Wicked Heart (Starcrossed #3)(40)

Her mouth drops open. “Whoa. Did you start dating when you were toddlers?”

I laugh. “We’ve been best friends since high school. We’re not romantically involved.”

“Really? But Denise said you live together.”

“We do. But we don’t sleep together.”

“Oh. Sorry. I just assumed . . .” She waves her hand. “Never mind. It’s great you two are able to work and live together. Having someone who can sympathize with the stress of your job is invaluable, right? I’d be a total basket case if I didn’t have Liam to keep me grounded. When the crazy train gets to be too much, he knows just how to talk me down.”

Of course he does. He’s that kind of man.

“I can imagine your world would be pretty insane at times. I’m sure you help him just as much as he helps you. It’s great you have each other.” I almost get through the entire sentence without choking on my jealousy.

Angel smiles at me, and when I smile back, she surprises me by wrapping her arms around me and giving me a tight hug. “You’re the sweetest. Thank you.” She gives me a final squeeze, then Josh is there to take her back into rehearsals.

Once she’s gone, I run my hands through my hair.

Well, that was surreal.

As much as I’d love to hate Angel Bell, there’s something appealing about her. She’s warm, friendly, and looks at me in a way that makes me believe she’s interested in what I have to say.

As if this situation with Liam wasn’t already weird, liking his fiancée has taken it to the next level.


“So, then,” Angel says, and leans forward in the chair beside my desk. “As we’re leaving the club, this idiot starts harassing Liam. I mean, the guy only came up to the middle of Liam’s chest and would blow away in a strong wind, but he was drunk, so I guess he thought talking smack to someone twice his size was a good idea.” I’m supposed to be working, but Angel’s made a habit of sitting in my office every lunch hour and distracting me with stories. I both hate and love these little insights into her life with Liam. My life seems completely boring in comparison.

“What did Liam do?” I ask.

“Well, he tried to walk away, but the little shit just kept getting in his face, and by now, he’s just hurling abuse about how much Rageheart sucks and what a pussy Liam is. Now, Liam’s a pretty patient guy most of the time, but I could see him simmering. Then the guy starts insulting me, calling me a talentless bimbo and whatever, and going on about my fake boobs, and that’s when Liam snaps. He picks up the dude by his shirtfront and gets this murderous look on his face. Then he pulls the guy right up to his face and whispers, ‘Feel free to ignore this, considering I’m such a pussy, but if you say one more word about Angel, I’m going to tear off your arms. Understand?’ ” She laughs and leans back in her chair. “The guy went white as a sheet, and when Liam lowered him to his feet, he almost fell over. Liam helped him regain his balance, then gave him a wad of cash and apologized for ruining his shirt. Dude just stood there with his mouth hanging open before he burst into tears.”

“Oh my God.”

“Yep. And I’d like to say that was a weird night for us, but it really wasn’t. Seems like a whole lot of folks either love us or hate us. Or hate to love us, and love to hate us. It’s a thing. We’re used to it.”

I shake my head. “I don’t know how you cope.”

She shrugs. “Practice. And hard drugs.” When she sees my face drop, she laughs. “Kidding.” I sigh in relief before she adds, “I’ve been off the crack for ninety days now. It’s all good. Barely miss it anymore.”

The sincerity with which she says it makes me laugh. I’m surprised how often I do that around her. I really do enjoy her company. I’ve been best friends with Josh for so long, I’ve forgotten what it’s like to have a female friend.

She crosses her legs and cocks her head. “So, I was thinking . . .”

I flash her a look of concern. “Should I be worried?”

“You’re hilarious.” She rolls her eyes. “I was thinking we should have dinner together. Tonight.”

“Ah, Angel . . .” I cringe. “I don’t think—”

“Come on, Elissa, please. I’ve arranged a private table for us at Lumiere, and considering that place usually requires bookings months in advance with proof of your bank balance, it wasn’t easy to achieve. We really want you to come.”

“We?”

“Me and Liam.” Clearly, she’s failed to notice her man avoiding me all week.

“Liam agreed to this?”

“Of course. Oh, and bring your boyfriend.” I make a surprised sound. “Liam said you were dating someone. Bring him. Please. Liam and I are sick of each other’s company. We’ll go insane if we don’t interact with real people for a change.”

“So you usually hang out with imaginary friends?”

She shakes her head. “Real, as in normal. Not actors, or ass-kissers, or Hollywood fakers.”

I’m about to try to come up with a believable excuse when there’s a knock at the door. “Come in.”

Liam steps into the room, and does a double take when he sees Angel.

“Uh . . . hey. I thought I heard your voice.”