Page 70 of Rule Number One
“Shut up!” I whispered, glancing around to make sure no one was listening.
“Well?” Jenna arched a dark brow. “How was it?”
“Amazing,” I admitted. “It was the single greatest night of my life.”
“That’s awesome, Ivy,” Jo said. “I’m happy you went for it.”
“Yeah. Me too. And we’ve agreed to spend the next few days just enjoying each other with no boundaries before we part ways when I go back to Chicago. No strings attached.”
Jo passed a glance to Jenna. “That sounds dangerous.”
I furrowed my brow. “Why? What’s wrong with that?”
“Well,” Jenna said. “A one-night stand is one thing, but a full-blown fling is completely another. And let me tell you from experience, you can catch some seriously strong feelings in just a few days. And then you have to part ways and oof. Danger zone.” She blew out a breath and shook her head. “Like some serious baggage.”
“Wait. You’re the one who told me to have a fling!”
“A one-night stand,” Jenna corrected. “I made the mistake of doing a whole week-long romance, and Istilldon’t think I’ve recovered from it. I’m not saying don’t do it, just be careful and don’t let your feelings get the best of you as they did for me with Carter. I should have just had the one hot night and left it at that, but no. I had to go and fall for his dumb ass, and well, let’s just say things ended badly. Very, very badly.”
“Just be careful is all she’s saying,” Jo added. “If you’re going to have this full fling, just keep reminding yourself that Ethan isnota relationship guy. He is the anti-relationship guy, and we just don’t want you to get hurt. That’s all.”
“No, I know.” I glanced at Ethan, and he smiled back at me. “I am well aware he’s allergic to commitment. I’m not going to let myself fall for him, so you don’t have to worry about me. This is my last hurrah of romance before I go on my man ban, so I’m just as committed to keeping it casual as he is.”
Jenna glanced between us. “Okay. Just making sure because there is some serious romance crackling between you two, and I just don’t want to see you hurt.”
“We’re playing it up for his mom,” I said quickly. “That’s all.”
Jenna pursed her lips and looked between us again. “If you say so, but let me tell you something. You can’t fake chemistry like the two of you have. It’s my superpower, remember? So just be careful is all I’m saying. Have fun ... but protect yourself.”
“Oh, we used a condom,” I said with a proud smile. “I’m all about taking risks this weekend, but not that risky!”
Jenna laughed. “I meant protect yourheart.”
“Oh.” I slunk lower.
“Just have fun and keep it casual is all we mean,” Jo said.
“Got it. Thanks for the reminder. And I will. My eyes are wide open about the reality of Ethan and me.”
“Just don’t go doing what I did and fall for the fling.” Jenna blew out a breath. “Bad idea. Trust me. I know.”
I wanted to hear more about her story, but Tami waved at her to come over.
“Gotta help Tim and Tami get going,” she said, leaning over to give me a quick kiss on the cheek. “A wedding planner’s duty is never done.”
I pecked her back. “I’ll see you at the wedding tomorrow.”
“Night, Ivy,” Jo said, then walked over to Matt and Jake, bumping Matt with a hip and causing him to spill his glass of beer.
He tossed an arm around her neck and pulled her in for a noogie.
“Sorry about that,” Ethan said as he arrived back. “Just wanted to give him my wedding present early.”
“And what was it?”
“The keys to Daisy May in case he wants to make a fast getaway in the morning.”
“What?” I almost choked on my beer. “What the hell are you talking about?”