Harper grins like a feral raccoon.
 
 The flowers are exactly what I always talk about on my IG stories.
 
 Tara whispers, “Are those?—”
 
 Chloe grabs the card before I can, reading it aloud. “For my future wife. Vegas has never looked better because of you. Love, Connor.”
 
 My face burns. My heart clenches.
 
 What is this man doing to me?
 
 * * *
 
 I’min a pedicure chair when another knock sounds.
 
 A spa employee walks in with a Starbucks cup and a small bag.“Iced caramel mocha and a chocolate croissant for Allie Payne.”
 
 I stare in disbelief.Those are my favorites.
 
 “You okay?” Harper asks, trying not to laugh.
 
 Tara fans herself while Chloe giggles at my reaction.
 
 I reach for the note attached to the cup. It’s Connor’s messy scrawl.
 
 As I silently read it, my breath catches and my heart squeezes.
 
 My Wife,
 
 Fuel up, baby. You’ve got a long night ahead of you.
 
 You’re all mine.
 
 – Your Husband
 
 My defenses crumble.
 
 I sip the coffee and stare at the flowers.
 
 Harper raises her mimosa. “To Mrs. Byrns!”
 
 Tara cheers.
 
 Chloe kicks her feet and gets scolded by the spa tech.
 
 I groan, but don’t correct them.
 
 Because Connor’s winning me over.
 
 And the worst part?
 
 I want him to.
 
 I want every piece of that chaotic man.
 
 42
 
 ALLISON