Page 86 of The Seven Month Itch
Don’t say it.
He shrugs. “I had a taste during the singles’ retreat and can’t shake the addiction.”
My eyes whip back to Justice. “Did you know about this?”
“Nope.” She stares at her phone. “I guess this explains all those times something came up.Miles? Em,really?”
“I’m still here,” he says.
I lean against the wall. My wife surprised me, thought I cheated, and told me we’re pregnant. Well, not me. Her.NowI find out my best friend is with my wife’s best friend. I want to celebrate their relationship, but they’re both not into long-term commitments. If this hits the fan, I’m guilty by association. That means the doghouse.
Fuck that.
I’m in front of Miles in four steps. My hands wrap around his traps. “Be right back, princess,” I say over my shoulder and push him out the front door.
When we get a good distance from the house, I shove the bastard as hard as he came at me. He’s older and bigger, but I’ll put him on his ass if I need to.
“Are you fucking kidding me?” I bark. “Emma? Out of everyone, you go afterher?“ Miles is a loyal friend, but he’s a shit lover at best. The guy rotates women like tires and only cares about what they do for him. “I’m not paying for your mistakes when you screw this up. I love you, man, but this one is too close to home. End it now.”
“Can’t do that, bro.”
“When you break Emma’s heart, you’ll hurt Justice. I won’t have it.”
I can picture the “men aren’t shit” fest that will take place in my living room. Chocolate wrappers and tubs of ice cream everywhere. Lifetime movies likeWhen Husbands Cheatand Mary J. Blige albums on repeat. Emma acts like breakups don’t hurt her, but the last time it happened, I couldn’t use my ownmovie room for a week and got the stink eye any time I dared to breathe.
And sex?
Forget about it.
Justice was on strike in solidarity.
“This is different.She’sdifferent.”
“You’re ready to commit to one woman, one pussy for the rest of your life?” His jaw ticks at that last part. I’m as protective of Em as he is of Justice. If he’s serious about this, he needs to prove it. I let out a sigh and fold my arms across my chest. “Is your community dick worthy of her?”
I brace for him to swing at me, but it doesn’t happen. He takes a deep breath, and that’s when I see it.
“I can’t explain it, but I’m drawn to her, man. It’s like I’ve been blind for so many years and can finally see,” he says.
My smile turns into a full-on grin. “You’re in love with her.”
His eyes drop to his shoes, and he nods. I’ve never seen him like this before.Ever. “Do you take care of her? Treat her like she’s the only person in the world who matters to you? Are you faithful toonlyher?”
“Yes, yes, and yes,Dad. I’m a prick at times, but I’m not that much of an asshole.”
I stare at him, deadpan.
“Okay, okay.” He raises his hands. “I’m an asshole. I never thought what you and Jay have was in the cards for me. But I want that with Emma.”
“Holy shit.”
He exhales. “I know. This is new for me, but she’s worth it.”
I pat him on the back. “Then I wish you two the best.”
The alpacas shriek at his unexpected laughter. “You’re going to be a father, and I want tosettle down. If you’d told me a year ago this would happen, I would’ve said you’re full of shit.”
Chapter 41
