Page 52 of The Nice Guy
This earns him an eye roll from his wife, but she doesn’t say anything. Even though it seems like things are getting better for them, moments like this make me doubt it.
Everett and Honor walk in, neither dressed up. We all look surprised considering how much Carter’s twin loves the holiday. Everett refused to give up trick-or-treating until we were sophomores in high school because of his love of Halloween.
“Hello,” Honor says as they walk over to our table. “I see you all watch a lot ofYellowstone.”
“Where’s your costume, Ev?” Darla asks.
“Halloween is for kids,” she answers for him. “We’re not children.”
“Could’ve fooled me,” I mutter, earning a laugh from Brynlee as she sips her soda.
My ex-girlfriend glares at me. “Comin’ from the man whose girlfriend doesn’t drink and sits on his lap? Good one.”
“I don’t need to inebriated to have fun,” Brynlee says. “And what Rhett offers makes this more like sitting on Santa’s lap. Only so much better.”
Her hips shimmy, and I can’t stop my hitching breath as I harden. “That’s just mean.”
“It’s not like you won’t get relief for it later on tonight,” she whispers in my ear. “Multiple times.”
My hands slide over her belly, just beneath her chest, and her breathing mirrors mine. “Two can play this game.”
“You’re puttin’ on a show,” Honor says. “Have somethin’ to prove to people?”
“No, we just like each other. If you’re so offended by this display of public affection, walk away,” Brynlee says with a shrug.
Whipping her hair as she turns, Honor stomps towards the bar. Everett just sighs. “Good to see you guys.”
“You know, you can dress up and come hang out with us,” Darla says. “You don’t have to do everythin’ Honor wants.”
“It’s not that simple,” he admits. “But if it makes you feel better, I was goin’ to go as Kayce.”
“You could have rounded out the group,” I say. “Go change and come back. We’ll wait for you.”
It’s the first time the two of us have said much more than greetings since he started dating Honor, and everyone looks as shocked as I feel by my comment. Not even I thought I’d get to a point where I could tolerate him with someone I cared about. Brynlee really has changed things.
He opens his mouth to say something, but Honor shouts his name. Groaning, he smiles at me. “Thanks, but I gotta go,” he says and taps the table before walking away.
Turning in my lap, Brynlee looks at me with her head tilted. “How did you put up with that?”
“I was basically a puppy dog and followed her wherever she went, so she never had to shout at me for attention,” I say, hating how honestly I answer her. Talk about humiliating.
She cups my face and gives me a sweet kiss. “I’m glad you’re away from her. You’re not a puppy.”
“Want to get out of here? I have somethin’ I want to show you.”
A devilish smirk appears on her face, and she glances down at my waist. “Yeah?”
“Not that. Well, yes, you don’t even have to ask for that, but it’s not what I’m talkin’ about.”
“Are you two makin’ plans to go and have sex?” Darla asks.
“Hopefully,” Brynlee says with a smile.
My best friend bursts out laughing and points at her. “I like you.”
“Carter, you’re married. Your wife is right there. And my man is dressed like Rip Wheeler while you’re Jamie Dutton. None of this will end well for you.”
Both Darla and I snort with laughter, and Carter nods, leaning back. “Okay, okay, I see you.”
