Chapter Six

“Oh good, I didn’t think you were coming tonight.” Arie says.

Isla’s gaze drifts upward.

Higher. Holy Mother of God.

Broad shoulders. Dark hair. Black square-framed glasses that somehow made him even more attractive instead of less. He looked like he stepped straight out of a ‘90s soap opera — Clark Kent, if Clark Kent spent his weekends reading first editions instead of saving Metropolis.

“Ellis!” Iris says.

Isla shoots Iris a raised brow.

Ellis…

The name echoed around inside Isla’s head.

Why did that sound familiar?

Her eyes drifted between Iris.

Arie.

Then back to him.

“Isla, right? Nice to finally meet you.” Her name slides off his tongue like silk. “I’m Ellis. Arie’s older brother.”

Oh my — Ellis Mann.

Isla stared at his hand for half a second too long.

Of course.

Of course the universe would wait until she committed to one full year of focusing on her herself before dropping a six-foot-something pair of shoulders and dimples directly into her path.

She hadn’t even made it twenty-four hours since officially declaring her No Sex Rule.

Somewhere, God was laughing.

Not laughing. Cackling.

“Nice to meet you,” Ellis repeated.

Isla slipped her hand into his.

Oh, this was absolutely a test.