Page 45 of Forever in the Country

OTTO: But did you?

TANNER: (gif of guy facepalming)

TANNER: Yes dear

CASE: You fit right in. This makes me so happy!

CASE: *heart eye emoji*

SORREN: I’ll make sure he sends you a picture when he wears it

TANNER: I had to drive this morning because Sorren spent the night at your sister’s and was too tired

TANNER: Class is about to start gotta go

Tanner slamsthe off button and drops his phone on the table in front of him. Class isn’t about to start and my phone hasn’t stopped vibrating since Tanner sent the message to end all messages.

Part of me is proud and the other wants to punch him in the face. He smirks and I silence my phone without checking any of the fuckery taking place in that group message.

“I didn’t think you had it in you,” I say and I sit back in my chair and stare at my business partner and friend.

Although right now thefriendpart remains to be seen.

“You didn’t see the shirt.”

“I’m sure it’s not that bad.” It’s a lie. I’ve known Otto since I was fourteen and that guy is the most exhausting person on the planet. His heart is bigger than the state of Tennessee, and he’ll bulldoze you with his charm and enthusiasm until you can’t remember life without him.

He’s a great guy. The best.

But that doesn’t mean he won’t drive you up the fucking wall with his antics.

“It says,I’m not the baby daddy. I’m the bonus dad-ish.”

Rolling my lips inward, I do my best not to laugh and try to hide my smile. It doesn’t work because his eyes narrow before he drags his hands down his face.

“No one would believe me,” he whines and this time I can’t stop my chuckle. He glares and it makes me laugh more.

“It could be worse.”

“I know. I repeat that a million times a day because Iamlucky. Fallon is lucky. Briggs hit the extended family jackpot, and I just have to remind myself that murder is illegal and I would actually feel sad because I do love the guy.”

“Yup, welcome to the family.”

“Thanks,” he says as he stares at the ceiling, a small smile teasing the corner of his mouth.

“That mean you’re going to wear the shirt?” I ask and he sighs.

“Yes, that means I’m going to wear the shirt.” I snort and he points at me. “In the room. You take the picture and send it, then I can take it off and we don’t speak of it again. Deal?”

“Deal.”

“Good. Now I don’t have to tell everyone that you mauled Rhea in the parking lot of The Iron Cask after she came out with Colt Harrington.”

My jaw clenches and he raises an eyebrow.

“How did you—”

“Picking up takeout.” He leans back in his chair, a smug look on his face.

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