Page 23 of Trust Me With Forever

I blew out a breath. Best to stick as close to the truth as possible. “We care for each other and are giving it a shot. I’m sure once Abby explains it, her brothers will calm down a little.”

“I’m not so sure about that.”

I growled. “It’s not like I’m some criminal. So I have a past and was wild when I was younger. By all accounts, so were you.”

“I partied in college, like everyone else. And I couldn’t care less about your past, as you’ve worked hard to get this place upand running, and I admire that.” He leaned forward. “But Abby has had a hard time. You’ve heard the rumors, I’m sure.”

“Don’t fucking listen to the rumors.”

He put his hands up in front of him. “I’m sure most of them are bullshit. But over the last year or so, her family has been circling around, trying to protect her. And if even a smidgen of the rumors are true, she deserves far more from a husband than giving it a try.”

I knew that, of course. But Icouldhelp Abby with her ex problem, which might give her a better future.

Not that I could tell Mark any of that. As much as I trusted him, I wouldn’t share Abby’s secrets.

“We decided together to try and see if this marriage could work. And there’s so much about her that Idolike—she’s smart and sexy and devoted to her family. Plus, since we grew up together, she knows me better than any other woman in the world.”

Mark searched my gaze before eventually nodding. “It’s not my job to meddle, although I can’t speak for my wife.”

His wife, Ashley, had been trying to fix me up ever since I’d returned to Starry Hills. And now that I had a wife? She’d probably suggest romantic things I could do to win Abby over. “I can handle Ashley, don’t worry.”

“I’m more worried about the Wolfe brothers. And yes, I know you said you can handle them. But you weren’t around when Abby was in high school. My wife’s cousin was in her class, and that poor girl…the Wolfe brothers scared the shit out of most of the guys in her year and above.”

Not wanting to wonder if they’d also protected my sister just as fiercely—Emmy had moved in with the Wolfe family when she was ten—I replied, “If I can deal with entire countries being pissed at me for making a mistake on the field, then I can handle some overprotective brothers.”

“If you say so.” Mark studied me and then shrugged. “I’ll leave it alone for now. As for our meeting with the contractors later today…”

As Mark went over his concerns and proposed some possible changes, I focused on my business and what it needed. This was my new purpose, something to give my life meaning after soccer had been ripped away from me, and I wasn’t about to fuck it up.

Chapter Ten

Abby

Aunt Lori:Are you sure you don’t want to join me and my friend on our trip to Disneyland next week?

Me:No, have fun! I have plenty to do here.

Aunt Lori:You need to leave the house more, Abby.

Me:I do leave the house.

Aunt Lori:I’m not talking about the grocery store or a drive-thru. Ever since you moved back home, you’ve been hiding most of the time. Won’t you talk to me?

Me:I’m going to West and Emmy’s dinner. That’s out.

Aunt Lori:I guess that’s a start. Besides, Rafe should be there. He’s yummy to ogle.

Me:Please tell me you’re not going to ogle Rafe.

Aunt Lori:I’m older, not dead. And since I’m still waiting for my chance with that new guy, looking is all I have. Besides, Rafe is RAWR. Imagine him tackling you for the ball.

Me:He played soccer, not football.

Aunt Lori:It’s a fantasy. I can do whatever I want.

Me (typed but deleted):He’s my husband! Stop it! He’s mine and mine alone.

Me (actual reply instead):That’s my cue to leave. Tell your fantasies to your friend.

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