Page 39 of Conflagration
“How is everything going there? I still haven’t worked up the nerve to call anyone but you. I still don’t feel ready,” I tell her, switching gears in our conversation.
“Do you really want to know?” she asks, sounding hesitant.
I want to tell her no so I can stay in my bubble a little while longer, but I know it’s inevitable, so I may as well know what’s going on. “Not really, but tell me anyway.”
“Well, things have actually been pretty uneventful,” she begins.
“Isn’t that a good thing?” I ask.
Alyssa sucks in a breath, which tells me that it’s not. “Not really. They’re all acting like nothing’s happened. They’re sticking with the story that the wedding was simply postponed. I’m not sure if they’re delusional or what, but Ben think’s you’re coming back to him.”
“Does he know where I am?”
“No, of course not. All they know is that we talk once a week, and I continue to assure them you’re fine. It seems to placate them, at least for now. I’m not sure how much longer though. I was told to remind you that you haveduties and obligationsto fulfill, and the sooner you return, the better.”
Groaning, I roll to my side and tuck my legs underneath me. “God, this is a mess. But it’s what I get for just running away and hiding out for so long.”
“Hey, you told him it was over. It’s not your fault he didn’t believe you.”
“I know, but I’m going to have to face it sooner or later. I can’t have two fiancés at once, you know,” I joke.
“I always knew you were a slut,” she teases. “Look, I agree that you need to settle things once and for all. But it can wait at least a little while longer. Every time I talk to you, you sound happy, Ari, and I don’t want that to change. Keep finding yourself, even if it is under that sexy-ass man you’re shacking up with.”
Laughing, I sit up, feeling better for having talked to my sister. “It’s a pretty good place to find myself,” I tell her, and she tsks.
“Speaking of being beneath a man, I have a hot date I need to get ready for,” she informs me.
“Oh really? Anyone I know?” I ask.
“I don’t think so,” she says slowly, and I know she’s lying. I don’t ask her about it though. She’ll tell me when she’s ready.
“Have fun, Lyss. And thanks for listening to me. And for covering for me. I miss you.”
“Miss you, too. Have fun on your date!”
We hang up and I go back to my closet, staring at the contents, trying to find something casual like Branson requested.
THE FINAL fitting for our tuxes is pretty uneventful, and I’m thankful my cast is off. There’s no way in hell I’d have been able to get my pants on with it, even if the brace does look ridiculous. For the most part, the pain in my knee has dissipated. Or at least it had until the doctor starting showing me rehab exercises to do. My physical therapy starts next week, and I make a mental note to put off the Friday appointment in hopes of being able to last through the wedding without having to wear the brace. That is, if Ariana will let me.
Ever since our deal that I’d be the perfect patient, I’ve been just that. I’d only agreed to a week, but somehow, she kept finding more ways to make it worth my while to be cooperative—something I’ve never cared about being in my life. But when it comes to her, I’ve found that I’m pretty compliant. Like I said, she gives great incentives.
“You need a lift back home?” Knox asks, tearing me away from the memory of Ari on her knees when I tried to refuse using my crutches.
My woman gives a whole new meaning to the term sexual healing.Sure, I’m probably a bastard for being a pain in the ass, but we both reap the benefits of this bartering system, and so far, she’s had no complaints.
“No, I’m good,” I tell him, and he raises his eyebrows. I pat my brace. “Now that I have this bad boy and not that thick-ass plaster cast, it’s easier to get around. So I’m taking Ari out.” I almost add, “for the first time,” but I catch myself. “We’ve been stuck in the house practically twenty-four-seven for the past month.”
He gives me a knowing grin. “I’m sure it was such a bore for you. Being laid up with a beautiful woman like Ariana. Truly, I pity you. It must’ve been terrible.”
I return his grin. “We haven’t had any trouble finding ways to occupy our time,” I admit, and he just shakes his head. “But seriously, she dropped everything to be with me during my recovery. So tonight, I’m taking her out. Dad rented a limo for us since I can’t drive. I’m just getting ready here and then I’ll go pick her up.”
“Sounds like a good plan. I like her, Bran. I like her a lot,” he tells me, his eyes turning serious. “Hell, the whole family likes her. At first, I wasn’t sure. Something in the hospital seemed off, but Charlie told me it was just my imagination. It wasn’t until that first day in your living room when I knew she had it bad. She was ready to kick my ass when she thought I was going to mess with your bum leg. I just wish you hadn’t felt the need to keep her hidden from us.”
Running a hand through my hair, I wince. “I know, man. I’ve spent the last eight months acting like a jackass, and I guess I just wasn’t ready.”
He raises an eyebrow. “Just the last eight months?” he teases, and I let out a laugh. “I’m glad for you, man. It’s obvious you’re happy, and now we all know why.”
I swallow hard as I accept his words. “Thanks, Knox. Mom was busy enough with your and Cohen’s love lives. Any more would’ve been Wellington romance overload, and I’m not sure she could’ve handled it. And not to mention, maybe I kept it to myself so I didn’t rain on your parade. It would’ve been an asshole move to show up at your engagement party just to announce one of my own.”
