I just didn’t know how far the sharing went.
“My maid of honor was more mymaleof honor. Riley is my oldest friend, but he broke his leg last week in a nasty rock-climbing accident in France. If he had been here ...”At least it wouldn’t have been him Mitch was fucking.“You know, it was only when I stepped out into the aisle that I noticed how small our wedding was. How few of the guests were my real friends. That’s weird, right?” I don’t wait for his response, especially as it might include pushing me out of a moving car. “I told myself it was because it was such short notice—my visa conditions meant we had to be married quickly.”Within six months.“That I couldn’t expect my real friends to travel. But the truth is, I never invited them. I half assed my own wedding. Can you believe that?”
“Hindsight is a wonderful thing,” he murmurs.
“I guess the silver lining is there were less people to witness the travesty.” I blow out an unsteady breath. “I wish Riley was here.”
“What would he do for you?”
“Get me drunk. Let me vent. Help me plot Mitch’s death.” The enormity of my situation hits me in a heavy wave. “Be here for me, because, right now, I don’t have ...”Anyone to turn to.“... my phone or my wallet or anywhere to go. I don’t even have shoes!”My eyes sting as I hold out my feet and stare down at pink painted toes sheathed in grubby silk stockings. “All I have is this damn dress and veil, and a thousand dollars’ worth of lingerie!” I cry, throwing up my hands. Then I cringe. Boy, do I cringe. “Forget I said that.”
“I don’t think I will.”
“Try. Please.”
“You’ve already established I’m not chivalrous. However, if you’d like to know if you overpaid, I’d happily offer my opinion.”
“Good try,” I say with a soft chuckle. “You know, contrary to popular opinion, women don’t buy underwear to please men.”
“Not even for their wedding night?”
“You’re still not looking.”
“My offer stands. Meanwhile, perhaps I can stand in for your best friend.”
“How do you mean?” I turn to face him.
“I could do what Riley would do for you.”
“I think I’ve inconvenienced you enough.” I’m desperate, not a charity case. Or maybe what I am is a desperate charity case. “You said yourself, you would’ve left me on the sidewalk five minutes ago.”
“That was before we were friends.” His tone suddenly turns velvety.
“Friends.” I sound less convinced. “Well, Riley would supply alcohol.”
“We’ll toast to your close escape.”
“And hold my hair when I vomit.”
“I think I might make a more responsible friend than Riley,” he answers with another wintry twist of his lips.
“How can we be friends when I don’t even know your name?”
“Oliver Deubel.” He holds out his hand.
“The fourth?” I blurt out.
“There’s only one of me.”
“Right. Good. Evelyn Fairfax. Evie to my friends.”
“Also to your ex-fiancé.” His thumb slides over my knuckle, and I force back a shiver. “I’m pleased to make your acquaintance, Evelyn.” Something in his delivery seems to dare me to protest, but I can’t muster a retort, his gaze licking at my insides like a flame. “I should probably warn you, I make a terrible friend.”
Chapter 3
OLIVER
“Welcome back, Mr. Deubel.” The doorman bids us welcome with a wide smile as he pulls on the door.
