Sweet Seduction Sabotage by Nicola Claire Page A

of food and then non-alcoholic cocktails to finish it off. It's just a bridal shower Dom, nothing to get your boxers in a knot over."
    "My boxers are not in a knot."
    I snorted. "Dude, your boxers are bunched up and cutting off air as we speak."
    He blinked, shook his head, and muttered, "How do they put up with you?"
    I was so surprised, I said, before thinking, "Who?"
    "Your posse of men."
    Oh, crap. Dom never mentioned my stable. What had brought this on?
    "They don't have to spend that long with me," I offered, trying for carefree and nonchalant, and failing miserably.
    He didn't say anything, just started mixing up pancake batter, his back to me. I'd never felt uncomfortable talking about my lifestyle before. I am what I am, that was my motto.
    I really wasn't so sure anymore.
    Thankfully, all further uncomfortable conversation was avoided with the arrival of my best bud.
    "Hey, Kels," Gen exclaimed, coming straight over and wrapping me up in a huge hug.
    It took everything in me not to crack. Not to break down right then and there and tell her my problems. But today was not my day. It was Gen's. Her bridal shower, her moment to shine and be happy and look forward to only the good things that were about to happen in her life.
    "Hey you!" I pulled back and checked her out.
    She was dressed in the most gorgeous summery frock, her rounded belly protruding slightly, under quaint flowers and the odd butterfly in pinks and blues and reds. Her growing boobs were cupped in a fitted, ribbed bodice, the dress falling away just beneath, with just enough fabric to hide her belly, but not make her look like a tent. I reached out and fingered the material, it was light and soft, exquisite.
    "This is stunning," I remarked.
    "Katie bought it for me. It's awesome, isn't it? From this preggie designer in Grey Lynn. I haven't had a chance to wear it, but I thought today would be perfect. I'm not sure how much longer it's gonna fit, though. I've put on another kilo in just under four days." She cringed, flushed pink, and ducked her head.
    "You're beautiful," Dominic murmured, appearing out of nowhere, and kissing the top of her head. His hand wrapped around her baby belly, giving a reassuring and affectionate rub.
    I stepped back, allowing them some privacy, and returned to the items on the table. Strangely not seeing a single one.
    It was several minutes later that Gen sidled up beside me and said, "What's up?"
    I flicked a glance at her, a carefree smile already on my lips. Her face was shadowed in concern, her look pointed.
    "What's going on?" she said softly, her hand resting on my arm.
    I froze. I fucking stood there and stared at her, the smile falling off my lips.
    "Nothing," I finally managed to say.
    "Not nothing," she countered. "You didn't tease Dominic or me. In fact you turned away and have stood here unmoving for over five minutes."
    Five minutes? And, OK, I tease them when they get all lovey-dovey, but just because I choose to be mature and give them some space, she thinks something's wrong?
    "Kelly," Gen whispered. "I've known you since we started high school. What's wrong?"
    She had. Gen had known me since eighth grade. She came into my life spreading sunshine and daffodils, just when darkness and shadows had started to encroach. She made me forget everything that was happening at home, she gave me a world outside of my problems to live within. She lifted me up, when I was falling down, and gave me the courage to find a way through the black.
    With Gen at my side I was able to reinvent myself. When my perfect world shattered, I became someone else. It started then; this road I've been walking on. But without Genevieve Cain it may not have even led here. I was at crossroads when she came into my life, one road leading me down into black, the other leading me to red.
    She accepted who I became, because she didn't know me beforehand. She just welcomed me with open arms. And let me choose red.
    I looked into her familiar blue