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Chapter Two

IZZIE

I t’s past four in the morning when I finally get home. It’s an hour drive from Triana, but I’m used to the commute. The vet clinic has two locations, one fifteen minutes from my parents’ ranch, and a location in Miami. I don’t work often at the Miami clinic, unless I need to cover someone’s shift.

I walk on soft feet to avoid waking my parents, Jane, and Lydia. I moved back home when I started my residency, to save money and to help Dad on the ranch. I share a room with Jane, my older sister. Unlike me, she didn’t go to a fancy out-of-state college on a scholarship. She attended community college, and now teaches flamenco and performs with her flamenco group.

I expect to find her sound asleep, but her bed is empty and untouched. She had a flamenco performance tonight, but I can’t believe she isn’t home yet. I sit on the edge of my bed and send her a text.

Hey, I’m home. Where are you?

She doesn’t answer right away, which makes my stomach churn with worry. Before I lose my mind staring at the screen, I set the phone down on the nightstand and get ready for bed. We have an ensuite bathroom, which is convenient when we come home late. I’m in the middle of brushing my teeth when I hear the ping of a text message.

Jane .

I finish my task and hurry to read the message.

JANE: I’ll be home in 5.

Thank God. She must have gone out with her flamenco group. It’s not like her to forget to check in, but I’m too tired to give her shit about it.

I’m tucked in bed when she enters the room, holding her high-heeled shoes in one hand. The room isn’t completely dark; there’s a full moon, and I left the blinds open, knowing Jane would be coming in soon. I can tell she’s disheveled—her hair is messy, as if she just got out of bed.

“Hey,” I croak.

She jumps and presses a hand against her chest. “Shoot, you scared me.”

“Sorry.”

She sits down on her bed and sighs happily. I know that look.

“Who’s the guy?” I ask.

She smiles. “I can’t hide anything from you, can I?”

“Not when you have that daydreamy look on your face”—I sit up in bed—“and look like you took a ride to O-town.”

“Izzie!” she shout-whispers.

“Am I wrong?” I quirk a brow.

Jane bites her lower lip, trying to hide a grin. “No. Oh, he’s just so amazing, Izzie! He’s the one.”

“Really? How can you know after only one night?”

She drops her gaze to her lap. “Well… we’ve been seeing each other for a few months.”

“What? And you didn’t tell me?” I don’t attempt to hide my disappointment. Jane and I are tight. We tell each other everything—or used to.

“I’m sorry. I wanted to, but… well, I was afraid of your reaction.”

My stomach dips. “Why? Oh, Jane… he isn’t married, is he?”

She winces. “God no. He’s… younger than me.”

I narrow my eyes. “How much younger?”

“Twenty-four.”

“Phew. I thought you were going to say he was eighteen. Three years difference isn’t a big gap.” I study her. “His age isn’t the only reason you didn’t tell me. There’s more.”

“You don’t miss a thing, do you?”

“Nope. Nancy Drew has nothing on me.”

Jane chuckles. “She doesn’t.”

“Well… are you going to tell me why you waited so long to spill the beans?”

She takes a deep breath. “My mystery man is the starter goalie for the Lions.”

Oh shit. “He’s a hockey player?” My voice rises in pitch.

“Shhh… and yes.”

“What’s his name?” I ask, fearing she’s going to say Jackson Darcy.

“Chad Bingley.”

I let out a sigh of relief. Thank God he’s not the guy who received the beer shower. It’d suck if Jane’s secret boyfriend was that rude asshole. “Where in the world did you meet him?”

“His niece is in one of my beginner classes. He came to watch her dance one day, and we talked for a bit. Then we exchanged numbers. We texted for several weeks before he finally asked me out.”

“Wow, that takes taking-it-slow to a whole new level.”

Jane shrugs. “He’s super shy, which is what attracted me to him the most. The majority of guys who approach me have a domineering alpha vibe, which I don’t like.”

“You always preferred the quiet ones.”

“Yes. Chad is so sweet and dreamy. God, I love him so much. I never thought I’d feel this way about someone so fast.”

I smile. If anyone deserves to find her dream guy, it’s Jane.

“Where did you go on your first date?”

“To the movies, but we went super early in the middle of the week, and the theater was empty. Because of his high profile and the age difference, I wanted to keep things on the downlow until I knew where we stood.”

“I take it that you do know now?”

She nods, smiling from ear to ear. Then she shows me her left hand... and the moonlight reflects off her massive engagement ring.

I jump from my bed, and grab her hand, staring at the ring. “He proposed?”

“Yes! Tonight! It caught me completely by surprise. I know it’s only been a few months, but when you know, you know.”

“Jane…”

“Please don’t say anything negative. I’m really happy, Izzie.”

I can see it in her eyes. Do I think it’s insanity to get engaged to a guy she’s been secretly dating for only a few months? You betcha. But I don’t have the heart to burst her bubble—at least, not right now. Jane is a hopeless romantic. I need to learn more about Chad Bingley anyway. Maybe he is the perfect match for her.

“I wasn’t going to.” I hug her. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you. I can’t wait for you to meet him.”

I step back. “I’m looking forward to it. When are you going to tell Mom and Dad?”

Jane grimaces. “Is telling them after I get married an option?”

I snort. “Nope. Shit. Mom’s gonna go crazy.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of. She’ll get into her over-the-top meddling mode. Chad is super shy, and his upbringing was way less colorful than ours.”

“What do you mean?”

“He comes from an uber-wealthy family, for starters.”

“How wealthy?”

“Grotesquely wealthy. His parents even look down on Chad’s career choice, even though he makes really good money. Imagine what they’ll think when they find out their son got engaged to a lowly flamenco dancer.”

I grab her hands. “Hey. Don’t you dare talk down about yourself like that. You’re not a lowly anything. You’re an amazingly talented dancer, and the best teacher to boot. Chad’s parents are lucky to have you join their family.”

“That’s what Chad said. You’ll like him.”

I smile. “If you love him, then I’m sure I will.”

“When do you think I should tell Mom and Dad?”

“Not sure. Maybe introduce Chad as your boyfriend first before springing it on them that you’re already engaged?”

“Yeah, that’s a good idea. I want you to meet him before anyone else does anyway. Sort of ease him into our crazy family.”

I nod. “That’s a solid plan. I can’t wait.”