Page 29 of Rulebreaker

“Jesus fucking Christ,” I whisper through clenched teeth.

I hear Desi and my tour manager, Flo, burst out laughing behind me.

“I’m going to fire both of you!” I grumble, staring at what’s probably around five hundred lilies, all over the room. What has to be every single kind–from the Night Rider Lily to the Big Brother to Lilium “Heartstrings”—they cover every surface of the room.

I sigh in spite of myself.

They’re beautiful–one of my favorites. Especially the Magic Star Lilies.

I walk over and gently finger the beautiful flowers.

I don’t bother reading the card because I already know who they’re from.

I should call. Text. Showsomeacknowledgement of Atlas’s ridiculous but thoughtful gifts.

Why is he so nice?

Sexy?

Amazing in bed?

And why does my traitorous body ache for him every fucking night when I close my eyes?

I’m in no position to get involved with him or anyone else.Technically, I’m still married–legally separated, but I struggle with the distinction. I’m free to do what I want but not free to move on. To start over.

To love someone.

Someone like Atlas?

“Damn…” Flo shakes her head. “If you don’t want this guy, can I have him?”

The strangest feeling rumbles through me. A cross between pain and fury that leaves me disconcerted. What the hell is that about?

I nearly stumble as I realize what’s happening.

Oh. My. God.

It’s jealousy.

The thought of Flo with Atlas makes me…jealous?!

I don’t get jealous. At least, I never have before. That’s why it took me a second to recognize it for what it is.

Shit.

“Don’t you like him?” Desi asks, genuine curiosity on her face. She’s been with me for five years and is absolutely essential to my life running smoothly. And Flo’s been with me longer, nearly a decade, so both of these women are important to me.

But neither of them knows about Stan.

Neither of them knows that I have a husband back in Tennessee.

Very few people know my secrets–Sandy, my attorney and accountant, and my manager.

That’s it.

I play it pretty close to the vest because I have to.

Don’t I?