Page 102 of Marrying Off My Husband

“Second, how could you see this as an imposition? You’re my best friend, and Spencer is your boyfriend. Now, if you think you’re imposing on the two people who love you most in the world, then you just need to change how you think.”

Eve let her gaze fall to her lap, her forehead creasing before she shot me a glance. I couldn’t read the emotion in her eyes. Was she begging me for help to ensure she didn’t have to livewith me or searching for validation that I wanted her to stay with us.

“Tell her, Spencer. Tell her that this isn’t burden at all.”

“It’s not a burden,” I answered, meaning it. Eve was the least obtrusive person I’d ever met. She probably wouldn’t upset the balance of the house at all. “And it’s probably for the best.”

I added the second part because I knew my wife well. I’d never hear the end of it if I didn’t make it sound like I wanted her to stay with us.

I wasn’t opposed to it, actually. It would be nice to help Eve. She’d helped me out enough, I owed it to her. Plus, it would make scheming about Louise’s dates much easier.

We could easily talk, and we definitely needed to. It looked like this date was going to be a bust and judging by the message I’d spotted on the dating app when she’d been late, I doubted he’d be up to reschedule.

Plus, I could now avoid that date where Louise expected me to kiss her.

“See?” Louise encouraged, taking her hand.

“I don’t–”

“Really, you should listen to Louise on this. Six weeks is a long time to be hobbling around, trying to do it all. But I have a chef and a butler, so it’s no worries. Plus, I promise a seaside bedroom so you’ll have a nice view during your recovery.”

“The doctor recommends some time by the sea,” Louise added.

“I, uh, I guess it makes sense. I just…I’m sorry, I feel a little bad. I mean it’s not a bad break.”

“Doesn’t matter what it is, you need help. Now, let us help you.” Louise patted her hand.

With the agreement in place, we waited for Eve’s ankle to be set in a cast before she was discharged with pain meds that I’dtasked my butler with picking up immediately while he gathered her things from her apartment.

Louise chattered away as we wheeled her outside, and I slipped the security guard a few more bills to retrieve our cars. After helping Eve into Louise’s coupe, I climbed behind the wheel of my own and followed them home, my mind whirling.

Suddenly, living with Eve didn’t seem like such a good idea. With every mile closer to the house, I worried more and more.

It wasn’t that I thought she’d be a problem, but I was convinced that I would be. I’d already grown attached to her, and I knew this would only make it worse.

My heart launched itself into my throat as we pulled up the drive. Louise parked her car and raced from behind the wheel, skirting the car and pulling Eve’s door open. “Now, don’t you move.”

“Lou, I can use the crutches to get into the house. It’s not that far.” Eve reached for the metal objects as Louise slapped her hands away.

“No. Spencer? Spencer, get over here.” She pointed at Eve. “Carry her inside and get her settled on the couch.”

“Louise,” Eve said, a warning in her voice that did little to dissuade Louise.

“Dut, dut, I don’t want to hear it. Spencer.” She waved a hand toward Eve who offered me a penitent smile as she slid an arm around my shoulders.

I lifted her easily.

“Sorry,” she whispered. “I’ll use the crutches when she’s not home.”

“I heard that. I will not be leaving this house until you have recovered,” Louise called from behind us.

I didn’t mind carrying her. In fact, I felt like the hero in one of those bad romance movies I’d watched earlier. Too bad it wouldn’t last.

CHAPTER 25

LOUISE

Ihummed a happy tune as I fluffed the last pillow, carefully setting it in the center of the bed Eve would use while she stayed with us for a few weeks.

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