Page 202 of Accidental Husband
Emma's nose scrunches with distaste. "Do you really think we're that—"
"Yeah." I scan the room. Emma's older brother Brendon is in his suite, working on a short woman's wrist. The guy isn't themake bets mocking friendstype. But some of the tattoo artists—"I've worked here a long time now."
"It wasn't that different at Blacklist," Hunter says.
He, Wes, Chase, and I used to work at another shop in Culver City. When Hunter lied about getting sober, Chase kicked him out of the shop.
Hunter got a gig here. It was a favor from Brendon, I guess. Of course, Hunter repaid Brendon by fucking his baby sister (Em is nearly nine years younger than Hunter).
I guess they got through it, because they're friendly now. And Hunter was close enough with Brendon to get us jobs here.
It took forever to get Chase to accept the gig—the guy wears his unforgiving attitude like it's the season's latest and greatest—but he did.
We're here. Together. Friends.
Family even.
I don't think about it like that often, but it's true. The guys here are my family.
Jules doesn't have that.
She should have that.
"Wes doesn't think it will last." Hunter chuckles. "I'm sure he told you."
"In his way," I say.
"There are arguments," Emma says. "That any decision made after that much alcohol won't last." She pulls her cell from her denim skirt. Taps the screen a few times. Turns it to me to show off a picture from Jules's feed. It's us, just after the ceremony, smiling as we toast champagne.
We're happy.
And drunk as hell.
"You could even say it's not a legal marriage," Emma says. "That you can and should get an annulment." She clears her throat. "There are cautious people." She nods to her brother. Just stops herself from rolling her eyes. "Who are concerned about your impulsive decision."
"But you're impulsive enough you want to believe?" I ask.
Hunter chuckles. "You always word things in the best way."
I shrugwhat?"Impulsive isn't an insult."
Emma shakes her handsorta. "Some people just don't understand romance." She turns to Hunter with a smile. Wraps her arm around him. Brings her lips to his.
He kisses her hard.
It doesn't make my stomach turn the way it usually does.
I'm not jealous of their easy rapport.
Or his ability to touch the woman he wants.
But the wholethey know where their relationship is going?
Yeah, I could go for some of that.
The bell rings as Chase steps inside. His gaze goes right to us. "We toasting?" He nods a curt hello to Hunter. A more politeheyto Emma. A warmcongratsto me.
I think.
