Page 116 of Third Time Lucky

‘She did.’

‘What?!’

‘Her exact words were, “I’m in love with a moron.” But yeah, pretty sure that counts.’

‘Oh my God,’ I say in half a whisper. ‘I knew she liked him, but love? That’s huge!’

‘The hugest,’ he says. ‘Speaking of love, what’s going on with you? Why are you alone? Where’s three?’ He glances around the bar as if he must be here somewhere, but Ash doesn’t even know where I am, and I feel bad about that.

‘Why do you assume I’m in love?’

Tanner laughs, tapping his temple with his forefinger.

‘I see things, remember. I don’t understand why people think it’s bull? Like you said, we’re all nuts somehow.’ He winks innocently.

I sigh heavily. ‘Then I suppose I’ll give you the satisfaction of knowing you’re not wrong,’ I admit. ‘Loveisinvolved with three. Whose name is actually Asher. So, perhaps your imaginary magical powers aren’t so nuts after all.’

Tanner leans back, a smile growing on his face. ‘I knew it.’

My phone dings with an incoming text finished with a heart.

Asher

Miss u

I can’t help but place a hand over my fluttering heart as a smile stretches across my face. He misses me? My God.Whatis he doing to me? How cute is this man?

‘Speak of the devil,’ Tanner says, lifting his hand to earn the bartender’s attention, silently ordering another of whatever he left at the bar after Aaron moved in. ‘What’s he say?’

‘That he misses me,’ I say. ‘We had a “disagreement” recently. I’ve been a little distant because of the whole “almost married” thing.’

‘Go to him,’ Tanner suggests, motioning me toward the door. ‘I’ll stay and watch Madi, just in case, but they look like they’ve resolved things too, so…’

I glance over and see Madi and Aaron have locked lips.

‘You don’t mind?’

‘Nah, I could use a couple more drinks, honestly. No big deal.’

‘Tanner, thank you. You’re a godsend.’

And that’s my cue, so I shoot Madi a text telling her, ‘Congratulations!’ and I’m leaving. I practically run to my car so I can get home and say the words my heart needs me to say.

* * *

‘Hello?’ Setting my purse down on the table, I call out into the quietness. But there’s no response from anyone. Damn it. I wondered why Ash’s SUV wasn’t out front. He left.

Suddenly, Mitzi appears from the dimly lit kitchen, her housecoat wrapped tightly around her and a bottle of water in hand.

‘Good evening, dear,’ she greets me warmly.

‘Where’s Ash?’ I ask, knowing for sure he’s not here if this is her outfit.

‘He left after dinner.’

I exhale a guttural sigh. ‘He didn’t stay to prep?’

Mitzi’s smile softens even more. ‘I’m pretty sure he does that just to spend more time with you, darling.’

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