Page 50 of Property of Big Daddy

“Do you have some sort of unresolved Thad issues you’re trying to work through?”My best friend raises her perfectly threaded brow at me.

“God no.It’s just…okay you caught me.This is partly about Thad, but not in the way you’re thinking.I saw them the other day in front of the flower shop, and he was holding onto her wrist, and I don’t know.They looked like they were arguing, and it seemed really intense.I just thought.Damn, it’s none of my business.”

“Thought you’d invite her over and grill her about the man she’s dating who happens to be your shitty ex-boyfriend.”

“Maybe.I guess it sounds bad when you say it aloud.”

“It sounds bad because it is bad.You’re meddling, Gwynee,” Cecilia chides gently, following my gaze to Jessika, who is now grabbing a drink and a plate of food.

“I care about her in a sense, ya know?I don’t want her to end up like I did.Hurt and cheated on.”

Cecilia nods slowly, her gaze gentler now.“You’ve got a big heart.But make sure you’re not crossing any lines and getting sucked into more of that man’s bullshit.I doubt Big Daddy would like it if he found out what you’re up to.”

I sigh and lean back in my chair, taking a sip of my cocktail.“I know.”I frown.

My mood sours even though the afternoon continues as pleasantly as it had started, but I can’t help but keep an eye on Jessika throughout the day.She’s tense and still hasn’t removed her bathing suit cover up or taken a dip in the pool like the rest of us.And it seems as though she’s avoiding me.

“Hey,” I plop down next to her where she sits at the edge of the pool, dipping her toes in the water.

“Hi.Thanks for inviting me.”

“Of course.I hope you’re having a good time.Though I have noticed you’ve not gotten into the pool yet.”

“Thad didn’t want me to come.He was jealous that there might be guys around and, well, you aren’t exactly his favorite person.”

“He’s not at the top of my list either.”

I nudge her shoulder and she winces.

“Are you okay?”

“It’s nothing.I bumped it on a shelf at work the other day.A nasty bruise popped up, but it’s fine.”

“You know you can talk to me.”

“You don’t think Thad hurt me, do you?”She gets defensive and I ease off before I upset her any further.

“No.I was just meaning because Thad doesn’t want you to talk to me doesn’t mean you can’t.”It’s a lame save but she seems to buy it.

“Good, because I may need help planning my wedding.”She holds her left hand out and waves her shiny new ring in my face.

“Oh wow.You guys are engaged.He works fast.”

“He’s really good to me.”

“Honey, if you’re happy, then I’m happy for you.”

“Are you sure it’s not awkward chatting with your ex’s new girlfriend?”

“Not at all.”I’m not buying her story about the bruise, but for now I have to let it go.It’s really none of my business, and maybe Cecilia’s right.Maybe I merely want to see the bad in Thad because of what he did to me.

“Pardon the intrusion, ladies,” a deep voice interrupts my thoughts, and I turn to find Big Daddy at the entrance of the patio, all sexy in his jeans, shirtless, and barefoot, showing off his ink and muscles.“Gwynee, mind if I steal you away for a minute?”

“You’re already here.”I give him a teasing smile as I rise from my spot next to Jessika.“We’ll talk more about this wedding business later.”

My man offers me his hand, his fingers warm against mine.

As we walk away, I can feel the eyes of everyone on us, but more importantly, on him.There’s no denying Big Daddy commands attention wherever he goes.He’s a force to be reckoned with, and I’m lucky to be the only woman he wants.

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