Page 89 of The Boyfriend Gamble

Boneheaded move.

Truly. Because I’d stayed up way too late watching reruns ofVigilante Justice, a superhero television show shot in Vancouver, with Rayne and Everett.

Both of whom got giddy when Everett’s sister Denali appeared onscreen.

Not only was the woman uncommonly beautiful—she was also a phenomenal actor.

And I was so glad she and I had never gotten into anything.

Because then I might’ve missed out on Jasper.

“I’m here.”

“Okay, you never text me at six AM.”

“Why are you awake?”

“I have a one-year-old who believes waking up with the chickens is normal. No matter what time we put her to bed, at six AM, she’s awake. Sometimes she just lies in her crib and talks to herself. Some mornings, like today, she uses those very healthy lungs of hers to express her displeasure. But I love you, my sweet girl.”

He said that bit in a sing-songy voice.

“She’s there?”

“I’m feeding her oatmeal. And myself a bowl of cereal. Tanner’s exhausted from this big trial he’s prepping for. So I’m letting him sleep in.”

“Yeah. Everett’s prepping for some big trial as well.”

“Everett Williams is a damn fine lawyer.” Kade yawned. “Wouldn’t want to go up against either him or my husband in court.”

“I wonder if they’re working on the same case?”

“Mission City is big enough to have two big court cases. Tanner’s arguing his over in New West. I haven’t asked the details—he’ll tell me when he’s ready.”

“Right.”

“And so you texted…?”

“Oh, I wanted to make certain you have everything you need. It’s stopped snowing, right?”

“Several feet later? Yes, it has. I have to clear our driveway later. Oh, the joys of homeownership. I liked it better when I lived in a condo and the strata hired someone.”

“You’ve got two strong men in your house.”

“Which is why June will be bundled up—as long as it’s not too cold—while Tanner does Mr. Lunetta’s sidewalk. And probably Miss Jankowski’s as well.”

“You’re good men.”

“You still haven’t told me what’s going on. You don’t sound like yourself.”

Just be honest with him. He’s always been a good sounding board. He’ll be straight with you. After all, he came out to you before he even told his parents.

More tough truths.

My phone buzzed with an incoming text.

—I’m here early. I hope that’s okay. —

“Shit, gotta go.”

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