Page 136 of Mr. Wicked

I knew that because I remembered the conversation I’d had with her about her father and the Red Sox.

I want a man who’s going to take my dad to a Red Sox game because my family is as important to him as they are to me.

“I wouldn’t have said it if I didn’t mean it,” I told her.

“Oh my God, he’s going to go wild, and I know just how to play it—that man is going to be putty in my hands. I can’t wait.”

I laughed again. “See you when you get home.”

“Thank you.” Her voice had quieted and turned more serious. “No, really, thank you.”

“I know just how you can thank me later.”

Easton looked at me as Jovana said, “And you know I will,” and we both hung up.

“Who the fuck are you?” he asked me as I set my phone next to my tablet.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, I’ve never heard you talk to a woman this way. You’re either snapping or growling. But you’re never giving them advice, you’re never offering up your Red Sox tickets to who, I assume, was her dad.” He turned toward me. “Whether you’re fishing or hooking, you’re in, out, and you’re done. But you know what I heard just now?” He searched my eyes. “A conversation between two people who sound like friends.”

I shrugged. “I guess we are—or we’re becoming, but yeah, we’re moving in that direction.”

“It’s amazing to see, my man.” He reached across the back cushion, clasping the area around my collarbone. “If you’re talking a future Red Sox game, that must mean it went well when you asked her dad about marrying her?”

I guzzled several sips of beer, remembering the conversation I’d had with Ernie. “He gave me his blessing, and right before we left their place, he hugged me like I was already his son-in-law.”

Easton’s grip tightened. “That must be a relief?”

“Relief? No.” I shook my head before I gazed up at him. “This whole thing is making me feel like shit.” But at the same time, the realness I’d shared with Ernie also made me feel a bit lighter. “There’s just so many layers to it and ...” My free hand slid through my hair until I had enough to grab, and I pulled those strands.

Ernie had been so honest with me, and I’d been as candid and raw as I could with him.

I just respected him so much.

And Caroline.

And Jovana.

“You don’t want to hurt her.” His voice had softened. “Or hurt them.”

I sucked in a deep breath. “That’s the last thing I want. Especially now that I’ve met them.”

“I know this is going to sound a little weird given the situation, but you don’t have to rush things with her. Sure, you’re putting a ring on her finger and you’re getting married, but all that is is a piece of paper. You guys can still take your time. Slowly get to know each other. Travel. Go on dates. It’s not like you have to start a family and get a joint bank account and put the deed of your condo in her name, too, all within the next year.”

“True.”

When he released my shoulder, he gave it a small push. “Don’t let the details get into your head. In fact, don’t even think about them. Just enjoy this part.”

“Easy for you to say, asshole.” I waved my hand across the air, like I was smacking someone’s cheek. “Your face isn’t about to be plastered all over social media in an international ad campaign.”

“Delete the apps off your phone or just don’t open them—you do know how to keep yourself occupied without scrolling fucking TikTok, don’t you?”

I reared my neck back. “And I’m the dick?”

“Dude, are you going to be crying this hard when your salary doubles and your bonus is in the millions?” He paused. “Holden would tell you the same thing if he wasn’t tied up somewhere with Belle.”

“My last bonus was two million. I expect this one to be a lot higher.”

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