Page 38 of Falling for You Again

“Absolutely not,” I say with a watery laugh, blotting the corners of my eyes. “If it doesn’t work out, we’ll divorce and I’ll move back to my apartment.” Of course, that would mean I don’t have Artisant Designs either.

“As much as I want us to be neighbors again, I don’t want you to get hurt in the process. You have a big heart. You’re too forgiving.”

“Let’s point out all my flaws, why don’t we.”

“They aren’t flaws. For you.” She thrusts the flowers at me. “I know it’s just a marriage of convenience, but you still need a bridal bouquet.”

I take the flowers. The bouquet is beautiful in its simplicity.

“I never got the chance to be your maid of honor,” she says.

“What happened? Bride ditch the wedding?”

“She bailed big time. But if you’ll still have me ...”

“I’ll always have you.” I hug her again.

A soft rap sounds on the door. “Come in,” I say, dabbing my damp eyes again.

Aaron enters the den. Dressed in slim slate trousers and a blue dress shirt, his dark hair is casually disheveled. Emi drinks him in and I glance at her funnily. I know that look. She had it the other night when I first pointed out Aaron to her. He’s striking, with a smile that melts hearts. But what appeals to me most about him is his quiet confidence and genuine sincerity.The man is just plain nice. A good nice, not the nice used to describe someone when you can’t think of anything original to say about them.

Emi leans in close and whispers from the corner of her mouth. “Someone woke up in a lucky clover patch.”

“Shush.” I lightly smack her arm. “Sex is off the table.”

“What about under?”

“Stop.”

Aaron glances between us, rubbing his palms, his tell that he isn’t quite sure what he’s walking into. He did the same thing both times we applied for a marriage license.

See? I’m getting to know him.

“Emi is staying,” I say, putting him at ease. He probably thinks she’s here to talk me out of the marriage. All is good between us.

Aaron clasps his hands. “Wonderful.”

“We haven’t been properly introduced. I’m Emi, Meli’s best friend, maid of honor, and the bane of your existence if you so much as harm an eyelash on her.”

His eyes pop but he shakes Emi’s hand like the gentleman he is. “Noted.”

“You’re both crazy. Too bad you’re not crazy for each other.” She looks between us. “I need a drink. Got any liquor?”

“Go see Charlie,” Aaron says. “She opened champagne.”

“I like Charlie already. See you kids outside.” Emi pistol-shoots us with her index fingers and leaves the room.

Aaron meets my gaze. “You look beautiful.”

Warmth spirals down my arms. “You clean up nicely yourself, Mr. Borland.”

A frown replaces his smile. “Sorry. Forgot we aren’t saying those kinds of things to each other.”

“It’s fine. A compliment here or there isn’t going to kill us.” They’ll just make me fall for him faster.

No, no they won’t.I give my wrist a mental slap.

“Look, ah ... I want to ask you something.”

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