Page 14 of Accepted Precedent
I breathe a sigh of relief and chuckle, “A few orgasms are not something to be upset about.”
“Yes, it is. It… it wasn’t just sex. I’m sorry, Andy.”
“What do you mean that it wasn’t just sex?”
“I understand why you’re with him.” Evie glances up at me, and I swipe her damp cheek with my thumb. “For me, it’s like he permanently altered my DNA. I was selfish and slept with your boyfriend. And I… I like him. I’m so sorry. It was a mistake. A mistake I promise I’ll never make again. I don’t expect you to forgive me?—”
“There’s nothing to forgive, babe. Last night he told me he wanted you, and I assumed you both could handle a night of no-strings-attached sex. I was wrong.” I swallow thickly, hating what I’m about to suggest. “I think we need to have Finn handle everything for my campaign moving forward.”
Evie sits up, eyes wide. “He killed a man.”
“Mickey and Finn don’t go around murdering people for sport. If he killed someone, they deserved it.”
“Okay,” she hedges. “Then why not have Mickey handle everything? You aren’t breaking up with him, right? Fuck, this is all my fault!”
I huff a laugh with a shake of my head. “I wasn’t planning on it. But maybe I should put my relationship on hold while you and I are married. We can both be celibate for two years. Or, if you’re desperate, we can get really drunk and I’ll pity-fuck you.” The joke earns me a small laugh and a smirk. “I love you, Evie. You’re not just a friend—you’re like family. If you’re stuck being a dutiful spouse for a few years, it’s only fair that I do the same.”
“No, that’s not fair to anyone. He loves you.”
Even knowing in my soul that Mickey loves me, I can’t allow my best friend to hurt every time she sees me with him. He’s an amazing man, but as much as I hate to admit it, I’m not sure he’s who I’m supposed to spend the rest of my life with. It’s only a matter of time before he realizes we want different things. If anything, Evelyn and Mickey would have a better chance together in this chaotic world of love and politics.
“He does,” I admit carefully. “And I love him. But when I imagine my life in fifty years, it’s you and me at brunch, gossiping about the amazing sex we had the night before or the latest scandals in Washington.” I take her hand and bring her knuckles to my lips. “You are my priority, Evie.”
“You shouldn’t have to choose. I’m so sorry I took things too far this morning.”
“You didn’t take anything too far. You did something that feels natural to me. To be clear, Mickey and I aren’t in an openrelationship, but we share partners often. This morning was the first time he slept with someone and I wasn’t there for it. If you want to have a relationship with him, I don’t mind… because it’s you.”
“It’s a really bad idea. He’s someone I could fall for. Mick said some really sweet things, but I’m sure it was just sex for him, and it was just the orgasm afterglow talking.”
“Are you sure about that?” I playfully smack her ass, making her chuckle. “You’re the most amazing woman I’ve ever known. He’d be an idiot to not want you. But what doyouwant?”
“He doesn’t want me,” she scoffs. “Even if he did, you and I have to pretend to be a happily married couple soon. Maybe you’re right and neither of us should be sleeping with anyone else.”
I let out a deep sigh. “Come here.” Evie moves to straddle me, hugging me with her whole body. “Whatever you want to do, I’m in. I love you.”
“I love you too, Andy. I’m sorry?—”
“No more apologies. You and me? We’re going to be okay. We always have been and always will be.” I brush her hair off her shoulder, then trace lazy circles on her back. “You earned your seat at the table, worked harder than anyone I know to make the world a better place. When this is over, I’m going to make sure you get your happily ever after—whatever that looks like for you.”
It’s only a few years. What’s the worst that could happen?
Chapter 7
Mickey
The moment Andrew’s out of his seat, I call Finn. Bouncing my knee under the table, I mutter, “Pick up, arsehole.”
It rings three times, and he finally answers. “Hey, Mick. It’s a little early for?—”
“I fucked up.”
“Good mornin’ to you too,” he chuckles. “Let me guess, you slept with Evelyn.”
“How? How the fuck do you know that?”
“Because you wouldn’t shut up about how she tasted last night while we helped Ned move the bodies. How you could be thinking about cunt while there was blood on your hands is beyond me. Does Andrew know?”
I crack my neck and sigh. “Aye, he’s the one who suggested it. I never should’ve touched her.”
