Page 54 of Conflict
I scoff, having heard the rumors. “Does he know that? Because last I heard, the wedding was still a go.”
“Yes, he knows that. He’s just too stubborn to believe it. But trust me, Shane. It’s completely over between us. There is no us.”
I run a hand through my hair and look down at her, seeing the earnest expression on her face. “Okay,” I say slowly. “So you and Ben aren’t together anymore. What about Branson? How in the hell did you become engaged to him in so little time after leaving Atlanta? Is he why you left Atlanta? I know it’s none of my business, but if you met last winter, and then all of a sudden, you’re here with him now after you called off your engagement… Were you fucking around behind Ben’s back with my cousin?”
The blood drains from Ariana’s face, and I feel like a dick for the accusation. “No! No, nothing like that. I swear. It’s… It’s a long story, and it’s been a whirlwind. This isn’t the place to talk about it, but I promise you nothing improper happened between us while I was still with Ben.”
I eye her warily. Then I let out a deep breath, not wanting to be an asshole. Especially if I want her help in getting her sister back. “Look, I don’t mean to sound like a prick. It’s just… I want to see him happy. I really do. Branson’s been through a lot. Just do me a favor. Don’t fuck with him or his heart. He had enough of that before.”
Ariana places a hand on my arm and gazes up into my eyes. “You don’t have to worry about that from me. I know it’s been fast and it seems crazy, but I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. I couldn’t bear it if I ever hurt him. All I want is to make him as happy as he makes me.”
“You really mean that, don’t you?” I ask, and she nods immediately. “Then I guess congratulations are in order. And for the record, he looks happier than I’ve ever seen him. I was there on his first wedding day and he tried to fake it, but he couldn’t. Not with me. The smile on his face when he introduced you as his fiancée? It’s about ten times brighter than any I’ve ever seen.”
Ariana gazes across the yard to where the wedding party is standing by the back door. My eyes follow hers. Hell, I’m nearly taken aback by the sight. Branson’s messing with Cohen, laughing while Knox watches with laughter. Aunt Amelia’s watching her boys, and I’m pretty sure this is the first time I’ve ever seen the three of them together and acting like…well, brothers. Whatever the hell Ariana’s done for Branson, I can’t question it. It’s obvious there’s a change in him.
Ariana turns back to me with a warm smile. “I’ll do everything I can to keep him as happy as he is now.” There’s a soft warmth in her eyes that tells me she means exactly what she says.
With that out of the way, I lean in close. “Now, about your sister…”
A coy smile plays at her lips. “I thought you were the one at the wine bar. How convenient this is,” she says.
I grin. “How convenient, indeed.”
