I rolled my eyes. “I think I can separate my sexual feelings from my emotional ones. But that’s the thing. I can’t with Rhys. The sex isn’t just fantastic because the man is beautiful and athletic and very, very generous. It’s fantastic because there’s a connection between us. I feel it. We make each other laugh, and he has this wonderful ability to make me feel completely safe, even though when we’re together it’s like we’re free-falling. Scary and exciting … but I trust him.”

My best friend’s eyes glistened. “Oh, Park. Honey, I’m so happy for you.”

“Don’t get all emotional on me, you dork,” I teased, because if I didn’t tease, she’d make me cry.

“I know. I just … for years you’ve pushed guys away. Some very nice guys. Guys who wanted to be the one to pick up the pieces that shattered when you lost Theo.”

“It was too soon back then.”

“It’s been too soon for thirteen years, until Rhys,” she pointed out.

I bit my lip, trying to stop my dopey smile, and failing. “I want to spend all my time with him, which is extremely out of character. You know me. I’ve always needed my space from potential romantic interests.” I grinned now. “I don’t want space with Rhys. Space is officially unappealing.”

Zoe smirked. “You’ve got it bad.”

Avoiding the topic of just how bad I might have it, I continued, “You and Dean are the only people who know our relationship started out fake. I’m asking you, and hoping Dean will agree, to keep that quiet. No one needs to know it wasn’t real from the beginning.”

“Agreed. My lips are sealed.” Zoe tilted her head to the side in thought. “Can I ask … does Rhys know about Theo?”

“Yes. I told him.”

“It’s not weird for him that you haven’t been able to move on from the love of your life?”

Irritation rippled through me, even though I knew she didn’t mean to offend. “I am moving on. And Theo was my first love, Zoe, he always will be. But I don’t know if he was the love of my life.”

Her eyes widened. “Oh, Park. You have got it bad. Should I be worried?”