Page 84 of Golden Rule

I’m not convinced I won’t have to one day put Blue’s new business partner in his place, but for now, I’m committed to not making this harder on my wife.

Because ineverysituation, her happiness is my only concern.

@QweenPandora:

What an interesting turn of events. First, the King and Queen of Cypress Pointe were spotted filling up their tank at a gas station in neighboring North Brook. Now, it appears they had a coffee date with everyone’s fav smoke-show contractor.

There were no homicide codes on the police scanner, so it seems #KingMidas didn’t have to come down from his throne for a beheading. However, if he’s seen what we’ve seen in the images submitted, I’m not certain he’ll always be so cordial.

Stay tuned.

Later, peeps :)

—P

Chapter Twenty-Five

West

“You’re quiet,” Blue says.

My guess is that hopeful tone to her voice means she’s praying my bad mood has nothing to do with the meeting, but it does. I trustherwith everything in me, but Seth? I’m not wrong about him.

She glances over when I don’t respond, staring as I make a right turn, heading toward the pharmacy to pick up the scripts Dr. Tyler called in. I’m not ignoring her. I just know we’ve had more arguments than usual lately, and I don’t want that today. Iwant to get home and have peace. I want to get there and enjoy my wife without the added tension.

“I’m good,” I finally answer, knowing she’ll think I’m pissed atherif I say nothing at all.

I feel her eyes on me, though, which usually means she’s got more to say.

“You hated him.”

I take a breath, letting my silence speak for itself.

“If it makes you feel better, I can find another contractor. He’s not the only person in town who?—”

“No,” I cut in. “I’m not sending you on a wild goose chase, Babe. You found someone you trust with the project, someone who sees your vision, and that’s not always a given. I’m fine. Really.”

I place a hand on her thigh to reassure her I won’t be a dick moving forward. Besides, my faith in her is so strong, I know I’ve got nothing to worry about.

“Thank you.”

Her voice is soft and sweet, and I’m sorry I ever made her feel like she needed to make changes.

“Can you at least tell me what got under your skin today?”

I think it over and shrug. “Can’t really put my finger on any one thing. There was just… something about him. Like he’s just waiting for an opportunity.”

“Yeah, but, you know that if he ever tried something, you wouldn’thaveto do anything about it.Iwould. Any kind of interaction with us will only ever be professional.”

I smile at that, because she’s right. She’s never been a girl who needsanyoneto step in to rescue her, but that doesn’t change the fact that that’s what’s in my nature to do. Even before she became legally mine.

“I know. But thanks for the reminder.”

She smiles again. “Of course.”

I fall quiet like before, focused on the road, trying to erase that smug face from memory; however, something else he said pops into my head.

“But what was that shit about me not being home? Not having enough time for you?”

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