Page 42 of Stick to the Deal
“That’s right! Do we need to call you ‘your grace’ now or some nonsense?”
“Grace is for dukes. He’s only a viscount,” Bree explains.
I groan around a mouthful of wine. “Would you both please drop it and put the fucking movie on already?”
We agree on a single film rather than our typical three movie marathon. I push back a pang of sadness. What a change two years makes. It’d be easy to blame Colin for it all, but as much as I like to give the guy shit, it would also be unfair. Not once has Colin ever stood in the way of girls’ night. In fact, he always offers to drive us, fetch snacks, or leave us alone. He was only the first of many changes for us.
Time keeps moving. It doesn’t care if we want a moment to last a lifetime, or a season to race by. She has her own pace and we are simply trying to keep up. I cannot picture a time where these girls won’t be my family, but as our individual worlds change, so will our friendship. Girls’ night will turn into couple’s game night. Happy hour will morph into brunch—when the kids don’t have an activity.
Maybe it’s the Malbec, but the thought doesn’t scare me as much as it used to.
Chapter 22
Impromptu Boys' Night
The door closes behind Nic and I’m dropped into silence. Not exactly how I saw the evening going in my head. I wouldn’t say I was expecting her to jump into my arms when I showed up at her door, but her slack-jawed expression was like a punch to the gut.
I don’t know what I was thinking when I booked that ticket to Florida instead of New York. It just felt like the right thing to do. Of course, she had plans already.
At least it’s not a date. That’s what I first assumed when I saw her with a packed bag by the door. Jealousy had flared, hot and violent. A new feeling, but one I’m experiencing more often in my marriage. Why did I agree to that stupid open relationship clause?
Because, for once in my life, I was totally sure about what I wanted in life. I grabbed it with both hands and I’d be damned if I’d let it go.
With a sigh, I set about canceling the dinner reservations I’d made earlier that day. Then unpack my meager belongings into the spaces she’d indicated. With nothing better to do, I try out her luxury shower, claiming part of the shelf for myself.
Clean and with no other distractions, I face the silent apartment. What time will she be back? My stomach growls, reminding me it’s been hours since I last ate. The fridge is bare, and the pantry shows an array of microwave ready soupsand pastas. As I’m debating between white cheddar mac and cheese and chicken noodle soup, a knock at the door draws my attention.
Did Nic take pity on me and send food?
Instead of a delivery man, the door reveals a man with a giant bag and—is that a baby strapped to his chest? He grins at me, revealing a long dimple. “Ah, so you would be the husband?”
I try to conceal my surprise at the blunt non-greeting. Who the bloody hell is this? The jealousy and doubt from earlier comes rushing back. Maybe she does have a local boyfriend after all.
But who brings his baby on dates?
“Colin, can you wait to interrogate the guy until we get inside? This shit is hot.” A taller man steps closer, heavily muscled arms bulging as he holds two aluminum trays.
“After all the shite Nic gave me when I first came to town? Don’t I deserve to enjoy this a bit more?” With a dramatic sigh, he turns back to me. “Right. Well, are you going to let us in? We brought food, and knowing Nic, the pantry is empty.”
Numbly, I step back, and follow them to the kitchen. Silently, they work in tandem, obviously familiar with the apartment. Dimples puts a case of beer in the fridge. The big one uncovers trays, revealing tantalizing scents, then grabs three plates from the cabinet. I still have no idea who the fuck they are.
Undeterred, the big one loads a plate up with wings, sliders, onion rings, and something that looks like an egg roll. He holds the plate out to me, then builds a second for himself.
I take a tentative bite of the egg roll, finding it filled with spicy chicken, tangy ranch, and crisp, shredded carrots. The wings are in various flavors: garlic Parmesan, Korean BBQ, and one that’s both sweet and tangy. I groan slightly with each new flavor. “This is delicious.”
The giant smiles proudly. “My Bella’s a hell of a cook. We stopped by the restaurant on the way here.”
My eyes dart to the paper takeout bag next to the trays of food. Pop. The restaurant Nic owns with her friends. Suddenly it clicks. “You must be David then. Which would make you Bree’s husband?”
“The baby didn’t give it away?” He sways to the side, and I catch a glimpse of copper curls and rosy cheeks. “Figured we could have a little boys’ night to welcome you to the crazy.”
“Not that the girls know we’re here,” David adds. “They think this one is driving around to lull the baby to sleep. Instead, he grabbed me and convinced Asher to pack up food. He would have joined us, but he’s in charge when Annabel isn’t in the kitchen.”
“Hey now, I told my wife I’d see if you wanted to grab some coffee. Didn’t mention it would be at Nic’s apartment, or that it would include Nic’s secret husband.” He turns to me and his green eyes sparkle with intelligence and interest. “So, how did you manage to tie down that one?” With practiced motions, he unclips the carrier and starts feeding the baby from a nearby bottle.
“How much do you know?” I’m stalling.
“Not much. Bree made the story sound like something out of a rom-com. The whole situation is so out of character for Nic.”
