Unable to avoid the question any longer, and not at all ashamed of her past, Kelly shrugged. “A handful,” she paused before adding, “Or two, but in the words of a wise, sexy lady, who’s counting?”

Even as she said the words, Kelly’s brain did the maths, an average of two women a year could hardly be considered bedhopping.

When Lucy didn’t reply right away, a pang of anxiety clutched Kelly’s insides and short-circuited her brain. Without thought, she blurted out, “Don’t worry, I’m clean. So are you.”

The stunned look on Lucy’s face, eyes wide, mouth open, made Kelly recoil. A sickening wave of nausea washed over her. If only she could somehow magically take back the last three words.

“See what I mean?” Lucy asked, the comment further knocking Kelly off kilter.

“No,” Kelly said softly, unsure if she’d heard right and anxious to clear things up.

Lucy pointed at her face, drawing Kelly’s attention to her dark complexion.

“Like everyone else, you assume attractive means player. You could’ve just asked, and I would’ve told you I’m clean, Kelly. Perhaps I should be angry with myself for being remiss and not asking the same of you.”

Bristling, Kelly clenched her jaw. Lucy’s words felt like a judgement, as though she thought Kelly was diseased, which was ridiculous considering Kelly had just told her she was clean.

Nothing like having the shoe put on the other foot.

Before Kelly’s mood grew any darker, Lucy chucked her under the chin.

“Cheer up, chicka. I was testing out what Jo said. Apparently, she was right.”

Still not trusting herself to speak, Kelly drew her brows together.

The amused grin Lucy flashed her was downright infectious. Kelly bit the inside of her cheek, determined not to return the smile until she knew what Lucy found so funny.

“What, exactly, did my little sister say?”

“That you’re easy to wind up. Relax, Kelly. You slept with someone, you didn’t know who, it made sense you got tested.”

Annoyed with herself for taking the bait, yet relieved that Lucy hadn’t taken offense, Kelly huffed out a breath. “You’re positively evil. Do you know what happens to brats?”

Lucy shot her a sassy sideways glance. “They get punished?” She turned her gaze back to the road. “Oh, fuck.”

“You said it.” Kelly chuckled.

“Not that.” The car slowed.

Unnerved, Kelly dragged her gaze off Lucy’s horror-stricken face; lips pursed, brow furrowed.

A tangle of metal filled her vision. Red, white, and blue lights flashed. An ambulance sat in the middle of the chaos. People milled around on the side of the road. Police scribbled on pads, speaking to bystanders.