Page 44 of Entwined Hearts

Setting the phone facedown on the counter, she shakes her head.

I sigh, but it comes out like a groan.

“So…good for you for getting some play. Damn, though, I would have thought you’d pick someone…” She pauses. “Um, a little more disposable.”

“I wasn’t trying to get laid,” I say.

She raises an eyebrow. The coffeemaker beeps. Marisa serves up two mugs, then carries them to the couch. I follow, feeling like a lamb being led to slaughter.

“What did Jo say?” I ask.

Marisa cradles her coffee. “That you ran into Jake with one of his groupies.”

I wish I could laugh about this, but a barbed hook just dug into my heart.

“And that you spent the night in the back of Colby’s truck.”

The heat of a shameful blush erupts on my neck.

“Also that he couldn’t keep his hands off you all weekend.”

Is that true? I try to think back, but everything’s fuzzy. Maybe more coffee will help.

“So what’s going on between you? I mean, he’s a hot slice of heaven pie, but Anya, he’s a player.”

“I know.” I gaze into my coffee, wishing I could dive into its murky depths and hide until I no longer remember Colby’s sensual voice in my ear. “I knew it was a bad idea. After seeing Jake with someone else, though, I don’t know…”

“I do,” Marisa says teasingly. She lifts an eyebrow. “Was it good?”

I inhale a slow breath, making sure I don’t trip on any memories of justhowgood everything felt with him. “Yes,” I manage.

“I’m sorry,” she says. “I thought he’d have more sense.”

“What do you mean?” I ask, my voice harsh.

“He should know your head’s not in the right place. You’re not a casual gal. You had just seen your ex with a new fuck buddy. He took advantage of you.”

I think about this. Did he? Or was it the other way around?

She sips her coffee and sighs. “So, what now? I mean, you have that big climb with him in two months.”

My phone chirps from the counter. A breath clamps down in my throat, and I lock eyes with Marisa. She jumps up to grab my phone.

“It’s him,” she says, extending the phone.

I set my coffee down and curl into the couch. “Should I answer it?”

“I wouldn’t,” she says. “He blew you off. Who’s to say he didn’t have someone else lined up last night?”

“Ugh,” I groan as my insides twist sharply.

“Sorry,” Marisa says.

I swipe the screen and bring the phone to my ear, which is being slammed by my thumping pulse.

“Anya?” Colby’s voice rings out. I try to decide if he sounds different, but it’s the same carefree tone he always uses.

“Hey,” I say.

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