Page 44 of No Regrets

“Yep. The new family court judge. Supposed to be hardcore.”

“Well, he’s an ass. Wouldn’t even shake my hand.” Brianna grabbed the last cream puff and offered it to Kaden. When he refused, she stuffed it in her mouth and licked her fingers.

“The guys want us to join them in the gazebo.” He shrugged. “Jason had to take Kendra home so it’s just the five of us.”

“Yeah, I don’t think she likes us all that well.”

“How someone like her ended up with Jason will forever be a mystery.” He grabbed her hand. “Come on.”

He led her to the gazebo out back and met up with their friends who were talking about the football games they used to play. Brianna shivered as she sat down and scooted closer to share Kaden’s body heat. Being a true gentleman, he took off his jacket and slipped it around her shoulders, holding her plate of food while she stuffed her arms in the sleeves.

“Oh, whatever, Kyle. You didn’t have the balls to catch the ball. Brianna caught more balls than you, and she has boobs.” Ben shook his head leaning back against the wood of the gazebo. “Very nice, by the way.”

“Leave my boobs out of this, Chandler.” She turned to Kyle. “But he is right. You squealed every time the ball hit you.”

“So. Kaden picked me over you.” Kyle tried to defend himself, but it didn’t work.

“Ah, that was before he nailed her.” Ben replied. “I bet you he wouldn’t think twice about picking her, would ya, Riggens?”

“Guys, she’s already busted my balls enough about that. Don’t give her any more ammo.” His arm tightened around her. “But I would pick her first, not only because I’ve nailed her, but she has a damn good arm. And each one of you know I’m telling the truth.”

“Thanks, baby.” She kissed him gaining groans from the others.

“Kaden? Are you over there?”

“Oh fuck.” Ben said just as Bethany rounded the corner.

“There you are. You’re mom wanted me to come get you. Something about working the bar.” She smiled at the men, totally ignoring Brianna.

“Go home, Bethany.” Kaden said, trying to avoid Brianna’s gaze.

“Not likely. Blair invited me, so I came. Just because we aren’t fucking anymore doesn’t mean I can’t be friends with your mother.”

Brianna stared in the pale light at the other woman’s short dress and thick makeup. Her blonde hair was pulled back in a ponytail of sorts. She still looked the same, after all these years, and she was still after Kaden. Wow.

Brianna stood. “Um, excuse me.”

Kaden finally worked up enough courage to look at her, and she turned her head away from him and walked away. She didn’t make it very far before an arm came around her shoulders. It wasn’t Kaden as she suspected, but Ben.

“Is she still pining after him?”

“Appears that way.” Brianna walked to the side garden and took a seat before Blair’s luxurious water fountain, which was lit by four lights underneath the water. Ben took a seat next to her, not saying a word.

“You know I would have never even considered marrying him if it weren’t for Shiloh. His grandfather Tim died and arranged in his will that he be married or no member of his family gains their inheritance, and Shiloh stood to gain a lot. I didn’t do it for the money, but so my daughter would know a great-grandfather’s memory. He gave her the ranch in Texas, the one he loved so much.” Brianna wiped a tear from her cheek. “So I married him. We agreed to keep it short—only a year. Sometimes I wonder if he really cares. Sometimes I think, you know, he only sees me as a mistake. That he doesn’t care for me and is only with me for one of the million reasons possible. He told me he loved me for the first time ever just a few days ago. He says it often, but I don’t know. When he looked at Bethany, I could see the memories flood his face.”

Ben pulled her to him in a tight hug. “If I know one thing about my best friend is that Kaden doesn’t say he loves anyone if he doesn’t mean it. He might show it, but he’ll never say it unless it’s a true emotion he’s feeling. He never even told Bethany he loved her that I know, and if he did, it’s in the past, Bree. Yeah, you may have agreed to the year thing, but I can tell you make him happy. Hell, you make us all happy. Even when we were kids, he treated you like his wife, actually proclaiming to ask you before he made a decision about anything. And that shit was minor. He’s smart, and he knows a good thing when he sees it. You’re a good thing, Bree. A damn good thing he’d be fucking stupid to let go.”

She sniffled, trying to keep from crying. “I’m going to tell him you said he was smart.”

“Don’t make me kick your sweet ass.” As if to make his point, he swatted her behind.

“Bree?” Kaden called, walking toward them. “Brianna, where are you?”

She pulled back, wiping her eyes. Ben gave her an encouraging smile before tipping his beer to his lips.

“Brianna!”

“I’m over here.” She licked her lips wishing she had her lip gloss.

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