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whatever I want at the time. It’d be perfect for me.” Zoe saw her future as a marketing goddess and, one day, as a fun cougar who’d invite the younger men to the parties. There’d be no reason to settle down ever!
    “Zoe, I love you. You’re the big sister I never had. Stylish, bold and independent. You don’t need a ring on your finger to be confident, and that’s great.”
    “But wait? What? They won’t let me in a sex party without a husband?” Zoe frowned.
    “No, I didn’t say that. I don’t know any details, and I don’t think you need the party scene. All of the people I know who go to those parties are in some sort of relationship. People go to keep the relationship fresh and a little kinky.” Ash shrugged.
    “I’m not looking to steal someone’s man or men.” Zoe felt the curse. Being single had some downsides.
    “Do you seriously think sex parties are the answer? Sleeping with other people’s men while their women watch, it won’t make you happy. I think your issue is bigger. Maybe you want more? People change and grow. I never dreamed I’d end up with four guys, but I’d never trade them now.”
    “You’re happy, and I’m glad. We’re just different.” Zoe sat back as the food hit her stomach. She’d need a nap this afternoon—or something fun to work off the calorie-fest.
    “So if I threw you a party for your big birthday, you’d kill me, right?” Ash asked.
    Zoe glared. “I’ll be twenty-nine until I’m forty, and then maybe, I’ll claim thirty-five.”
    “Fine. Just don’t go crazy over a number. Or four good guys. Some women would kill to have what you have. If Lucky Springs isn’t for you, you’ll know. Just wait until the birthday drama calms down. I’m sure you still have headhunters working for you in large cities. They’ll find you something eventually. Don’t do anything drastic.” Ash grabbed the check.
    “What’s my share?” Zoe asked.
    “Nothing, my treat. Birthday lunch.” Ash smiled.
    “It’s not for three weeks.” Zoe reached for the check.
    “So? Then when the big day comes, I won’t feel bad if you don’t want to celebrate it. Of course, if you need cake and sympathy, Lizzie, Crystal and I will always be there for you!”
    “Thanks. I like that logic. And thank you for the advice. I needed the perspective.” Zoe sighed.
    “No problem. Now, go back to your men.” Ash winked.
    Zoe shook her head. Today, her boss had approved her trip to New Orleans with the guys for the tradeshow. The idea turned her on and scared her a little, but Ash’s advice was solid.
    Lucky Springs wasn’t Zoe’s hometown. She didn’t need to stay here forever. No doubt, she didn’t fit in, but she didn’t hate it here either.
    It’d be so much easier if she couldn’t wait to leave!

 
     
     
     
    Chapter Three
     
    “You think she’ll really show up?” Owen asked.
    “She said she would.” Don had invited Zoe to dinner a few days after their first encounter. Two days later, they’d fooled around once more at work, but they wanted to see her outside of the office.
    “Never thought you’d be the one to push things along.” Cam strained the pasta.
    “I’m hoping, coming from me, she won’t feel as pressured. We want to see her. That doesn’t mean pressure or commitment. Dinner and sleeping over isn’t a life sentence.” Don checked the table then glanced at the clock.
    Jar stirred homemade sauce on the stove. “I think it’s great. We don’t want it to be weird when we go to New Orleans.”
    “If she said yes, we’re good. Zoe is direct enough. If it was too much too fast, she’d flat out tell Don.” Cam winked him.
    The doorbell rang, and Don smiled. He opened the door and found Zoe with two bottles of wine. She looked fantastic in a little black dress and heels. “You look like you’re headed to an elegant party.”
    “I never get to dress up here. Work clothes, sure, but this dress never gets out.” She spun.
    “You could wear