Page 24 of Shattered Secrets

Poppy chuckled. “You won’t get any arguments here. They’re a good-looking bunch, all right.”

“I’m surprised all the single ladies on the island aren’t here throwing their panties at them.” She nodded to Four, who was making his way over, plates in hand. “I mean, I’m pretty sure they already do that with the hot bartender-slash-owner, so why not expand their scope?” Poppy mock-gagged—maybe even real-gagged—just as Scarlet had expected. With a laugh, she added,“Hey, just because Four’s your pseudo-brother doesn’t negate the fact that the man is smoking hot.”

“Good god,” Poppy said, making a time-out signal with her hands. “Please, no more talk about Four like that.”

Scarlet sighed when Four placed a plate of decadent chocolate goodness in front of her. “Holy shit. This looks fantastic.”

“Let me know what you think, ladies. Honest opinions.”

Grabbing the small spoon, Scarlet took a bite and groaned. “Ohmygod, this is amazing.” She glanced at Poppy, whose eyes were closed in bliss.

“Add this to the menu,” Poppy said. “Please. And if you’re planning on giving a piece to Cade, you should give it to me instead.” She glanced at Scarlet. “I’ll split it with you.”

“I think that’s a great plan.” Scarlet took another bite and let the savory chocolate, tart raspberry, and slightly bitter cacao nibs melt in her mouth. She sighed again. Freaking heaven.

Four chuckled as he made his way down the bar. “I’m glad it meets your approval, ladies. I’ll be back out with your dinner, Pop.”

While relishing each bite, Scarlet surveyed the restaurant via the mirror behind the bar. The main tables appeared to be full, but the bar was nearly empty. Aside from her and Poppy at the counter and the high-top with the guys, only one other high-top was occupied. Surprising. Then again, she didn’t tend to go out on Tuesday nights. Or any nights, really. She’d just heard that the place was usually packed every day of the week.

Poppy bumped Scarlet’s shoulder with her own, and their gazes caught in the mirror. “Don’t look now, but I’m pretty sure Matt hasn’t taken his eyes off of you since I got here.”

Scarlet couldn’t hold back a snort. “Right.”

“I’m serious, Scar.”

She shook her head. “Oh, trust me. There’szerointerest there.”

“But—”

“For real, Pop. He called mekidearlier. Believe me, I’m nowhere on that man’s radar.” Scarlet kept it light, kept her tone joking and fun. That’s what she knew Poppy—and everyone else—expected from her. Still, her eyes found Matt in the mirror. He was talking with Quinn, and she quickly looked away.

“Well,” Poppy huffed, “I wouldn’t rule him out.”

“Ever the optimist, I see.” She slung an arm around her friend and squeezed. “You’re too sweet, Pop. So aside from the fights, what are you most looking forward to doing over in London? You guys are going to travel around, too, right?”

Scarlet knew it wasn’t exactly the slickest subject change, but when Poppy replied with gusto, she was totally fine with it. She’d never traveled for fun, so she was thrilled to live vicariously through her friend. And after fifteen minutes of hearing about the plans for their trip, she was also okay admitting that she was the tiniest bit envious of her friend. Nearly three weeks in Europe? Uh, yeah. Freaking amazing.

“I’m so excited for you, Pop. But I can’t lie, I’m going to miss you. I mean, who am I gonna go on my morning coffee breaks with?” Scarlet was friendly with lots of people on Hudson Island, but she really only hung out with Poppy. Out of habit, she mostly kept to herself.

“I can think of someone,” Poppy said, pushing her empty bowl away and leaning back on her barstool. “He’s tall, handsome, a little bit rough around the edges...”

Scarlet groaned. “Just because Matt says full sentences to me now doesn’t mean he likes me likethat. Again”—she pointed at herself—“kid.”

Poppy smirked. “Who said anything about Matt? Besides, I’m sure there’s no shortage of men who’d be more than happy to join you for coffee.”

She could only shoot her friend a get-real look.

“What?” Poppy was the picture of innocence. “Besides, when was the last time you went out on a date?”

Scarlet managed to hold back an eye roll. Barely. She loved Poppy, she truly did. But now that the woman was all loved up with her hunk of a man, she was trying to get everyone else equally loved up.

Hard pass.

Scarlet shrugged. “It’s been a while.”

A thoughtful look crossed Poppy’s face. “You know, Scar, I can’t recall you going out with anyone since you moved here. You’ve been here what? A year and a half-ish?”

“Yup.” She pinned her friend with alook. “Been kinda busy, you know?”

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