Page 63 of A Duke for Stealing
Tristan, Hugo, Dominic, and Allistair all looked at him in shock.
“This is twice now,” Hugo noted.
“You are counting?” Everett quipped back. “Hugo, I had no idea you cared so much. I am flattered.”
Hugo grinned as he rolled his eyes and shook his head.
“You must admit it is strange of you,” Tristan said.
Everett turned to him with a wolfish grin.
“Glad you brought up strange,” Everett replied, “As I was going to ask you about strange habits.”
Tristan raised a curious brow.
“Me?” He asked.
“Yes,” Everett said, feeling a flare of jealousy as he recalled the garden party. “Tell me, old friend, do you have a habit of flirting with other people’s wives? Or is this a new trait you picked up?”
“Oh, dear,” Alistair muttered as full attention fell to Tristan and Everett.
“Everett, what in God’s teeth are you talking about?” Tristan asked him.
“My wife,” Everett stated, his tone and gaze suddenly sharp. “And how you flirted with her at the garden party.”
Tristan choked on his drink and gave Everett a furious look.
“I didwhat?”He asked.
“I did not stutter,” Everett replied.
The rage on Tristan’s face slowly transformed into a smirk, and he chortled.
“Well, God above. You are jealous. Who knew the day would ever come that you would be such a devoted husband?”
Everett’s temper sizzled at the remark, but he only smirked back.
He hadn’t been sure if he wanted to come out to see his friends, but it had been over a week since the garden party, and he wanted to check in. He’d expected some laughs, some goading as usual, but tonight, he was not finding himself very amused.
“Men change, you know,” Hugo spoke up, “Especially when it comes to a good woman. I think we can all agree that Rose is a fine lady.”
Everett glanced at him and could tell his friend was trying to lighten the mood.
“Agreed,” Everett grunted.
“Well, I am proud of you, old chum,” Tristan said with a dramatic sigh. “You are growing up. Very soon, you will not only be a devoted husband but also a devoted father. Come, you must agree that it is a good reason to have a drink with us. Have a glass.”
“I am not going to be a father,” Everett stated, feeling his frustration growing.
“Everett,” Dominic said, his tone low, wary.
Everett glanced around at his friends and saw the stress on their faces.
“We are just trying to lighten your mood,” Dominic went on. “You seem tense this evening. What is this about you not being a father?”
“I meant it,” Tristan said, his tone sincere, “You would make a devoted father. A great one.”
“I have my nieces. That is enough.” Everett answered stiffly.
