“It’s fine. Not like we haven’t kissed before.”
“Well, clearly, but I’m apologizing anyway.” She shook her head. “Dean and I had words about that stunt, and he’s begging forgiveness from Jake right now.”
“It’s not your fault.” I pictured the man’s grin as he egged us on. “Your new husband thought it was hilarious. Typical Dean.”
Dara rested her hand on my arm. “I’m sorry about you and Kyle.”
“You heard. Well, we broke up months ago.”
“Why didn’t you call? I could have been there for you. Are you doing okay?”
“I’m fine. Really. Been out dating and everything. Mister Rebound’s over and done.”
“Ah. Ready to move on, then. Yay!” Dara clapped her hands. “I’ve missed you terribly. You never visit.”
“I’ve missed you too,” I said, holding back all the reasons why I’d withdrawn from our group. Who wanted to compete for space with the ex-boyfriend’s new love, especially after the way I’d left? But wait … crafty woman, sidetracking me from the real issue. “Do I need to ask why Dean is busy apologizing?”
Dara wrinkled her nose. “This morning, my lovely husband insisted we seat you at Jake’s table. Dean put the card in the kissing jar.”
“Why would he do that?”
“You don’t know? Even after last night’s tryst? After the kiss Jake just laid on you?”
I crossed my arms. “Now that look Dean gave me makes perfect sense. Everybody knows?”
My friend waved her hand, bouncing lightly on her toes. “Yes, yes, well, obviously not everyone knows. Dean only told me after I dragged the reason for the last-minute changes out of him. I meant that you should connect those big ole dots. Jake’s available … You’re available … Dean insisted you sit beside Jake …”
I matched Dara’s light singsong tone. “Jake’s wearing his wedding ring …”
“Is he really? How did I miss that?” Dara frowned. “The man needs a good talking to about that.”
“Don’t you dare. There are reasons why last night didn’t happen, so don’t get all excited or make this into something it isn’t. I didn’t sleep with Jake, no matter what he said.”
“He didn’t say anything of the sort, but it’s not the worst idea ever. Maybe a session of hot, drunken mattress wrestling would soften that sharp edge. Jake’s not seeing anyone, you’re divorced, and he’s as yummy as ever. No one would judge if you took advantage of the opportunity to tamp down that frustration. In fact, a little roll in the hay would do both you and Jake a world of good.”
“Almost divorced.”
“Bah.” She waved a hand at me. “Says the woman who already admitted to getting Mister Rebound over with.”
“Okay, then. It’s not that simple.”
“It kind of is, though. It’s Jake. Buy him a drink, show him your legs, and invite him upstairs. Voilà. And if that fails, which it won’t, Dean will talk—”
“Ewww, no!” I grimace. “Don’t involve Dean. He’ll stick his nose deeper into our business. I can’t, Dara. Being Jake’s second choice, his afterthought … well, kill me now.”
“Hoo, boy.” She studied me. “You’re still in love with Jake.”
“Uh-uh. I’ll always care about Jake, but I don’t want to be his one-night stand. That’s it.”
My friend tilted her head. “Nice try, but it’s love.”
“Nope, but the man’s kisses are hot. So what if it got overheated?”
“Ahh, so you admit you have the hots for him.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Don’t share any of this, especially not with Dean. Swear it, Dara.”
“That’ll cost ya.” With a coy smile, she eyed me. “Swear you’ll spend some time with Jake before you hightail it back to Vancouver. Have a proper conversation with the man. You can’t duck him forever.”
Want to bet on that? “Do I have to?” Did I have any other option? Judging by her stare, no, no, I had a zero chance of dodging my ex-boyfriend dilemma. I lifted my palms in surrender. “Okay.”
Her smile widened, and she brushed two fingers along her lips. “Done. I won’t say a word to Dean. Now, don’t you dare renege on your vow. Talk to Jake about that kiss.”
I hugged her. “Now quit worrying about me and Jake and everyone else and get back to your groom. Enjoy every second of this beautiful wedding. You deserve it.”
“Thanks, it turned out better than I imagined.” She rested her hands on my shoulders. “I look forward to hearing all about the convo between you and Jake when we’re back from Aruba.”
“Go cut that fabulous cake with your amazing husband. Love you, Dar.”
She grabbed my hand, hauling me toward the door. “Quit hiding. This is my party. I demand that you have fun and live a little.”
“Fine.” I laughed as she towed me back into the reception hall. Why not? With a few more drinks, maybe I’d be able to forget and be one step closer to moving on.
Within minutes of emerging from my tête-à-tête with his new wife, Dean sidled up to me. “Can we talk for a minute?”
“That took all of two seconds.” I folded my arms over my chest and scowled. “What did Dara say?”
“Nothing,” he said, raising his hands with palms flattened, “but Jake ripped me a new one, so I thought I’d better apologize. Sorry for seizing the golden opportunity to bring you two together.”
I hauled him into the coat room I’d so recently vacated. “Yeah, you sound super sorry. Just be warned, you can’t force broken pieces back together.”
“You’ll never convince me that you and Jake aren’t meant to be. Everyone thought you’d be the couple who’d make it through. And I owe both you and Jake. You two did so much for me back in university, you know? You were so sweet, letting me tag along when my life was at its worst. Then you introduced me to Dara. Look at us now.”
“I’m thrilled for you, but until this weekend, Jake and I hadn’t even spoken in four years. We had a university thing, and it’s over. Let it go.”
Dean scrubbed his hands over his face. “That’s bullshit, Mar. You know it, I know it, and you can bet
