Page 127 of Mr. Charming

“And I’d really appreciate it if you didn’t go dancing with Davis or anything,” I say over my shoulder.

Tedi giggles, not telling me she won’t. Then Imogen giggles, and I see the two of them hugging.

Saige crosses her arms and stares at me as though she’s waiting for me to fall to my knees and beg her to accept us. I’m ready to do it, but then she laughs. “It’s about fucking time you got your head out of your ass.”

“You don’t need me to convince you?”

Her arms loosen, and she tilts her head. “Tweetie, I know the kind of guy you are. You’re the same guy who made my best friend fall in love with him all those years ago. Now, I don’t love everything that went down, but if she’s ready to move on, which she seems to be, then I’m good.”

“Seriously?” I arch an eyebrow.

“What did you expect? That I’d put up a fight? I’ve always loved you, Tweetie.”

I shrug. “I just thought I’d have to do more convincing.”

She laughs. “You’re too hard on yourself.” She touches my forearm. “But you are aware that if things go south and it’s your fault, I’m not going to be so nice.”

“I know, Saige.” I chuckle.

“But that’s not going to happen. I have a great feeling about you two this time around. She seems…” She looks over to where Tedi is talking with Kane and Jana. “I don’t know. Maybe she’s done all this growth these last few years, and I didn’t see it because I’m such a big part of her life, but…”

I don’t say anything because Saige is right. There’s something different with Tedi now. The old Tedi would have never orchestrated this night. She would have never been able to handle seeing another woman on my arm. It’s sexy as fuck that she’s so confident in us, in me. All this shit with Bud and my contract doesn’t mean anything. Maybe it’s time to hang up my skates and just be done with it all and focus all my attention on what means the most to me.

“Yeah. I know what you’re saying.”

“I can’t wait to see you two really together.” Saige gives me a big, cheesy grin, then squeezes my arm. “Now excuse me, I have to go seduce my husband.”

But Aiden’s already on his way toward us.

“I love her,” I say. “I know those are simple words, but the feeling that goes along with them isn’t. I have no way to convey how strongly I feel for her.”

She nods. “Those of us who know, know. You don’t have to explain.”

Then she walks away, and Aiden smiles at me over her shoulder. He whispers something in her ear, and she laughs.

Tedi is still talking to Imogen, head tossed back in a laugh. Fuck, we’ve been here, like, fifteen minutes, and I already want her in my arms.

But I’m a man on a mission, and I’m going to make this time count. We may not be able to act as though we’re a couple, but I can still solidify our future. So I head across the room to the next people I need to make amends with.

Jana stiffens and taps Kane’s arm when she clocks my approach.

“Tweetie.” Kane puts his hand out between us.

I shake it and move my attention to Jana. “How are you guys?” I ask, hating the awkwardness between us.

“We’re good,” Kane answers, and Jana’s silence doesn’t go unnoticed. “Busy with the kids.”

“I’m sure. Listen.” I look over my shoulder. “I just wanted to say, I’m sorry.”

Jana sucks in a breath.

“Tweetie, you don’t have to—” Kane begins, but I interrupt.

“I do. I acted like an asshole. It hurt, it did, but I understand that you had a business to run. At the time, I was pissed, and I was hurt, but mostly I felt betrayed by you guys because we were friends. When it all went down with Tedi, I think… no, I know I blamed you both. Thought you ruined my future—my career and with Tedi. And I’ve held that blame and resentment all these years. I just wanted to come over here and say I’m sorry.”

“It was such a hard decision for us. I don’t want you to think we went into it lightly,” Jana says.

“Honestly, looking back now, I’m not sure you would’ve soared with us like you have. Warner’s still there, and you aren’t the kind of guy who wants to play second line his entire career. You’re too good for that.” Kane runs his hands through his long hair. “Look at you now. You’re a force to reckon with. You, Aiden, and Warner are the final three left from that dynasty. Cory, but he’s still got age on his side. All that to say, I think you ended up right where you should have. The star on a team. An integral part of the team. Fucking Jagger Kale with his Trifecta.” He rolls his eyes.

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