"Because it would look retaliatory. We're mid-acquisition. I don't need another scandal."
Christian raises his glass. "So you're keeping her around to keep up appearances."
"Exactly."
“Right,” Roman nods. “Definitely not because you're into her."
I stare straight ahead. "Say that again and I'm un-inviting myself from your wedding.”
“You could…if you don’t mind Calli sticking a bridal bouquet up your ass when she finds out we no longer have a Best Man.”
Christian snorts. “You okay with shitting flower petals for an entire week?”
My friends laugh together, looking skeptical, and I’d never admit it, but fuck, honestly, I am too.
Because the truth is, I've been avoiding Harper since Monday morning.
I know she's in her office—the small one three doors down from mine. I know her schedule because Gina coordinates it. I know she's been keeping her head down, doing her job, not causing problems.
And I know that every time I walk past her office, I resist the urge to look inside.
To see if she's actually as fine with this arrangement as she pretends to be.
Not because I’m checking out her long, toned legs beneath her pencil skirts, that full pink pout of hers that makes itself known every time she’s thinking too hard or the curve of her ass and hips when she?—
"You're doing it again," Christian says.
I blink. "Doing what?"
"That thing where you zone out and stare into the middle distance."
"I don't stare at anything.”
"You’re right. You’re not staring. You’re brooding.”
Roman grins. "He's thinking about her."
"I'm thinking about the board meeting."
"Sure you are."
My phone buzzes on the table between us. I glance at the screen.
RACHEL (PR): Harper's publicity materials need updating. Send me professional photos of you two together. Candid. Warm. NOT the Vegas ones.
ME: We don't have photos together.
RACHEL (PR): Then take some. Smile. Look like you don't want to die. This is your life now.
I set the phone down.
"Rachel?" Christian guesses.
"She wants couple photos."
Roman laughs. "This is the best thing that's ever happened to you."
"I'm glad my life crisis amuses you."
