Page 50 of For the Love of Art

“Really?” Lianne asked sarcastically. “Never would’ve guessed.”

“Every time I’m around him, I’m a spazz, and he’s so calm and collected.”

“Is he? The man thought he could kiss you after you said you didn’t want to be one of the many. He made an ass of himself. I think he’s just less emotional.”

“I guess.”

“Though you just about excused him of trying to hurt you because you wouldn’t fuck him, so you also made an ass of yourself.”

“Gee, thanks, Li. That’s helpful.”

She clicked her tongue. “Don’t be so sore about it. Consider the playing field for you guys leveled.”

I picked my pinky nail. “Can I tell you a secret?”

“I’d be hurt if you didn’t.”

I breathed in deeply before saying, “I kind of wanted the kiss.”

Lianne’s brows raised. “Really?”

I nodded, and Lianne let out a low whistle.

It was getting harder and harder to deny my attraction to Nathan when he was around. Attraction was the only logical reason behind why I suddenly became jittery, sweaty, and filled with butterflies. On the flip side, seeing Don today also did something to me, leaving me confused.

“I don’t know. I think I wanted the kiss, but then… Don.”

“Wine!” Lianne declared.

I looked at her. “What?”

“You heard me.”

Lianne stood up and held her hand out to me. I grabbed it, and she pulled me up to my feet and hugged me.

“Hey, Isla?” Lianne said against my hair.

“Hm?”

“Don’t let Don get you.” She pushed my shoulders back so we were eye to eye. “He fucked up, not you.” She pulled me back into a hug. “He has no power anymore.”

I didn’t know how to tell Lianne what I was thinking: I fucked up too.