When he’d suggested I decorate the house, I’d been dying to say yes but couldn’t. That house already felt like a home. I didn’t want to get even more invested in it. It would just make it harder to say goodbye. Or... maybe we’d become a real family. Could that happen? Could he fall for me? Jesus, thinking like that was going to lead me to heartbreak... and yet, I couldn’t stop.
When I climbed out of the cab in front of the restaurant, I drew in a deep breath and nearly choked. New York was stifling hot in July, even in the evening. And the humidity was inescapable. My hair had already curled at the temples.
The restaurant boasted Corinthian-style columns and alabaster statues at the corners. Hunter and Ryker were sitting at a table for four on the left side of the room.
“Hello, boys.”
Ryker tilted his head, smiling. “I see I’m on my way to becoming the third wheel.”
“Don’t want to hurt your feelings, but I can’t contradict you,” I teased.
“Well, I’ve got what I came for anyway.”
&nbs
p; “Giving me white hair,” Hunter said in a grouchy tone. Ryker laughed. Even I laughed.
“I haven’t seen him in such a good mood in a long time. Someone’s in love.”
Ah... if only.
Ryker rose, kissing my cheek, then trapping my right hand between his palms. “Josie, you’re my only hope. I need you on my side on this.”
“You charmer, you.”
“Hey, I’m The Flirt, and proud of it. Don’t you get me mixed up with Cole.”
I laughed, shaking my head.
“Wouldn’t dream of it.”
“I can flirt just to prove I’m worthy of my nickname.”
“Go ahead.”
Hunter’s eyes snapped fire.
“Or maybe not. Someone’s jealous.” I batted my eyelashes at Hunter. “What? I’m not marrying Ryker, am I?”
I winked at him before focusing on Ryker.
“Hunter wants to have the bachelor party the night before the wedding. I have big plans, and I don’t think that would be wise,” Ryker said.
“We’re just going to have some drinks,” Hunter grumbled. Ryker smirked. They were definitely not just going to have some drinks.
“Are you going to return him to me in one piece?” I asked Ryker.
“I cannot promise that.”
“Without a hangover?”
“Also can’t promise that.”
I turned to Hunter. “So, since you’ll probably be hungover and in bad shape, I can’t have that on our wedding day. You should have your bachelor party the weekend before.”
Hunter narrowed his eyes. “You were supposed to come here to rescue me.”
“Yes, but Ryker’s case is so much more convincing than yours.”