Page 23 of Bride By Initiation

She swats me. "Yes, Zara."

"Good to know." I finish the rest of my wine and motion to the bartender to bring another round.

Fiona continues, "He's not great, but he's not horrible. You know what I'm saying?"

"Unfortunately, I do."

"You know when a guy knows what he's doing and knows what to do with you?"

"Yes."

"Marcus doesn't have those skills."

My eyes widen. "That's not good."

"I know."

"But, I will admit, guys with grade A talent are few and far between."

"Right. And on paper he has everything else, so I thought I just needed to give him some time and maybe make some suggestions. So I asked him to hold my throat, and he got all freaked out."

I muffle a giggle with my hand just as the bartender refills our glasses.

She huffs. "It's not funny."

"Sorry. So, what are you going to do? Is it breakup time?" I question.

She sighs. "I don't know. It's so hard. My mom loves him. Hell, Dante even loves him, and that never happens."

"But do they really like him, or are they just putting up with him?"

"Why would they lie? If you didn't know about our sex life, you'd say we're perfect together, wouldn't you?" she inquires.

"Eh, I don't know. He doesn't fit into the family dynamics, does he?"

"Yeah, but we're not part of that world," she reminds me.

My mind quickly flashes to my conversations with John Smith.

"What's that look for?" she asks.

"What look? Nothing."

"Are you sure about that? I suspect you have something on your mind."

I hesitate, then answer, "No. Just a lot going on with work."

She studies me.

The last thing I need is another Sean situation. So I assert, "Don't read into my facial expression, Fiona. Work is crazy. That's it."

Thankfully, she changes the topic. "Okay. Well, are you dating anyone yet?"

"No, I'm taking a break. Zach wore me out."

"Lucky you," she says, nudging me.

"I wish it were that way."

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