She paused, watching my face.
"And Miles's dad, which is a whole other level of mess I'm still processing."
I set down my wine glass with shaking hands. "Zoe?—"
"Tell me you didn't," she said, her voice dropping to a whisper.
I couldn't meet her eyes.
The silence stretched between us, damning in its length.
"Jesus, Savannah." She exhaled sharply. "Lucas Turner? Miles'sfather?"
"I didn't know who he was," I hissed, glancing around to ensure no one was listening.
"We didn't exchange names. It was supposed to be one night, no complications."
"Well, that worked out beautifully," she said dryly.
"Of all the men at that wedding, you had to pick the one genetically related to your ex?"
"Believe me, I'm aware of the cosmic joke." I pressed my fingers to my temples, feeling the beginning of another stress headache.
"You can't tell anyone. Not ever."
"Who would I tell? This isn't exactly gossip I can share at happy hour." She studied me, concern replacing her initial shock. "Are you okay? Really?"
The unexpected gentleness in her voice nearly undid me.
For days, I'd been holding myself together through sheer force of will, keeping the turmoil locked inside where no one could see it.
"I don't know," I admitted, my voice barely audible. "I can't stop thinking about him, Zoe. About that night."
"Because it was good? Or because it was forbidden?"
"Both. Neither?" I struggled to articulate something I barely understood myself. "It wasn't just physical. He saw me in a way no one has before. Not even?—"
"Not even Miles," she finished for me.
“That's messed up on levels I can't even begin to unpack."
"You think I don't know that? I've spent five days telling myself to forget it happened, to move on, to be the professional, responsible person I've always been." I laughed, the sound edged with hysteria. "It's not working."
Zoe sipped her wine, considering. "So what now? Secret affair with your ex's father? Because I've got to tell you, that's not exactly a step up on the healthy relationships ladder."
"There won't be an affair," I said firmly. “I was supposed to see him Tuesday for a business meeting—Miles arranged it—I said I had a work emergency and cancelled.”
Except Lucas had proposed something very different in that hotel bar.
One more night.
And I hadn't said no.
"You're a terrible liar, Savannah." Zoe reached across the table, covering my hand with hers.
"I can see it all over your face. You're thinking about saying yes to whatever he's offering."
"He wants one more night," I admitted, the words spilling out against my better judgment. "To explore what's between us before we walk away."
