Page 95 of Rockstar's Accidental Marriage

The drive to Cass’s house feels hollow. Emily hasn’t answered my last few texts, and I’m guessing I’ll find her there. I can’t blame her for not being at the beach house, as she didn’t even know I was coming home. Yet, it doesn’t make walking into Cass’s house any easier.

When I knock, Cass opens the door with a raised brow. “Look what the cat dragged in.”

“Hey,” I say, my voice sounding as tired as I feel.

He steps aside to let me in, his expression unreadable. “Emily’s out with Kendrick,” he says as I walk past him into the living room. “They’re shopping for baby stuff.”

Cass drops onto the couch and studies me with a raised brow. “I was going to kick your ass when I saw that photo,” he finally says, his tone even. “But you already look like someone beat me to it.”

I let out a humorless chuckle and sink into the armchair across from him. “Things between Emily and I were already feeling strained.”

Cass shakes his head. “Damn. I’m sure that photo didn’t help things.”

“No, it didn’t,” I say quickly, running a hand through my hair. “Bobbi and I used to date in high school. She’s even met Emily, but Bobbi just showed up at the feed store and kissed me. I didn’t know a reporter was lurking in the bushes.”

Cass snorts. “Reporters are always lurking. You should know that by now.”

“I do,” I admit, leaning back in the chair. “I just… I wasn’t prepared.”

“Bad timing, or is this more?” He rubs his chin thoughtfully. “Do you think Derrick is behind this? Just another way to hurt Emily?”

“I hadn’t thought of that.” Frowning, I lean forward, my elbows on my knees. “But you could be right. This almost felt planned…” My fist hits the arm of my chair. “Dammit, Cass. I was set up.”

“Sorry, man.” Cass sighs, “Listen, I know things aren’t always what they seem–Emily does, too.”

“Maybe we need to tell her about Derrick,” I say quietly. “She didn’t yell or scream, but I could hear it in her voice. She’s hurt.”

“Let’s hold off if we can. I’d rather not tell her yet.” Cass studies me for a long moment, then sighs. “But if Emily is hurt, we need to figure out how to fix it.”

“What do you suggest?” Glancing at him, with my jaw tight. Then sarcastically, “Oh, wise one?”

He smirks. “Something big–a grand gesture.” Warming to the idea, he leans closer. “Show her you’re serious. That you’renot just sorry—you’re invested.” He leans back with a shrug. “Women like that kind of thing.”

“A grand gesture,” I repeat, but I can’t seem to think of a thing. “Like what?”

“That’s for you to figure out,” he shrugs. “But make it good, Sam.”

The front door opens then, and the sound of Kendrick and Emily’s voices fill the house. My chest tightens at the sound of her voice, but when she steps into the living room, her expression shuts down the moment she sees me.

“Hi,” I say, standing.

She barely meets my eyes. “Sam. How’s your dad?”

My eyes hungrily drink her in. She looks great, but there are dark circles under her eyes. “He’s fine. We fixed the back fence, and I helped him load up on supplies–”

“Yeah, I saw,” Emily interrupts coldly. “Kendrick, I’m going to put these in my car,” she says abruptly, lifting a few shopping bags. Without another word, she disappears outside.

Kendrick looks at me, her hands on her hips. “I would suggest you go after her.”

I glance at Cass, who gives me a pointed look. “Don’t just stand there. Go talk to your wife.”

I hesitate. “She doesn’t want to talk to me.”

“Then figure things out and fix it,” he says firmly. “Or do I need to spell it out for you?”

I mutter something under my breath and follow Emily out the door. When I reach the drive her car is already gone. I turn and head back inside, feeling more lost than ever. Cass is back on the couch. He glances up curiously as I reenter the room.

“Didn’t go so well, huh?” he asks.

---