Page 26

Glancing up at her, I frown. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” she sighs. “I just wish I could find someone who was serious about keeping things casual for once. As soon as I start seeing a guy, he wants to change the arrangement.”

“It’s the rule of three,” I tell her and her brows shoot up.

“What’s that?”

“The theory that after you sleep with someone three times, you start getting attached.”

Her fork drops out of her hand and lands with a clank on the table. “So, I’ve got to only sleep with guys twice before finding a new one? That sounds exhausting.”

“Or settle down.”

“Ack,” she snaps. “Take that back. Don’t you put that bad juju on me. That’s never going to happen.”

I laugh, leaning back in my chair as I sip my sweet tea.

Izzy had a bad first marriage like me and that combined with her parents’ divorce has put her off the idea forever but since seeing Tate, I’m beginning to wonder if that’s really the path I want to go down.

“What the heck is on your mind?” Izzy asks, breaking through my thoughts and I snap my gaze to hers.

“Huh?”

“You just got this look in your eye… I don’t know. It was crazy.”

Sighing, I sit forward and set my glass down on the table before running my hand through my hair. “I met someone.”

“And?”

“She’s… special.” Saying the words out loud feels weird but it’s true and I can’t deny it anymore. Tate is different from any of the other girls that I’ve used to fill my bed these last six years. I don’t know what it means or where it’s going to lead or even if it can lead anywhere but it’s out there now.

“Whoa. Are you… are you in love with her?”

I scoff. “No. She’s just different.”

“How is she different?” she asks, tilting her head to the side as she studies me. I stare down at my plate, unable to believe that I’m about to admit this out loud.

“I don’t think once would be enough.”

When I glance up, we lock eyes and she stares at me for a moment, her gaze surprised. Finally, she blows out a breath.

“Okay, then.”

I shake my head. “No, not okay. It’s complicated.”

“How?”

Sucking in a breath, I debate telling her the truth but only for a split second before realizing that out of everyone I know, Izzy is the last person that will judge me.

“I’m kind of stalking her.”

“What?” she screeches, earning the attention of all the tables in our general vicinity and I hold my hands up to try and silence her as the waitress stops at our table.

“Can I get y’all anything else?” she asks, directing her question toward me as she bats her lashes.

“Seriously?” Izzy hisses. “Can you not see that we’re in the middle of a very serious conversation? Got lost, lady.”

The waitress huffs before stomping off and I laugh as Izzy points her finger at me.