Page 42 of Big Rucking Disaster

“I was.” I closed my eyes for a moment, then opened them. My gaze traveled back and forth between my two guests. “Or I told myself I was.”

“I get that.” Johnnie glanced down at his coffee. “I really do.”

My coffee finished brewing. Thank God I liked things hot and was immediately able to take a swig. “So, we’re not here to rehash my marriage.” I eyed Hugo.

“I’m getting married in six days.”

“I’m aware. Since I’m your best man and all.”Let him come to you. He never responds well to pressure tactics.

He fingered the handle of his mug. “I don’t want to think I’m making a mistake.”

My heart skipped a beat. “Do you think you’re making a mistake?”

“No.” Said quietly with a bit of force.

“Okay.” I moved to the table and sat in the chair between the two men.

“I just…what if I’m not good enough? He’s Axel Freaking Townsend and—”

“Holy shit.” Johnnie’s jaw dropped. “You’re marrying Axel Townsend? From Grindstone?” He narrowed his gaze. “Oh, wasn’t there some scandal last year? Sorry, I didn’t pay attention, and you probably don’t want to rehash it, and why don’t I just shut my mouth?”

Hugo chuckled. “Yes,thatAxel Townsend. Yes,thatscandal. Yes,thesefears.”

Here, I could offer support. “Hugo.”

“Yeah?”

“I’ve never seen a man more besotted than Axel.”

He arched an eyebrow.

“Yes, I just used a big, fancy word. Because it fits. He’s head over heels in love with you. He professed his love for you on stage.”

“Well—”

“He moved in with you.”

“Well—”

I glared.

“What? He and Ed were selling the condo because Ed was buying a house with Thornton, and yes,thatEd Markham.” He directed his comment to Johnnie.

“You’re just getting cold feet. You’re almost fifteen years older than him—of course you’re having second thoughts.” I needed him to know I understood.

“He could snap his fingers and have any man or woman he wanted.”

“He couldn’t have me.” Johnnie grinned.

Hugo cocked his head.

“I only want him.” Johnnie pointed to me.

Heat flared in my cheeks as Hugo gazed speculatively between the two of us. “I’m really sorry to have interrupted.”

“No worries. He’ll give me a blow job later.” Johnnie sipped his coffee. “Do you have any cookies to go with this? I’m starving.”

Hugo smacked his palm against his forehead. “I left the donuts in the car. One moment.” He stood and hurried out of the kitchen. A moment later, the front door slammed shut.

---