Before We Kiss (Fool's Gold #14)(29)

Larissa nodded. “Like the time Lark wanted to show me this technique where you press down on your clitoris as you rub to increase intensity during orgasm.”

Dellina had been swallowing. She started to choke. “Show as in show?” she asked when she could talk again.

“Oh, yeah,” Taryn said. “I asked her to describe it instead, then went home and practiced.” She grinned. “It works and now Angel is an expert.”

Dellina felt her cheeks begin to burn. “I don’t think I could do that. Watch or be shown.”

“Sam would agree with you,” Taryn said. “His family makes him insane.”

Dellina could relate. She was also worried about the weekend, although everything about this conversation was surreal. “I’m going to have to talk to Lark and explain we need to keep things at a steady PG-13. Do you think she’ll listen?”

“Sure,” Larissa told her. “After I said I was uncomfortable with a real, live demonstration, she only described things. She respects other people’s boundaries.”

“Except Sam’s,” Taryn added. “I’m not concerned. She knows this is our business and our clients. I’ll talk to her before anything gets started. Not that I can calm Sam down. Poor guy.”

They talked about the opening of Isabel’s boutique and how fast the year was racing by.

“I’m looking forward to the Summer Festival,” Larissa said. “I just love how this town celebrates.”

“You should see us at Christmas,” Dellina told her. “It’s magical.”

Larissa sighed happily. “I’ll bet it’s romantic here, that time of year. Not that I have anyone to be romantic with.”

Taryn wrinkled her nose. “Save me from too much sappiness.”

“Not one for twinkle lights?” Dellina asked, her voice teasing.

“Not really. But maybe it will be different. With Angel.”

Her voice changed as she spoke his name. It softened and deepened and made Dellina feel a little left out. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been in love—probably because she never had been. There had been guys, but no one that special.

Larissa stood. “I’m going to get a refill. Anyone want one?”

“I’m good,” Dellina told her. She had to work later and too much tequila would make that impossible.

Taryn sat up. “I’ll stick with what I have.”

Larissa walked into the house. Taryn swung her legs toward Dellina and pulled off her sunglasses.

“I want to talk to you,” the other woman said, her blue-violet eyes intense.

“Sure. About the party? I’m open to suggestions.”

“God, no. You’re doing great with all that. I don’t want to be involved. I’m worried about Sam.”

“Okay,” Dellina said slowly, not sure what Taryn meant.

“Don’t break his heart.”

Dellina felt her mouth drop open. “Excuse me? Break his heart? That’s not possible. We’re working together.” She conveniently ignored the recent kiss. “Sam isn’t going to fall for me.”

“I’m not so sure about that. Sam tries to withdraw from the world as much as he can. Especially when it comes to relationships. He’s had horrible luck with the women in his life. But the thing is, he’s basically a pretty traditional guy. He wants to be married and have a couple of kids. He wants a happy ending.” Taryn paused. “In the emotional sense, I mean.”

“I get that. Look, you don’t have to worry about me. I’m not looking for Mr. Right. I’ve raised my sisters. I don’t need to do that again. Sam knows that. Even if he is looking for more, he’s not going to find it with me.”

“You’re sure he knows that?”

“We had a very clear discussion before we started working together. But like I said—it’s not an issue. I’m not his type.”

“Maybe,” Taryn said. “We’ll see.”

Dellina shook her head. There was no “seeing” involved. They were friends. Sure, she liked Sam and thought he was sexy, but he was some famous football guy. He would never be interested in a regular woman like her. He would want a supermodel or a... Well, she wasn’t sure what, but not her.

“If you should be worried about anyone’s heart, it’s mine,” she grumbled.

Taryn grinned. “Duly noted.” Her smile faded. “In the meantime, read this.”

She pulled a book out of the large tote next to her on the patio. Dellina was half expecting an older release from Sam’s mother. Instead she stared into the blue eyes of a beautiful woman smiling back at her from the front cover.

The title said it all. Getting the Man You Want: Tales from My Marriage to NFL Star Sam Ridge.

“Sam’s ex really did write a book,” Dellina breathed.

“With pictures and everything. You know how Sam guards his privacy. This would have devastated any man, but for Sam it was worse.”

Dellina started to hand it back. Taryn shook her head. “Keep it. Read it. Learn from her mistakes. Just don’t break Sam’s heart.”

* * *

SAM TURNED ONTO Forest Highway as he headed out of town. Dellina sat next to him in his car, her clipboard in hand.