“We’re discussing the mediocrity of men in the bedroom. So … probably.”
“Darling, why do you think all the most delicious things in life are associated with the wicked and sinful?” Arden asked, shooting her a look that could be called nothing short of devilish. “Trust me, we throw down in the bedroom.”
“My experience suggests that the men who claim to be good in bed are always the ones who can’t find the clit with both hands and a map.”
“Wanna test that theory?” Arden asked, taking a step closer to Selene, everything about him sparking sexual energy.
Even the usually unflappable Selene seemed a bit, well, flapped.
If Iris hadn’t been watching her friends so closely, she might have missed it.
The strange static in the air that had the hairs on Iris’s arms rising. Then the flash around Selene’s hand. Like a dozen itty-bitty fires.
She lifted her hand and pressed it into Arden’s chest.
Anyone else would have jumped, yelped, tried to get away from the heat.
Arden leaned in, giving Selene eye contact—his eyes blazing red around the irises—that gave Iris secondhand trembles.
“I didn’t think you liked it kinky,” he said, lips teasing up at the edges.
Defeated, Selene dropped her hand. “Huh. I didn’t know you like women,” she said, brows scrunched.
“Oh, my sweet summer witch, I’m pansexual. Anybody can get this,” he said, waving down at his body.
“Interesting. Learn something new every day,” Selene said, but Iris noticed how she put some distance betweenthem. She was clearly more affected by that intense, flirty little interaction than she wanted to admit.
“Arden, what are you doing here?” Iris asked.
“A little pelican told me he saw you heading in this direction. He was having brunch with averyfamous movie star, by the way. That bird is going places.”
The sting of his absence ached less with each passing day. And as much as she loved that bird more than almost anything, she found that as her world broadened, as her circle widened, she felt less in need of her emotional support pelican.
“And doesn’t his ego know it,” Iris said with a smile. “Is this—”
She trailed off, distracted by a group of small children running past them, their hands reaching for tiny glowing orbs as their laughter spilled out, tinkling like wind chimes.
“One way to get their energy out,” a woman said as she passed them, her hand flicking in the air, making the orbs change directions suddenly.
“Is this about wedding planning?” Iris asked, finding her last train of thought.
“No, actually. I got a call from a very bossy campaign manager with a sexy-as-hell voice.”
“What did Henry want?”
“There is a charity event coming up in your schedule. I’m supposed to get you gowned up for that. And work on your walk in heels.”
“Oh, yes. Nothing says female empowerment like strapping your feet into medieval torture devices and waddling like a baby deer.” Selene rolled her eyes.
“She has a point,” Iris agreed.
“I’ll give you that heels aren’t easy. But who doesn’t like a nice gown?”
“Let me guess,” Selene said. “Floor-length, strapless, and designed by a man who has never needed to wear a bra.”
Arden’s gaze appraised her. “Iris won’t need a bra.”
“Totally not the point.”
