Page 15 of Ashes of Saints

This can’t be good.

Pure sexual addiction to things that are too good to be true. This pursuit won’t lead to a happy ever after.

Wow. I lean back on the sofa and glance around while rubbing my arms. Why does it feel like I’m being warned off this man?

“Of course you’re sad. Losing your mom is a huge thing. It’s okay to feel all the emotions. But, babe, as hot as this guy is, don’t go racing into anything while you’re grieving.”

Wise advice.

Chloe has her own issues with her dad, so she totally gets what it’s like not to have a great relationship with a parent. I’ve noticed that it tends to make us therapists for one another. Then again, isn’t that what friends do? Give well-meaning advice.

“Speaking of, how’s Todd?”

“I dumped him.” She groans.

“Again?”

“This is it, this time,” Chloe says firmly. “Ten months and every time a birthday or holiday gets closer, he seems to disappear.”

“Commitment issues.” I nod, staring back at the cards.

“Intimacy issues,” she adds.

I nod again, knowing she’s probably doing the same thing.

“Well, maybe Parker has a friend.” I glare at the Devil card, which won’t stop staring at me. I pull another and place it on top.

The Moon.

I smile.

“Aurora Whitlock, read the damn Tarot cards out to me. I know you’re pulling them.” Chloe demands and I realize I’d gone quiet.

Ooops.

I laugh. “Sorry! Okay. I pulled the Moon. It says the moon is a good omen if you’re in a clandestine affair and you’ll open to new romantic possibilities.”

I don’t need to tell her about the others. Especially the last one with horns.

“Told you. He’s married.”

Chloe is such a pessimist.

I didn’t get the impression Parker was in a relationship. But I do remember the way he kissed my fingers and left me standing on the sidewalk buzzing with the sparks that burned between us.

I’ve never experienced anything like it.

Like an addict, I wanted to chase after him and ask for more.

But he gave off strong single vibes.

“Stop. He isn’t. He wasn’t wearing a ring. But I’ll ask before going out with him if it will make you feel better.

“It will probably make his wife happier.” She grumbles.

I sigh. “I really need a more romantic friend. It was the most amazing meet-cute. Come on. You can’t tell me it wasn’t.”

That makes Chloe laugh. “Fine. Find out if he has hot friends. We can double date.”

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