed. “Sorry. Yes, it was realistic. The author definitely did her research.”
“How’s Zach?” Hailey asked.
“You’re with Zach now?” Mad asked. She’d missed their beach day when they’d discussed him, and Carrie had been on a nonstop work-fuck-sleep schedule ever since.
She considered how to answer. She knew, above all, Mad would take her honorary brother’s side over anyone else, even a friend. If she told her it was just a fling, she’d hassle her on why. In a way, it was true that she was with Zach now, even if there was a time limit on it.
“Yes,” Carrie said.
“For her sex list,” Ally put in.
Carrie whipped her head toward Ally. “Would you stop calling it a sex list? It’s a wish list.”
“A wish list of sex,” Ally returned with a grin.
“Don’t tell me any more,” Mad said with a grimace. “I don’t want the squicky details.”
“Good.” Carrie fought the blush creeping up her neck. “Because I don’t want to share anyway.”
“That was fast, though,” Mad said. “He’s only been home for a week.”
“Carrie threw herself at him,” Lauren said. She’d had a front-row view of the event since Carrie had been with her right before she claimed her womanly mojo at Zach’s welcome-home party.
Carrie glared at all of them, daring them to judge her, but the other women just looked fascinated. Probably because they knew she was usually more reserved around men. She’d been picky, not wanting to settle for more ho-hum. She’d wanted a fling with the alpha bad boy of her fantasies as a way to push the envelope, to find the passion she’d craved. And she was proud that she’d had the courage to go after him.
“He’s whip smart,” Mad said. “Worked so damn hard—”
Carrie interrupted. “Did you and Park set a date yet?” Blatant topic change but she wanted to keep Zach a mystery.
“Yeah, next June,” Mad muttered, deflating with wedding talk. She wanted to get married, even wanted a nice wedding at Ludbury House, the mansion in Clover Park where a lot of weddings were held. She just didn’t like all the work of planning it.
Hailey spoke up in a perky voice, turning to Mad. “You just relax. I’ll handle all the details.”
Mad jerked her chin in acknowledgment of Hailey’s superior wedding planning abilities. Well, it was Hailey’s job, after all.
Hailey reached over and squeezed Mad’s hand, who flushed bright pink, but didn’t pull away.
Hailey addressed the group. “Well, ladies, are we ready to wrap up and head over to Garner’s for drinks?”
The women answered in a chorus ofhell yeahthat had them gathering their purses, chattering like always as they headed out, down the sidewalk, and across the street. Even though some of the members had recently married or gotten engaged, they always made time for their sisterhood. Who knew bonding over romance could forge such strong friendships?
When they got to Garner’s, the bar was already crowded with couples and several guys drinking beers and watching the Sox game on the TV mounted over the bar. Since it was way past dinner, the adjacent dining area was nearly empty. Her heart kicked into double time the moment she spotted Zach, his back to her, sitting with Ethan at the dark cherrywood bar. She took in his thick shaggy hair that was luscious to thread her fingers through. His wide shoulders and broad back that stretched the fabric of his dark green T-shirt and that cute ass in faded jeans. It wasn’t like she didn’t see him every night. She stopped by after her shift at the hospital (after a shower). Now that she’d gotten over her initial reserve, each time she showed up at his place, she leaped into his arms and peppered him with kisses. There was just nothing better than knowing he was waiting for her, willing to give her everything she desired.
The truth was, just looking at him made her feel lit up inside. But that wasn’t because of dangerous emotion that would leave her feeling hurt. It was more like her body remembered all the wonderful orgasms he’d given her, so it lit up in anticipation of more. At least she really hoped that was why.
She caught Hailey watching her and nodded once in a gesture ofthis is no problem. See? We’re two consenting adults with a short-term mutually beneficial arrangement.
