Chapter 205

Lucie's heart did a somersault and her expression went stormy. She didn't want to mention Steven at all. Not a word. When it came to pain, she could usually block things out and heal on her own, but that only worked if people stopped picking at the wound. Every time someone brought it up, it took her forever to recover.

June just rolled her eyes again. "Elio, being hot isn't about a guy's face or body. It's about that animal magnetism, you know? Pheromones. The kind of thing that just pulls you in. Not that you'd get it. Now go away."

He got shut down right away, pushed to the sidelines like he was yesterday's news. Elio's ridiculously handsome face turned red with frustration and embarrassment.

"Shallow. Seriously, you're all so shallow," he grumbled.

To be fair, if you were just talking about looks, Elio was definitely more striking than Steven. Prettier, even. He's the kind of guy you'd want to just sit and stare at. Too bad he ruined it every time he opened his mouth. If he'd just sit there and keep quiet, he'd be the perfect piece of eye candy. But no. He had to have that sharp tongue and loud, cocky energy. The guy couldn't sit still, and he never missed a chance to say the worst possible thing. You had to dock him at least twenty points the second he started talking.

Lucie stayed quiet, but June wasn't letting it go. "Lucie, how could you walk away from a guy that gorgeous? Seriously, I don't get it."

Lucie felt a spike of irritation. She really didn't want to answer.

Elio, on the other hand, jumped in before she could speak. "Isn't it obvious? She divorced him so she could marry me. Duh."

June gaped at them. "Wait, for real? Lucie, did you actually dump your husband for this idiot?"

"What else?" Elio said, all smug. "We're already planning our wedding, so you can stop chasing me now."

June just laughed and looped her arm through Lucie's. "No way. If you two are getting married, you have to take me with you. Either all three of us get hitched, or you stay single. Your call."

Lucie's eyes narrowed. She was so done with this. "Elio, quit making stuff up. Ms. Swanson, Elio and I are just friends nothing more I'm not getting in the middle of whatever you two have going on. You should work it out between yourselves."

Elio looked wounded. "Lucie, there's nothing going on between me and her. There never will be."

"Elio," Lucie said, her tone serious, "Ms. Swanson is a sweet person. You two actually seem like a good match. Don't let her down."

Elio scoffed. "A good match my ass."

June doubled over laughing. "Oh my god, Elio, you dog! So you and Lucie aren't even a thing? I thought you guys were basically engaged. Turns out she just sees you as a friend. That's priceless!"

Elio looked like he might explode. June really knew how to hit him where it hurt. Every word was like twisting the knife.

“Want me to help you win her over?”

June teased. Then she turned to

ет

Lucie with a mischievous grin. "Lucie, honestly, Elio's not bad at all. And trust me, he's totally crazy about you Do the quỵ a favonand just give him a chance. Put him out of his misery.”

She dropped her voice, all mysterious Plus, I can vouch for

him. Of all the men I've been with, he's the best, let's just

Say-equipped and he got stamina

for days. If you get with him,

quarantee you'll be very, very satisfied..."

Before she could finish, Elio jumped across the room and slapped his hand over her mouth. "Wildcat, I'm begging you, shut up! Can you please stop talking like that? Are you trying to ruin what's left of my reputation?"