Page 5 of Taking Chances

Nope, the object of my hallucination stands right next to Connor. The man’s light hair is mussed, his eyes even brighter than yesterday.

“Hi, guys. This is Lennox. He just moved to Seattle, so I brought him to meet some new people.” Connor shrugs, and Lennox starts shaking hands with everyone. I guess no one notices my shock.

Last in line, he puts his hand out for me to shake. Our hands connect and tiny zings of electricity shoot through my arm.

“Lennox,” he says, his deep voice warming my insides.

“Anne,” I squeak out, and he smirks.What is he doing here?

It was embarrassing enough when I thought I’d never see him again. But this, after everything I shared yesterday? After talking about nine-inch wieners?

My cheeks heat at the thought and I’m probably red as a beet.Way to go, humiliating myself even more.

He sits next to me, because why not.

“So, what’s up?” Connor asks after he and Rina share a passionate kiss hello. His smile drops when his eyes land on my probably puffy ones.

“Bryce and Anne broke up.” Rina brings him up to speed. “I hope it’s OK I talk about it now.” She points a look at the newcomer in our little group.

“Sure,” I say. It can’t be worse than yesterday, right?

“Bryce and Anne dated for a year and a half. Lived together,” she informs Lennox. “And yesterday he told her he fell in love with someone else.”

“Oh?” Lennox states, pretending to not remember knowing all about it, which I’m beyond thankful for.

“Fucking idiot,” Connor scoffs, mirroring Rina’s words from before.

“That’s what I said,” Rina says with a wide smile. I groan at their cuteness.

“I’m the only single one now.” The realization hits me.

“I’m single, too. Plan to stay that way,” Lennox buts in.

“Sorry, but you just came here, you don’t really count,” Natalie states, making me chuckle at her directness.

“It doesn’t count if it’s by choice. Only if you’re desperate to fall in love and unsuccessful in it.” My drink, once again, flows faster than recommended.

“Well, people desperate for love can sometimes imagine emotions that aren’t really there. Were you two really in love, or did you justwantto be in love?” His brows shoot up, taunting me.

Lennox’s words hit me like a truck. Were we?Iwas, or at least I thought I was. But was Bryce?

Natalie comes to my rescue. “Wow, Connor, your friend is a well of wisdom, isn’t he?”

“I’m just saying,” the unwelcome guest doubles down. “People in love don’t go falling in love with someone else.”

“So you’re saying I just made it all up in my head?” Moisture starts pooling in my eyes, an act as familiar as breathing in the last two days.

“What I think Lennox is trying to say”—Rina takes my hand in hers—“is that maybe he wasn’t as perfect as you thought him to be.”

“But he was pretty great? He was considerate, gentle, and loving.” I list the items off with my fingers.

“He was cheap and boring in bed,” Natalie blurts out.

“Nat!” Matt scolds her, his eyes glaring.

“What? It had to be said,” she responds while another wave of shame washes over me.

They start arguing over the appropriateness of her statement while my thoughts drift away.

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