Free Secrets from Her Past: Scandalous, Book 2 by Jules Bennett

to be absolutely stunning.”
    Corinne had been utterly shocked when Evie had popped over to her house not long after the embarrassing episode in Dylan’s kitchen. Evie had invited her to the final fitting of her wedding gown, saying she really needed a woman’s opinion and who better than a supermodel?
    Corinne was thrilled Evie had extended that proverbial olive branch and wanted to spend some girl time with her. She couldn’t recall the last time she’d done something for fun with another female that didn’t revolve around work or court hearings regarding bogus charges.
    Evie sighed and turned toward Corinne. “Listen, I know it’s none of my business what you and my brother do, and I promise I’m not going to discuss the whole incident from earlier. But you have to know…when you left last time, Dylan was hurt. We’d just lost our parents and then to have you leave… I’m sure you had your reasons, but just be careful. He may be all big and bad on the outside, but his feelings are tender.”
    Corinne didn’t want to hear how hurt he was or about their parents’ death. Every horrid incident during that time frame was her fault and she knew secrets about that night that would drive a wedge so far between them that even if she moved back to Florida it wouldn’t be far enough away.
    “I don’t know what’s going on with us,” Corinne said honestly. “My feelings for Dylan never went away just because I did. We’re two different people now, but sometimes when he looks at me, I feel seventeen again and all those emotions come back.”
    Evie smiled. “I just want him to find happiness.”
    Corinne couldn’t help her next question—she wanted to know. “He never married?”
    Evie shook her head. “I honestly don’t think he ever seriously looked for someone. I know he was only seventeen when you all were together, but he was so mature for his age and I don’t think he ever considered anyone seriously after you.”
    That revealing truth almost made her feel relieved, like she was irreplaceable. But on the other hand she was hurt by the painful revelation. Dylan was such a loving, giving man. Any woman would’ve been lucky and blessed to have him in her life.
    “Thanks again for inviting me,” Corinne said, reaching for the door handle. “It’s not often I get to do frivolous things lately, especially with a friend. At least, I hope we’re still friends.”
    Evie reached over and placed a hand on Corinne’s arm. “I don’t know the truth about what happened surrounding your arrest, but I firmly believe that you’re a good person who probably got caught in the wrong place, at the wrong time. I also know we were good friends once and I hope we still can be, even if you’re back for just a short time.”
    Corinne’s eyes pricked with unshed tears as she offered a smile. “I’ve always considered you a friend, Evie.”
    Evie glanced out the window at the rolling black clouds. “Better get inside before the rain comes. Looks like a nasty storm.”
    Corinne grabbed her purse and dug out her keys. “Thanks again. Maybe when you need more girl time we can go to lunch or something.”
    “I’d like that,” Evie told her.
    Just as Corinne started for the house, big, fat raindrops drenched her and soaked her sundress to her skin, causing chill bumps to spread all over.
    As soon as she got inside, Corinne stripped down, kicking her sandals off at the door and peeling her dress, underwear and all, down her body as she padded her way down the hall toward her bedroom.
    A hot bath would really hit the spot. She needed to relax and she hadn’t taken advantage of the big Jacuzzi-style tub her parents had added since she’d been gone. A nice glass of wine, a heated bath, and the sound of the rain beating against the window would be the perfect ending to a pleasant day…despite the fact Evie had seen her groping Dylan. But they were all adults and what was done was done. Time to move on.
    Shivering from