Page 33 of The First Best Man

Kate:Well, I DID leave your name on the note, after all.

Me:Of course, you did.

Kate:And a firm request that they drink every one of them because it was actually your wedding gift to the both of them.

Another laugh barks out of me with that. She might be joking, but I have a strong feeling she’s not.

Me:So my best friend of ten years thinks I gave him a twelve-pack of drinks he hates––and which I most definitely got for free––as his wedding gift for him and the love of his life?

Kate:You’re not mad, are you? *winking with tongue out emoji*

Me:I don’t get mad. I get even.

Kate:Bring it.

Me:These aren’t spirit fingers, THESE are spirit fingers.

Kate:First Mean Girls, now Bring It On? I’m shocked your movie tastes are so eclectic, Mr. Gibbs.

Me:I like variety.

Kate:In all things?

I pause and read the message again. What, exactly, is she asking me, and why does this text hit differently? It feels serious, like she’s trying to suss out the truth ofwhether or not I’m the playboy the media makes me out to be.

Or, I could be reading too much into it.

Either way, I’m not taking any chances.

Me:In movies, music, food, and fine wine. Otherwise, I’m a creature of habit. I find what I’m comfortable and happy with, then I stick with it. Loyal to the end.

I tap the icon to send the message, then hold my breath. When her response comes through, one corner of my mouth ticks upward.

Kate:Good to know.

Leaving my room, I head downstairs to be greeted by Miss Ginny, who offers me breakfast. Nodding, I sit down at the table and text Kate back.

Me:Miss Ginny just called me “big boy” and offered me some of her “flapjacks.” I don’t want to believe there’s an innuendo in there, somewhere, but…

Kate:Oh, there definitely is. Watch yourself with that one. Give her the slightest encouragement, and she’ll have you flat on your back and begging for mercy before you can blink…

I laugh again, but the humor dies as I imagineKatehaving me flat on my back…

Kate:See you in a bit?

I clear my throat and my mind before responding.

Me:I’ll be over a soon as I finish with Miss G’s flapjacks.

Kate:Just make sure you stretch, first!

I chuckle and tuck my phone into my pocket as Miss Ginny returns with a plate full of pancakes. She watches with a wide smile as I pour syrup over the top and wolf the stack down, complimenting her between bites like these are the best damn pancakesI’ve ever had. Hell, I’m not even lying. They’re really good.

Once I finish, I stand and move toward Miss Ginny. I thank her for the food, then lean in and give her a quick kiss on the cheek.

“Oh, you flirty devil,” she says with a bright blush before swatting me away. “Go on. Get out of here with that nonsense.”

I laugh, shoot her a wink, and spin on a heel, whistling as I go. Things are good.

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