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“Stop looking at me like that.”
He played innocent. “Like what?”
“Like I’m a trophy you hang on a wall.”
A small smile spread across his lips. “If the heel fits, Mrs. Hunter.”
I winced. It was quick, but he saw it.
“It’s not like that between Beau and me. You’ve read us all wrong. You know my father will probably run for president, and this is just his way of showing off.”
“Still living your life for your old man, Livvy?”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“Not in so many words, but that’s what you just said.”
“What do you expect from me, Ethan? What do you want from me?”
“You know what I want,” he openly shared. “You’ve known since we were kids, and I surprised you with our waterhole one morning. It hasn’t changed. It never changes between us. You know that as much as I do. You may be marrying another man, but we both know who you belong to. Remember, Livvy… you once promised me that you’d never forget that you were mine first.”
I gasped, stepping back. “That’s uncalled for.”
At that moment, I hated that he knew so much about me.
I hated that our childhoods were entwined together like the weaving of a tightrope.
I hated that I couldn’t think of one experience that didn’t involve him in it.
But most of all, I hated that he did indeed claim all my firsts.
“It doesn’t make it any less true.”
“Stop it,” I ordered, shaking my head in disappointment.
“I know you inside and out, so stop pretending I don’t.”
I was about to respond, but he breathed out, “Do you love him more than me?”
“That’s not fair,” I argued, trying to control the emotions threatening to take over.
“You’re right. If life were fair, then you’d be marrying—”
“Ethan,” Beau interrupted, abruptly walking into the room. As soon as he stood beside me, he laid his hand on the swell of my back. “Glad to see you could make it.” He glanced at me for a second. “Doesn’t my girl Livvy look gorgeous?”
My eyebrows pinched together. He’d never called me Livvy before. Nobody called me that but Ethan. We locked eyes, and I could see that Ethan had the same thought as I did.
“Yes,” Ethan agreed. “My girl Livvy does look gorgeous.”
“Alright,” I chimed in, not allowing this to go much further. “If you’re both done peeing on me, I think it’s time to go greet our arriving guests.”
Beau chuckled. “All in good fun, Elizabeth. You know how much Ethan and I enjoy busting each other’s balls. Besides, you have two men battling for your affection. Ethan may claim your past, darling, but we all know I have your future.”
“Claiming her past isn’t the only thing that’s mine forever.”
“Ethan,” I snapped.
Beau didn’t hesitate, snapping, “What do you mean by that?”
