Taken by Cassandre Dayne Read Free Book Online Page B

musician?”
    “None other!”
    “Now you have to tell me the story.”
    Miranda took a gulp and sat back in her seat, her eyes twinkling. “I met him three weeks ago at a club. We talked in between sets. He asked me back to his place that night and we’ve been hot and heavy ever since.”
    “And you’re getting married after three weeks?” This wasn’t Miranda’s normal behavior.
    Holding up her left hand, she showed off the large diamond on her finger. “Gave this to me last Thursday.”
    “Wait a minute here. You’re serious?”
    “Of course I am,” Miranda huffed. “He’s amazing and everything I’ve ever wanted. Love at first sight times ten. Whew is all I can say.”
    She studied her best friend, the girl’s flushed face and quivering lower lip, and realized she’d had the same reaction to Craze. Unfortunately what they’d shared had zero to do with love at first sight. Lust maybe. Ownership definitely. Not romance or marriage. The thought was…
    “Aren’t you happy for me?”
    Jess fingered her glass and leaned closer. “Girl, I love you and want you happy always.”
    “But?”
    “But, knowing a guy for really about two weeks before agreeing to marry him might just be a bit presumptive. Don’t you think?”
    Miranda looked out the window and waited a few seconds. “I’m almost fifty. I’ve never felt this way about a man before. I’ve dated white guys, black guys and every color in between. They’ve been truckers and corporate executives and never have I giggled and swooned. Not once. This man, this amazing man just does it for me.”
    Jess had no idea what to say.
    “Don’t you believe in true love?”
    “I don’t really know.”
    “You need to let go of your defenses. Haven’t you ever just had a hot moment with a guy when you knew could lead to something amazing for the rest of your life?”
    Hesitating, she gazed out the window into the bright sun, heat rising on her face.
    “Wait a minute. Hold on here.”
    “What?”
    Miranda snickered. “The dress, the heels and the blush on your face tells me you met some guy. Did you?”
    Jess hesitated. How in the hell could she tell Miranda about what occurred?
    “You better tell me!”
    “Okay. I…I might have.”
    “Oh holy crap! This is much better than my news. Tell me everything. Leave no details out or I’ll beat your ass.”
    Jess wiggled in her seat.
    “Oh boy this must be a good story. Talk.” Miranda’s expression was mischievous.
    “Well I did meet a guy.” Not just any guy. I met a man who wants to own me. Jess lifted her glass, licking the rim.
    “And?”
    “And I’m not sure.”
    “That you like him? That you want to see him again?”
    She groaned. “I just don’t know if he’s good for me.”
    “Why in the hell isn’t he good for you? Tell me about him.”
    “I don’t know much really. He’s a hot guy, owns a Harley. He has a studio downtown.”
    “What’s his name?” Miranda implored.
    “Craze.”
    Choking, she took a gulp of her champagne. “What? Are you serious?”
    “I know it’s a nickname but yes.”
    “What’s his real name?”
    Jess thought about what little he’d told her. “I have no idea.”
    “Wow. You really did go outside of your comfort zone.” Miranda narrowed her eyes. “You really don’t know his real name?”
    “No. I didn’t tell him mine either.”
    “Hhhmmm… What does he do?”
    Jess laughed. “I have no idea.”
    “Okay. I can tell by the sweat rolling down the side of your face you fucked him.”
    Wiping the bead away furiously, she looked around the room. “Do you want to announce this to the entire place?”
    “Kinda big if my bestie fucked someone.”
    Groaning, Jess gave her a harsh look. Of course the entire situation was ridiculous to normal people. “I was stupid. Irresponsible.”
    “You were. Isn’t it wonderful?”
    The truth was, more than just wonderful. “I just don’t know what I was doing. He forced me to go with him and I allowed