Wicked Heart (Starcrossed #3)(84)

“No.”

“Not even a little?”

“And ruin my manicure? That’s crazy talk.” She gives me a smile. “More than anything, I’m angry at myself for not seeing it coming. I could tell he was weird around you; I just didn’t know why. In all our time together, Liam refused to talk about past relationships. The closest he came was one night when were both tanked and jet-lagged, and he muttered a remark about how he’d done something unforgivable once upon a time and lost the love of his life. I never suspected he’d dumped his one true love so he could pretend to be in love with me. That’s new information.”

“Are you mad?”

“No. Just disappointed he didn’t tell me that he’s been pining for you all these years. I mean, we’ve been through all this craziness together from the moment we both signed on to Rageheart, and even though he’s endured countless hours of me whining about my issues with my dad and my sister, he never once confided in me about what he was going through with you, or his dyslexia. It makes me feel like crap, you know? I thought we were closer than that.”

She looks down, and I put my hand over hers and squeeze. “I’m sorry.”

She takes a sip of her drink. “I’ll get over it. At least this stupid charade is coming to an end. The only man I’ve had between my legs in recent years is my waxologist, Hernando, and he’s gay. I’m jealous Liam’s finally getting some relief.”

“Liam told me that you guys tried to . . .” I look down at my hands. “Make it work once?”

She laughs. “God, it was so bad. Awkward as hell. I mean, Liam’s gorgeous and everything, but he does nothing for me. I love him like a brother. Weird, right?”

“Not really. That’s exactly how I feel about Josh.”

She screws up her face. “Seriously? You’ve never wanted to throw that hot geek down and fuck him?”

Now it’s my turn to laugh. “Never.”

“Well, that’s just bizarre.”

“Hey, you just told me you have no vaginal impulses toward ‘People’s Sexiest Man Alive’ three years running, but you’re surprised I don’t want to do my best friend?”

“Well, yeah. Liam’s good-looking and all, but Josh is hot. I’m considering taking him up on his offer for sex, even if it’s only so I can break my dry spell.” There’s a mischievous glint in her eye I’ve seen too many times to trust.

“You fake me out so often, I have no clue if you’re joking or not right now.”

She shrugs. “Me neither.”

I give her a quick hug, then pull her up to standing. “Come on. You can sleep in Josh’s room for a while. I’d offer my bed, but . . . well—”

“Your sheets are covered in the evidence of Liam’s luuuuurve?”

I screw up my face. “Angel—”

“The salty seed of his desire?”

“Stop.”

“The sticky-whiteness of his everlasting devotion?”

I clap my hand over her mouth. “Stop talking or I’ll hurt you. Seriously.”

She giggles as I lead her into Josh’s bedroom. It’s not super-tidy, but Josh isn’t a slob. Living with me has rubbed off on his sense of cleanliness.

Angel looks around. “Hmmm. The Josh Cave. Interesting.”

I pull back the quilt and urge her to get in. “I saw him change these sheets yesterday, so you’re pretty safe.” After she settles in, I pull the sheet up to her chin and stroke her hair away from her face. “Try to get some rest. I’ll let you know when the boys are back with the food.”

As I go to stand, she grabs my hand. “Elissa . . . ?”

“Yeah?”

She looks down at my hand as she strokes it. “I feel like I owe you an apology as well.”

“What for?”

“Ever since we met, I’ve been shoving my magical wedding and hottie fiancée down your throat. I even made you come dress shopping with me, for God’s sake. I’ve been a total asshole. I hope you don’t hate me.”

I laugh. “Actually, I love you, despite thinking you’d stolen the man of my dreams. You’re just that adorable.”

“Well, yeah. Tell me something I don’t know.” She blinks a few times, then her eyes drift closed. “I just want you to know that I’m glad you and Liam have found happiness with each other. You’re both amazing people, and you deserve it.”

Before I can tell her she deserves happiness, too, she’s asleep.





EIGHTEEN


WORKAROUND


Four Days Later

Pier 23 Rehearsal Rooms

New York City

“Angel! Liam! is way! To your left!”

“Over here, guys! Please! Over here!”

“Can we get a few words?! How are you today?”

“Angel, have you really forgiven Liam for making out with another woman? Is the wedding still on?”

A burly team of security guards parts the rabid media throng, which has completely blocked off the entrance to our rehearsal space for the fourth day in a row. Yet again, vans and equipment trucks are everywhere, and it’s brought traffic in front of our building to a standstill. Add to that the dozens of passionate fans who believe screaming at their idols will save their relationship, and it’s safe to say our current address is West Bedlam Street, Crazytown.