A smile spreads over me, and I turn facing my best friend. “Youhave nothing to be sorry for. You’re not responsible for anyone’s actions.”
She frowns. “Mark’s a total prick for putting his hands on you.”
“It’s not like he groped me. He just… massaged my head.” I chuckle, trying to brush it off.
“You were uncomfortable, though.”
I smile. Pouring a cup of coffee into themorning sunshinemug Lana made in pottery. “I was. But—”
“No buts. He’s an ass, and I broke up with him after he dropped me off last night.”
Guilt rears into me. “I’m sorry, Lana. You looked happy,” I fib. I’m only sorry for being the cause of their breakup, not for the breakup itself.
“Don’t be.” She shrugs. “I kinda, sorta have a confession.”
“Do spill.”
“I didn’t like him as much as I let on.” She snorts out laughing. “In fact, he is the worst. Nowhere near my taste and he hated everything I loved.”
I flash her with a warm, empathetic smile.
“How pathetic. A guy finally showed me attention and ran I with it, basically using him. What the hell kind of person does that make me?” Lana shakes her head in self-loathing.
“It makes you human. You wanted tofeelsomething even though Mark turned out to be a total fucking creep. Even if that meant him showing his true colors along the way.”
“Shit. When did you become the sensible one?”
Sensible. Me? I was never very logical and definitely far from sensible.
“Don’t get used to it. I just think it’s your delicious morning coffee giving me brain power.” I laugh, the sound echoing inside my mug, and Lana chuckles. “Also, what is this insane notion of men not noticing you?”
“Sora. It’s true! Before Mark, my vagina hasn’t seen action since college.”
“College?” I ask, lifting a brow.
“Fine. High school,” she admits, causing us to burst into laughter.
After our laughing fit is over, her expression turns sober. “I don’t want to pry, but… there seemed to be something happening when Mark touched you. Something deeper.” She knows me. My best friend can read me like an open book.
“I’m not ready to unleash those demons.” There’s a part of me who is ashamed of what my past held, and it could still very well be my future.
Her eyes soften with a flash of disappointment. “That’s okay. Just know I’m always here for you.”
“I know you are.” I lean against the back of my chair, trying to turn the conversation lighter. “So, how did Mark take the news?” I ask, with morbid curiosity, hoping he was sobbing all night at the loss.
“He was shocked. Shocked! Couldn’t believeIwas the one dumpinghim. What a pompous ass.”
I chuckle. “Loser. He’s too prim and proper for you, anyway. You need someone rougher around the edges.” I was going to tease her about Logan’s friend Crew, when the rumble of Logan’s truck distracts me.
Lana occupies herself with a mini chocolate chip muffin while I take my time rinsing out my mug. The morning sun shines as Logan gets out of his truck, sets down a toolbox and strips out of his hoodie, sending his shirt up with it.
Holy mother of…
Have I seen Logan without a shirt before? Yes, but I have a feeling that the glorious sight will never get old. His toned, ribbed muscles are certainly a glorious sight.
Jesus.
“You have drool coming from the side of your mouth,” Lana teases directly beside me, making me jump.
