Page 152 of Unexpected Ever After

“We’re going to have so much fun. I’ve always wanted to spend time out here with you.”

I hold up my hands and Jan’s face falls. “Listen. I need to tell you something first.”

“What?”

“I kissed Cruz. His mother came in acting all snooty and giving me the evil eye just because I was standing next to the guy wearing a towel. I couldn’t resist pissing her off, so I kissed him before I walked away. Well, technically, he kissed me back, too. But I didn’t realize he was your Cruz.”

Jan blinks rapidly a few times, but then releases a nervous laugh. “It’s okay. You didn’t know, and I can totally see Sophia bringing out your deepest need to annoy her.”

My need? I’m going to let that slide. Jan steps closer to me and whispers, “But please don’t do it again. You and Cruz are my best friends and the longest relationships I’ve ever had. I’ve known him my entire life, and you’re my oldest and closest girlfriend. If something happened between you two, it would be really hard for me.”

“What makes you think it wouldn’t work between us?” I can’t believe I asked her that because clearly, she doesn’t want anything to happen between us. Also, I don’t know him at all, so why risk my relationship with my best friend? I’d be stupid to take that gamble. But the words are out there, and there’s no taking them back.

Jan releases a surprised scoff. “Don’t make me do this.”

“Is it my history with failed relationships? Because you always said I hadn’t met the right person.”

“Yes. I’m sorry, but yes. Your relationships are short term, with a horrible history. Cruz is not your type. It would never work between you two—and don’t take that as a challenge either. I’m not trying to knock you like his mother did, but as your best and longest friend, and his very first friend, it’s not a match. Besides, he has a thing with Larissa.”

All annoyance and anger I felt about her bringing up my dating life evaporates. “Your sister?”

“Yeah. Our mothers are hearing wedding bells any day now.”

My heart deflates. Of course, I would’ve fell for him. He’s exactly my type, is what she meant. He kissed me—really kissed me. It was the most epic kiss of my life, and it was in front of his mother. Why would he kiss me back? Because he’s a jerk. Of course, he is! Why else would I be attracted to him? Well, Jan doesn’t have to worry about me anymore. Any attraction to him is gone, even if my lips are still tingling from his kiss. Let’s face it…love, romance, all that bullshit is just not in the cards for me. I’m better off getting myself off—well, apparently even that is an epic fail for me. After all, that’s how I ended up in the emergency room and got Dr. Bryce’s fingers up my hoo-ha. But that’s a secret I’ll take to my grave, based on Jan’s reaction. Needing to divert Jan’s attention about Cruz, I change the subject.

“That’s great news.”

“Well, I’ll leave you to get settled. How about in an hour we go swimming?”

I put on my two-piece and suddenly I feel self-conscious. It’s very revealing. It angers me I’m even questioning my swimsuit. I’ve worn this countless times and not given a damn what anyone thinks, but now I’ll have the judging and cynical eyes of Sophia and Larissa. I grab my cover-up, and although it’s sheer, I still feel a little more “censored.”

I walk down the wooden steps and hear laughter. When I reach the lake, I see that everyone is already there. A smile spreads across my face when I see Jan, and warmth fills my heart when she begins to dance toward me. I join her in our typical silly dance that we do when we head each other’s way.

“Hey, pretty baby!” Jan says in her faux seductive voice.

“Mmm, hello, sugar honey sweetie pie!” I respond in a similar tone.

We dance around each other in circles, all the while making googly eyes and wiggling our eyebrows before we finally burst into laughter hugging each other. All memory of our previous discussion about Cruz long forgotten.

“I’m so happy you’re here,” she tells me. “Let’s grab a beer and dip our toes in.”

“Sounds like a marvelous plan.”

As we walk with our arms locked, my eyes find Cruz’s. He’s watching me with a crooked smile. He probably saw our ridiculous dance, but that’s a signature and cemented part of the Jan and Journi friendship. I will not feel embarrassed about our shenanigans. Anyone would be lucky to have that type of bond. But I don’t think he’s laughing at me. His eyes are sparkling, and his smile is more of one who finds something endearing.

“What are you smiling at?” Jan asks as she looks around.

“Oh.” I didn’t even realize I was smiling back. “Just thinking about how long we’ve been doing that dance.”

“Forever!” Jan muses. It has been, and I don’t want it to ever end. Which means, no more locking eyes and smiling with Cruz. Some guy, whom I barely know, isn’t worth losing my best friend over.

Besides, why is this asshole smiling at me when he’s supposed to be with Larissa? He’s another one of those guys who only see me as a potential side piece when he’s got his sights set on someone else.

He’s honestly the poster child for the type of guy who has ruined relationships for me…forever.

Chapter 6

Cruz

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