Page 40 of Kiss the Bride

“I don’t need to be a dick, but Olivia is really struggling with what you did, and now Mitchel.” I look towards Olivia who has her knees clasped to her chest and knocks her head against the wall each time she rocks back. I know she needs answers to the questions that she’s never been able to ask. Even without the phone on speaker, she can hear each word.

“I met the most beautiful woman in the world she was the absolute love of my life,” he says and I can hear the love in his voice. “She gave me two amazing children that I love more than life. But we became good friends and stopped, I don’t know being the people we wanted to be. I didn’t wake up one moment and decide to cheat on Rachel. But then when I met Sondra she made me want to fall in love again. Look, Sondra wasn’t the first woman I cheated with. I never thought I’d leave Olivia’s mother—I honestly thought that we would be together, forever. I was wrong. I learned to love another woman, but that didn’t mean I stopped loving Rachel. Just in a different way.”

“Sir that’s messed up”

“I’m not about to defend Mitchel’s actions. He should have had the guts to stand up and tell my daughter that he wasn’t ready for marriage.”

“Olivia’s sitting next to me is there anything you want to say to her?” I put the phone on speaker so she doesn’t miss a word.

“Sweetheart, I’m sorry for how much I hurt you, Marcus, and your mother. I promise you that not every relationship ends up like that. I promise you that you deserve someone who will put you first. You deserve someone who is your best friend, your best lover—not that I need to know the details—and who is willing to fight through the bad times to build a life together. The problem with my marriage to your mother is that we started building two separate lives.”

I motion to Olivia to at least talk to her father but she violently shakes her head. I take the phone off speaker and finalize details for the next day. Before ending the call I add with only a touch of malice, “In terms of giving Mr Hazel the ultimatum and deadline, do you want to do that, sir, or do you want me to.”

“Am I still on speaker?”

“No, sir.” I move into the living area.

“If I contact Mitch, it will be as a father protecting his daughter.”

“Yes, sir.”Tell me something I don’t know.

“If you contact Mitch, it will be as a man marking his territory. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

I don’t know whether her father is giving me permission, his blessing, or a warning. “I’ll send you a copy once I’ve sent the text.” I’m happy to mark my territory, adding, “So you can pass on to Olivia’s lawyers.”

“Good man.” A slight pause before he adds, “Her mother and I are trusting you with our daughter. Can we?”

Olivia has gotten out of bed and motions towards the shower. I nod and wait for her to get in and start the water before responding. “Sir, you can absolutely trust me. I’m here for Olivia. Whatever she needs and for as long as she wants.”

“Good luck and keep in touch.” There’s a brief pause before he adds, “Don’t feel the need to text him straight away. He’s had days to clear out his shit. It wouldn’t hurt if the text is the first thing he sees tomorrow.” The phone goes dead in my hand and I take it as permission, a blessing, and a warning. Even if Warren Woodgrove doesn’t kick my ass, my father will. There would be no surviving if I hurt Olivia a second time.

I order more food to be delivered to our room, and download Scrabble and Monopoly onto my phone. I know Liv and she’s never shied away from the opportunity to beat me at either of those games or chess. Since I haven’t played chess in years, I’ll offer up games that I have a chance of winning.

“Feeling better?” I ask when she joins me, her wet hair in a towel and wearing a white crop top and denim overalls.

“Like I’m ready to kick some ass.”

“Monopoly or Scrabble?” I wave my cell.

“Does it matter?” she laughs. “I’m going to win and you’re gonna be on coffee duty for a week.”

Yes, my girl is almost back.

Rebound?

Hunter

“Hunter?” Olivia murmurs, rollingtowards me on the day bed and throwing one leg over mine. Half asleep, I flinch at her touch. Not because I don’t want her—God knows I do—but if she doesn’t move away, I don’t think I can stop myself from crossing the line separating best friend and lover. I’ve had about a dozen hours of sleep over the past three days, and my self-control is hanging by a thread.

“O-liv-via,” I say with a warning, trying to keep my voice steady. “What are you doing?”

“You’re the one who fell asleep in the middle of our game,” she teases softly, her fingers tracing lazy circles on my chest. “I’m just trying to be happy.”

“Not like this.” I gently push her hand away. “If you want a one-night stand, let’s go back to the mainland. You’ll have themlining up. Don’t expect me to stand by and watch, but I’ll be there in the morning with your coffee.” Is it proof of my love that I’d do that for her even though it would kill me?

“Hunt-er!” she moans, her toes trying to trap mine.

“Liv.” I move my legs out of her reach, but there’s only so much room on the day bed. Did I really fall asleep mid-game? I check the time and it’s only early evening. Damn, where did the day go? I look at her with what I hope she takes as half friendship and half love. “I’m not gonna be your one-night stand. Not when I want a lifetime.”

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