Andrew started to say something, but Caroline beat him to it.
“Romantic gestures are always welcome, though, especially if they’re genuine.”
Andrew pointed at her with the pen. “You’re being politically correct, aren’t you? Modern women can’t admit that they want a caveman, in and out of the bedroom.”
“No. I’m trying to remind you that these books are fiction.” She walked to the shelf behind her. “This one is all about a hero who turns into a werewolf. Does that mean all women want a werewolf for a husband?”
“Is he alpha? Into kinky sex? Does he tell her how much he loves her to the point where you want to vomit?”
Caroline couldn’t argue with that. The hero in the book did do those things.
“See?” Andrew fist-pumped the air. “I’m right. I know exactly what to do to win Helen back. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go to Glasgow and buy a new suit. And some kinky gear.” He stopped in front of Caroline. “Do you know where to buy that stuff? It’s been a while since I’ve been to Glasgow.”
“No! I don’t know where the sex shops are.” She gave Josh a “please help me” look. He held up his hands. “Listen, Andrew, you don’t need to dress in a suit, or t-t-tie Helen up”—she flushed as she stuttered over the words—“to win her back. You only need to spend time with her, enjoy doing stuff together, talk to her, have fun. It’s that simple. That’s what women want. They want attention. They want to feel important to their husbands. They want to feel attractive and sexy. They want to feel loved. You don’t need the other stuff.”
Andrew snorted. “No offence, pet, but I’d rather take the advice of a bunch of freaky books than listen to a woman who had to make a deal with a stranger to get married.”
Josh shot to his feet. “Apologise now. We talked about how you treat my fiancée. This isn’t it.”
Caroline found it hard to look anywhere but the carpet. He was right. She didn’t know anything about men, romance or relationships. She’d had to bargain to get a chance at marriage. She was the last person he should listen to. She was pathetic.
A hand rested on her shoulder. She expected Josh, but looked up to find his father staring at her. It took a minute to realise there was compassion in his eyes.
“I am sorry, that came out wrong. I might not agree with this arranged wedding, but I’ve learned some things these past few weeks. You’re a good woman, Caroline. I’ll admit that I wish my son was marrying the love of his life, but I don’t think for a minute that you won’t do your best by him.” Caroline felt tears prick her eyes. Andrew cleared his throat, obviously embarrassed. “Okay, enough of this mushy stuff. I’m going to Glasgow. See you in a couple of days. Try to stop your mother from running off with another man while I’m gone.”
With that, he picked up his bag and strode out of the room.
They listened to the door bang shut.
“That little presentation of his was more than I’ve heard the man say in years. Pity most of it was complete and utter garbage.” Josh grinned down at her. “Think we should warn my mom?”
“What would you say? ‘Your husband is coming for you, he’s armed with fluffy handcuffs and he won’t take no for an answer’?”
Josh chuckled. “Yeah, let them sort it out themselves.” He turned her towards him. His eyes glinted with delight. “In the meantime, we have other things to deal with. My father is gone and we have the whole house to ourselves. Now”—he waggled his eyebrows at her—“what do you think we should do with our time?”
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Whatever Josh’s plans, they went up in smoke about two seconds after the words were out of his mouth. Caroline’s front door swung open and a voice shouted, “Josh, get out here.”
Josh hung his head. “It’s Mitch. What does a guy have to do in this town to get a little privacy?”
He squeezed Caroline, kissed h
er hair and lumbered off at his usual laid-back pace to see what his best friend wanted. Caroline sighed and followed. The men were in her garden, staring at her house. They had identical poses—legs apart, arms folded. And identical looks on their faces—angry.
“What is it?” Caroline stepped out to join them.
“Have you called the cops?” Mitch said.
“I came in the back door. This is the first I’ve seen it.”
“I’ll call.” Mitch pulled out his phone. “With everything that’s happening, I’ve got the guy on speed dial.”
Caroline turned to see what the men were staring at, and sucked in a breath. Paint-splattered words decorated the wall of her house. The words were a stark reminder of a truth Caroline already knew. You’re not good enough for Josh.
“At least they can spell.” Her hand fluttered to her throat. “Lots of people miss the apostrophe in you’re.”
Josh raised an eyebrow at her, but it disappeared as soon as he spotted the quivering lips she was trying to hide. “Don’t let it get to you. We’ll sort it.”