That explains why Theo called me over a dozen times earlier, and when I texted to tell him I was in a meeting, he said he’d get back to me later.

“Ev, I’m fine,” Cash reassures me. “My shoulder is stiff, but it’s not anything a massage won’t fix.” He winks. “In case you’re worried, I didn’t tell him about the acquisition, only about our pact and getting hitched in Vegas.”

“So, he thinks we’re going to give this a real shot?” I motion between us.

“Yeah, for now. When you’re ready, we’ll tell him the truth together.”

I appreciate that Cash followed the plan and didn’t mention the business deal to Theo. This situation is getting messier and more complicated by the day. At this rate, I really do think we’ll need a detailed spreadsheet to keep track of who we’ve told what.

My phone buzzes on the counter, the sound echoing throughout the mostly empty kitchen.

Theo: I’m at the airport heading to California for business. I wanted to check in before the plane takes off since we weren’t able to talk earlier.

Theo: I went to Cash’s office to confront him about you two getting married.

Everly: He just told me.

Theo: It sounds like I was the last person to know.

Everly: I was afraid you’d overreact, and it sounds like I was right.

Theo: My reaction was completely justified, and I’m sure Cash agrees.

Theo: Are you staying at his place?

Everly: Yes.

Theo: Fuck, I hate this. You’re my sister.

Everly: And Cash is your best friend.

Theo: Exactly. He knows you’re off-limits.

Everly: I’m an adult. Don’t I have a say in who I marry?”

Theo: No one is good enough for you.

I take a deep breath, mentally scolding myself for sounding irritated in my last text. Theo’s only looking out for me. I withheld important information from him that involves Cash and me—the two most important people in his life. And he has every right to express his frustration about it.

Everly: I love you, Theo.

Theo: I love you too, sis.

Theo: You’ll always come first. No matter what. And I’m here to hide the body if things don’t work out with you and Cash.

Everly: Omg, stop it. That’s not funny.

Theo: It totally is.

Theo: I have to go. The plane is taking off. I’ll text when I land.”

Everly: Okay. Be safe.

My phone buzzes again, and I check, thinking it’s Theo sending another reply, but I sigh when I see it’s Landon this time.

Landon: I miss you.

Landon: I still want to take you out to dinner when I come to London.