Page 213 of New York Love Stories: Vol. 2

He stops again and replies, “I’m going to see if she’ll get married at the courthouse.”

I’m already shaking my head. “That won’t work. We’re talking about Tealey, right? Tealey Bell, the girl who used to make us watchWhen Harry Met Sallyevery Christmas break and who boycottedFriendsfor a season, which she still won’t watch because Ross thought he was on a break when he cheated. The same Tealey that just last year was crying because?—”

“First of all, I was a stupid asshole last year, so we don’t need to dredge that back up. Secondly,” he says, ticking off each finger. “Ross and Rachelwereon a break. I’m a divorce attorney. Dating someone else when the primary couple is not together is not cheating.”

I pat his back. “You should probably keep that argument from Tealey if you want to live another day.”

“She knows I wouldn’t.I couldn’t.That woman has owned my heart from the moment I met her.”

“Then stop being an asshole and marry her,” I say, laughing.

“She’s so busy with her fundraising events that she put me off twice.”

“Tealey is a saint?—”

“She sure is for putting up with me.”

“Yes, for that, but also because she will always put others first, even if it means sacrificing her personal happiness. She has a heart of gold and deserves the same energy she gives others. She’d marry you at the courthouse if that’s what you wanted.”

“But how do I get her there? I want to give her the world, Jackson. I don’t know how to make her take it?”

“Despite your flaws, she’s chosen to love you. Because of that, tell me how I can help.”

“And here I thought you weremybest friend.”

“I am, man, but I’m also hers. She looks out for me, and I look out for her. It’s just what we do. I have an idea that will help make this the day she’s dreamed of and get you two hitched. Well, not so much an idea, but the perfect person to make this happen.”

“Marlow,” we say in unison.

CHAPTER 26

Marlow

“Rad needs your help.” The door closes, and Jackson walks in. His gaze darts from me to Cammie on the couch, and then to Tealey, who’s frozen to the spot in the hall. “Oh, shit.”

A few seconds of silence beat between us as the four of us are caught in a staring standoff. Tealey finally says, “What does Rad need help with?”

“Carburetor. His car . . .buretor.”

“Huh?” I ask, setting my mug on the coffee table when I get up. I walk to greet him, still wondering what he’s talking about. “Why would Rad need my help with his car.” I lift and kiss him. His clothes are cold from the outside, but there’s a slight dampness to the front of his shirt.

The man knows how to wear a suit, but I can’t even resist him in workout clothes, sweaty, and acting shady. I whisper, “What is wrong with you?”

He grabs me and kisses me hard.

“Hi. We’re still here,” Cammie says.

I’m released—boneless and breathless—as he starts down the hall. “Hi, ladies.”

Tealey took my spot, a front row seat to the kissing scene, and says, “What’s gotten into him?”

Licking my lips, I taste the light saltiness lingering on my lips. “I have no idea. I’ll be right back.” They go back to chatting, and I even hear them giggling before I open the door to the bedroom and sneak inside.

The sound of water running leads me to the bathroom. Being murdered in the shower is still a fear of mine after my dad screened a horror movie when I was eight in a brief stage of his life when he was determined to introduce me to the classics.

I’ve not had an apartment with a shower that required a curtain since. I need to see the murderer coming through the glass. Assuming everyone has that same fear, I knock and then enter. “Jackson?”

“Yes?” I peek to see his sculpted physique covered in suds water as it runs over his muscles.

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