Page 56 of Hook Up

“Don’t nothing me. What did you think I was going to say?”

“That you wanted an annulment.”

Her off-the-cuff reply knocks me sideways. “Where did that come from?”

She shrugs, her gaze fixed on the floor.

“Gigi, we are never getting divorced. Not happening.”

But instead of a smile lighting up her face, she only offers a slight nod. “It just seemed odd that you weren’t wearing you ring, so I thought…who knows what I thought? I’m beat from work and I have an early conference call in the morning. Can we talk tomorrow?”

No way will I end this call with her on that note. She needs to understand how much I adore her.

“I love you, Greer Gray. Do you hear me? I’m a total shit for not wearing my ring and I’ll tell the world tomorrow, I promise.” I send her a smile, trying to coax one in return. “I just wanted you by my side so I could make every man jealous that I had you and no one else ever would. Actually, I’m desperate for you to be here. I’ve spent so many days without you, and I’m not sure how many more I can stand. When you boarded that plane, you took the color out of my life.”

Greer releases an exasperated sigh, those wide eyes finally meeting my gaze. “Damn you. That was good. How am I supposed to stay mad after such a romantic sentiment?”

I chuckle, letting my fingers trace the lines of her face on the screen. “An annulment? You are way off. In fact, I want to know when we can start prepping for our next phase.”

“Phase?”

“You. Me. A ton of sex. Nine months later, you get the picture.”

“A secret marriage and I lose my bikini body? I don’t know. That might be too much to ask.”

“You know I’m knocking you up, right? You’ll rock a bikini, even at nine months pregnant.”

“I highly doubt that fact.” She’s trying to maintain a serious expression, but I see the mischievous glint in her eye. “My bed is calling.”

“Damn thing never calls me.” Even though we’re now jovial, I need to drive home how serious I am about our marriage. Our future. The last thing I need is for Greer to distance herself. The woman is a master at shielding her emotions, even if she’s never been good at hiding them from me.

Somehow, we always got each other.

“I’ll issue a press release in the morning. Just be prepared. The media are going to have a field day with the news.”

“It will keep, Ryder. Your only focus should be ensuring that sexy ass is safe during the race. But once I’m back, and the race is over, that ring goes on your finger. Deal?”

“Forever and always.” I pull open my shirt, showing the medallion. “I’m ready to retire this guy. I want you as my good luck charm.”

“I’ll be there soon.”

“Not soon enough.”

We end the call, but I continue to weigh my options regarding our marriage. Maybe I should announce our betrothal and fuck anyone who doesn’t understand.

My doorbell peals, jolting me from my thoughts. Who the hell is stopping by now? My money is on Greg; he’s already managed to lock himself out of the pool house once today.

But it isn’t Greg standing on my vestibule. It’s Mandi.

Isn’t this a wonderful way to end an evening?

“What are you doing here?”

Shifting her weight, she sucks in a breath. “Can we talk?”

“About?” Yes, I’m curt, but I have no desire to rehash our sham of a relationship. Mandi has already chewed my ear several times over the last couple of weeks, volleying for a second chance.

She fails to realize she’s out of chances. The moment the love of my life walked back into my life, everyone else failed to exist. At least as far as I’m concerned.

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