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“You’re right,” he finally said. He shook his head. “I didn’t see it at first, but I did eventually. In fact, I told her that I was stopping my support in one month. My company has done some business with a client near her. I put in a good word, and she has an interview. That’s it for my help. Whatever happens now, she’s on her own.”
“When did you tell her all this?”
“A while ago.”
Tiffany looked surprised. “Really? You told her before you found out she was the one calling me?”
“Yes.”
The anger left her instantly. Tiffany linked her hands in his. “Thank you.”
He touched her cheek. “You’re welcome.”
“Ivan, listen to me. You’ve been kind, beyond generous and a true friend to her late husband. Especially considering the circumstances of his marriage to Debra, but now she’s using your compassion against you. I can deal with the fact that she blew up my phone trying to run me off, but that’s not going to happen. I’m here to stay, and the emotional blackmail that she’s been putting you through has to stop.”
“I don’t care about me, Tiffany. I can handle it, but her harassing you is unacceptable. You and your safety are my main priority.”
“I understand her motivation, but I’m not about to share you with any woman.”
He stepped closer. “Say that again.”
Tiffany poked him in the chest. “I won’t share you. Okay, maybe with your mom and grandmother, but that’s it—only women who are related to you, and then only conditionally.”
He hugged her tightly. “I’m not going to share you, either,” he informed her. “When my buddy told me who’d been calling you, I booked a flight to Madison. I’m going up there to settle this thing once and for all.”
“Correction. We are going. We’re going to sit down and discuss this like three rational adults.”
“And if that doesn’t work?” he inquired.
“Then I’m whipping out the Cane-Fu.”
They both started laughing at Tiffany’s declaration. Ivan gazed into her eyes.
“Are we good?”
“You mean, am I mad at you for your stalker ex-girlfriend prank-calling me?”
“Uh, yes.”
“No, I’m not. I’m not threatened or jealous with regards to Debra. She will never come between us,” Tiffany said confidently. “We’ll handle the situation—together.”
“That seems to be how we function best, isn’t it?”
“You got it, Mangum.”
He picked her up and headed for the stairs.
“Where are you taking me?” she demanded.
“To my bedroom. We have some makeup sex to get to.”
“But Ivan, I already said I’m not mad at you.”
His gaze could have singed her hair. “Well, I suggest you pretend.”
*
When they pulled up to Debra’s house, she came running out.
