IZZY
I look down at my phone and can’t stop the smile that spreads across my face. It’s a text from Caleb—an X-rated text. It’s a picture of his dick—his very thick and huge dick. I’ve gotten a few unsolicited ones online, but this is the first time a man has ever sent me one directly on my phone. I could lie to myself and say I don’t like it, but the truth is, I want him so much that the picture actually makes me ache. I’m not sure what that says about me, but I figure it’s not good. Underneath the picture, he had typed a small message.
Candy-boy: Don’t forget things appear smaller on camera.
He’s such an idiot.
God, each day that passes, I like him more and more. I’m being so stupid. I know it, but I can’t seem to stop. I’ve been having fucking phone sex with him every night. He’s supposed to be coming in tomorrow, and just the thought of it right now is actually making me wet. I text him back really quick, biting my lip while wishing I could see his face.
Me: Real men disappoint women in person, not from a picture.
I stare at my phone and do my best to keep from laughing when I see those three little dots bubbling.
Candy-boy: I just wanted U 2 see I was thinking long and hard about U
Me: U can show me later in person.
Candy-boy: Can’t wait. Call soon.
I set my phone down and just stare at it. I think it’s time to admit that I’m in real trouble here.
“Earth to Izzy.”
I look over at Gabby and sigh. “Sorry, I got lost in my own thoughts.” I’m visiting Gabby at her and King’s new house. It’s the first time I’ve been here, and Gabby and I are having a good time. I can’t get over how happy she is. I saw it when she got married, but now? She’s at another level. What would it be like to be that much in love and completely secure in it?
“They must have been good thoughts,” she said quietly, aiming a knowing smile my way.
“Don’t give me that look, Gabz.”
“God, that nickname. You’re the only one who has ever used it, and I swear you only do it because I hate it.”
“That’s cause you’re smart,” I giggle. She flips me off. “I’m really glad you’re back, you know.”
“I am too. I’ve missed home.”
“I wasn’t just talking about being back in Corbin. You’re you again—the you that you were before you got all …”
“Twisted up?” she laughs—although it’s not a joyful sound. It’s more self-deprecating.
“Stop, Gabby. You might have gotten lost, but I just meant that you weren’t you. You are now. God, that sounds lame even to my own damn ears.”
Now it’s her turn to giggle. “It’s okay. I am under no illusions about the utter bitch that I used to be.”
“Dom was an asshole. You always deserved better, Gabz.”
“No. I mean, don’t get me wrong. Dom had issues back then, but I had stuff inside of me that somehow got all twisted up. The more I tried to be who I thought I was supposed to be, the more desperate I became. I was a monster.”
“Gabby …”
“It’s okay, Izzy. The thing is, if I had it to do over, I know I’d walk away from Dom the minute he refused to claim me publicly. I would have never involved Thomas or anyone else in my twisted need to be loved. I can’t even tell you what made me so desperate for it. What I will say is that what King and I found together is beyond anything I ever imagined possible. I love that man with every fiber of my being. He healed every broken piece inside me. King says I did the same thing for him, but I have no idea how that’s possible. My man worked miracles in me, and he makes me feel safe. I never thought I’d ever feel that way—especially after my rape. Yet, I know without a shadow of a doubt that I will always be safe with King. He would burn the world down for me and Etta. I don’t doubt him at all.”
“I’m so happy for you, Gabz,” I tell her honestly, my heart painfully squeezing when she mentions being raped.
“I am too, but enough about me. I want to know what man has you looking like you just won the lottery and are walking on clouds?” Gabbie asks.
I frown at her. “Who said it was a man?”
“That glow in your eyes. Now spill, woman.”
