I could, but I don’t. Instead, I cross my arms.
“Well, you’re getting my deck wet.” He gives a quick glance to where a puddle of lake water has gathered around my feet, then back up to my eyes. “So unless there’s something I can do for you....”
He arches a silky dark brow.
With a huff, I spin on my heel.
“Nice to meet you!” Quinn calls over her shoulder while scrambling after me.
We’re barely inside my house when Quinn’s mouth drops open and her eyes go wild. “Are you fucking kidding me?” She points in the direction of my neighbor. “Why are you not getting some of that?”
I roll my eyes. “Some of what?”
Quinn shakes her head. “He’s hotter than sin, and you said he’s single.”
“He has the personality of a jackass.”
“So? We’re talking about rebound sex here.”
“Ew, no.” I shake my head. “Definitely not withhim.” A jolt of electricity races down my thighs. “Plus he’s like forty.”
She fans her face like she’s burning up. Meanwhile her eyes have a playful twinkle to them that practically blares BAD IDEAS COMING. “Experienced, maybe.Seasoned. That’s hot.”
“I don’t even think I’m capable of something like that.” It comes out soft, and a part of me wishes I could take it back. But this is my best friend. My ride or die. I can trust her with anything.
With my divorce final, it means I am free to do what I want, with whomever I want, but only if I felt free, and I don’t. Not yet.
Quinn takes me by the shoulders and locks eyes with me. “You’re perfect, Megs. Just as you are. Russel is a fool who took you for granted. He never treated you right, and I don’t just mean in the bedroom.”
“You’re right.”
She pulls me into a hug. “I hate that it still hurts.”
“Me too.” I fight the emotions starting to sting my nose. “But hey, we’re not gonna mope, right?” I step back from her and smile.
“Right.” She beams. “Quick shower, a sunset toast, then let’s paint this one-horse town red.”
When I join Quinn downstairs, she’s putting the finishing touches on two of her famous homemade margaritas.
We carry them to the deck, where the lowering sun is kissing the sky with crimson, melting one shade at a time to an inky purple. I’m so distracted by the pretty view that I don’t see the rattlesnake until Quinn shrieks.
My drink goes flying and Quinn grabs me around the middle, yanking me back inside. Heart pounding, I slam the sliding glass door shut.
The big brown snake is coiled between two of my big flowerpots. Why didn’t I hear its rattle?
“Wait a minute,” Quinn says. “It’s not moving.”
Reality hits me. I ball my fists and let out an anguished groan.
“What?” Quinn asks.
I slide the door open and stride over to the rubber snake. I’m so stupid.
Next door, a hearty guffaw draws my attention.
I glare at Linden, who is staring down at me, his eyes bright.
“Not funny!” I shout.
