Page 68 of Three Grumpy Groomsmen

“Thanks. Have a great weekend.”

I walk to my phone and pick it up.

It’s a text from Liam. I have his name in my phone as William the Cock Conqueror. He probably wouldn’t appreciate knowing that. But it’s a well-earned label.

My heart is pounding hard as I grab the phone and open the text. It’s actually a group text thread. I hit info and see it’s Liam, Ivy, Ford, and me.

Ivy and I are in Honeysuckle Harbor. The four of us need to talk.

I text back immediately.

Agreed. Want to meet at Raw? Glad you made it here safely.

Ivy responds.

Somewhere more private.

Ireallylike the sound of that. We have unfinished business.

This is my chance to pry open my mouth and actually admit how I feel—about both of them.

Love is risky business.

I’m not going to blow this opportunity.

Come to my house. 354 Worthington Way. I’m home now.

Liam answers.

On our way.

Great. See you soon.

Then I pick up the phone and call Ford.

He answers with, “I’m not coming over so don’t ask.”

I go into my wine cellar and pull out a couple of bottles of different white wines, since I don’t know what they like. I pop them in the fridge to chill as I tell Ford, “Get your ass over here now or be miserable for the rest of your life.”

“No.”

“I’ll stop being your friend.”

It’s an empty threat, and he knows it.

“No, you won’t. Harrison, I can’t. I’m in love with Ivy. I can’t watch her hanging all over Liam.” He sounds miserable and tortured.

“You need to come overbecauseyou’re in love with her. What if she wants to come over to tell you they’re just friends after all? Or that she’s in love with you, too?”

“You sound excited,” he complains. “Why are you excited?”

“Because they didn’t say we need to talk because they want to settle up the minibar bill. They have areasonand I’m convinced it will result in all of us very naked and very happy.”

“You think?”

He sounds doubtful, but with a glimmer of hope.

“I know so,” I say confidently, even though I have no idea if I’m right or not.

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