Page 16 of Somehow You Knew

“Or it’s a setup so he can formally reject me to my face.”

“Or,” Laney says, “he’s actually considering it.”

My chest tightens. “Am I really going to do this, Laney?”

Her voice turns gentle. “Hazel, it’s only six months…”

“Yeah, but when it ends, I’ll be a divorcée. I’ll have to tell every man I date that I was married before. And when they ask what happened, I’ll have to admit that it was for money.” I slap a hand to my forehead. “Oh God. They’re going to think I’m a gold digger and—”

“I thought you were going to be alone for the rest of your life? Unless that’s not really what you want…” Laney says, calling me on my own slip up.

“You know, I’m beginning to rethink our friendship.”

Laney laughs. “Girl, the second you told me you were swearing off men, I knew you were full of shit. There’s no way that the girl I’ve come to know over the years is going to give up on love. And you know your father would have some choice words to say about that if he were still here.”

My eyes begin to sting. “Why are you trying to make me cry tonight?”

“It’s not my intention, but my duty as one of your best friends is to ask the hard questions, call you out on your bullshit, and make sure that you’re thinking this all the way through. If you didn’t have reservations, I’d be more concerned.”

Laney knows exactly what I can’t say—I’m scared.

I’m scared to trust this guy. I’m scared to trust myself. I’m scared of what will happen if I go through with this arrangement.

But most of all—I’m scared that Diane could be right. That the two of us could be good for each other. And then what?

I swipe a tear from under my eye and adjust myself on the couch. “I don’t want to live with regrets,” I finally say.

“So…”

“So, I’m going to do this for Diane, for me, and for Gage. He deserves this money too. If I go into it with that mentality—that I’monlydoing this for the money—then I think I’ll be fine.”

“Okay. Then get off the phone with me and set up a time to meet with your future husband.”

“Oh God…don’t call him that.”

“What should I call him? Your future Dom? Daddy? Boy toy?”

“He will be my husband of convenience, Laney. Nothing more than a title. There will be no feelings, sex, or…”

Laney scoffs. “Yeah, okay. Whatever you say, Hazel. Because if he’s half as hot as you’ve made him out to be over the past year, I’m just counting the days until you call me and tell me his dick magically fell into your vagina.”

I snort. “Jesus, that sounds like something I would say.”

“That’s why we’re friends. By the way, when’s your next passion party?”

I first hosted one a few years ago, and it was such a hit that I’ve made it a tradition, throwing at least two a year ever since, and Laney always comes into town for them since they’re such a blast. The ladies of Carrington Cove love getting to shop for toys without trekking out of town or gambling on a mystery purchase from the internet.

“Next month. Adeline is bringing a few new gadgets she thinks everyone will go nuts over.”

“Hell yes. My vibrator is on its last leg. Although I am getting off more now than I was with Seth, so that’s something.”

“Glad to see you have found the silver lining."

After we hang up, I open Gage’s text message, save his number, and text him back.

Me:I thought you were opposed to this idea. Your reaction sure said so.

Hummingbird Guy:When are you available?