Page 84 of Thoroughly Innocent Intent

“So, you’re saying it’s normal for a man to pretend someone doesn’t exist?”

“I’m saying it’s normal for a man to keep his feelings hidden while he comes to terms with them. For Colt, who’s love life has been speculated about in the press for years, he might feel especially vulnerable if he thinks the feelings he doesn’t understand are out there for the world to see. That might make him even more inclined to keep them hidden.”

“Even from his teammates and his family?” I sound more curious than defiant, dammit.

“Especially from them. I can’t speak for his teammates, but his serial dating hasn’t been easy on Sawyer. Or me. I don’t think he understood that until recently, and now that he does, it would make him even more cautious about telling us he has a woman in his life.”

“That would make perfect sense if Colt hadn’t suggested I meet Sawyer months ago. Why would he do that if he’s so ‘cautious’?” I add air quotes to emphasize my point.

Jen grins, as if she expected that comment. “Colt’s an act first, think later guy. He’s trying to change that, but a man doesn’t break lifelong habits in a day. My guess is he suggested meeting Sawyer on impulse, then realized he’d have to handle things differently if he wanted a different outcome.”

“Meaning?” I prompt.

“Meaning it was never important to him that Sawyer like his girlfriends before. Now it is.”

“Maybe so.” I concede, since that does make a bit of sense. “But either way, if I was as important as you claim, surely he would have said something to someone. Maybe not his agent, who thinks I was a ruse to boost his image, but to you or your daughter, or even his teammates. If he’d willingly told one other person about me, I could accept how his agent got the wrong idea. But, seeing as how he didn’t tell anyone until he was forced, his agent’s version of events makes the most sense.”

“So, that’s what this is about.” She ponders aloud.

“Excuse me?” I glare at her.

“I wondered why things suddenly went south with you two. All he would say is that it was over.”

“More silence,” I mutter under my breath.

“Yeah, silence,” she echoes. “You see that as some sort of sign that he isn’t serious about you, but I see it as a sign of his vulnerability. Men don’t like to talk about when they fall in love or when they have their hearts broken. His silence says a lot about his feelings.”

“Colt is too well-spoken to be silent.” I retort.

“True. But if you don’t give him the chance to speak, how can he convince you how he feels?”

I hate that she makes an excellent point. “So, you’re here to ask me to talk to him?”

“I’m here to invite you to my wedding.”

My mouth drops open, and for the life of me I can’t find the strength to close it.

“My dad had an accident and can’t travel, so Colt’s giving me away. I told him to bring you, but he was pretty certain you wouldn’t want to be his guest. I’m hoping you’ll be mine.”

“You want the former girlfriend of your ex-husband to attend your wedding?” I have to say that out loud to make sure I heard her right.

“I do.” She nods cheerily.

“Why?”

“I told you. Colt stopped me from walking away from the man I love. He helped me find happiness. I’m returning the favor.”

She digs through her bag and pulls out an envelope, thrusting it forward so quickly I pull back out of instinct. She waves it between us, so I reach out and take it gingerly.

“I hope you can make it.” Her smile is so genuine I think she actually means that.

“I’ll think about it.” I exhale slowly.

“That’s all I can ask.” She beams, giving me the distinct feeling she thinks she’s won me over. I, on the other hand, am not convinced.

***

“Come again?” Delaney gasps. “Did you just say Colt’s ex-wife, who you’ve never met, invited you to her wedding, where he will be giving her away?”

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