I opened and closed my mouth, having no idea how to respond. While my gut clenched and I wanted to spit venom, I exhaled instead, holding on to his tone and the resignation I heard there.
“It wasn’t planned, and it wasn’t welcome,” he rushed to say. “It was actually awkward as fuck.” This time an exasperated sigh fluttered down the line, and whether he knew it or not, his frustration eased some of the building emotion sitting on my chest.
“What happened? Was he his usual asshole self?”
“You could say that.” Eddie sighed. “I met up with Graham and Tim. Apparently Tim told Wayne we were meeting and ended up inviting him. He did apologize a shit ton afterward. Told me he’d felt cornered.”
I grunted at that. “There’s a lot to be said about the power of saying ‘fuck off.’ More people should try it.”
“I expect after lunch that’s something Tim will agree with. The guy’s too well-mannered for his own damn good.”
“So what did Wankface have to say for himself?”
“Spent most of the time bragging about bullshit. It was at the end that was, uhm… awkward.”
I gritted my teeth. “Do I need to get on a plane and kick his ass?”
Eddie snorted. “You think I need defending?”
“Well,” I smiled, visualizing the huge wall of limbs and muscle he was, “not exactly.” But he also was nowhere near as quick-tempered as I was and could be too forgiving. “Just wondering if I needed to defend your honor or something.” My tone turned lighter.
“Ha. And people say chivalry is dead.”
“They clearly don’t know how chivalrous as fuck I can be, especially when Wankface is involved.” My shoulders untensed, listening to his warm laugh. I wasn’t really worried about any conversation Eddie may have with any of his exes. What pissed me off was that I didn’t want him to deal with dickheads. “So what was so awkward?”
“He suggested we get back together and that he’d even consider being exclusive.”
My sneer was back. “Big of him.”
“Uh-huh. I reminded him I was engaged, since I’m sure as shit am sure he’s read the gossip columns about that announcement, and that in no universe would I ever consider getting back with him.”
A smile stretched big and wide on my face. “Did you also make clear I’m the best you ever had and that you’re so ridiculously in love, you’d die without me?”
“Yes,” he deadpanned. “That’s exactly what I did. I even used props and a piece of theater. You know, add in some drama to the moment.”
“Sweet. I hope you recorded it. Right along with his reaction.”
“You’re such a dickhead.”
“I’m your dickhead.” I grinned, wishing like hell the week would hurry up and be over so I could kiss his face off.
“You are. For better or worse before you know it.”
“Less than three weeks.” As I said the words, my heart tripped over itself. In three weeks we’d be married. “I can’t fucking wait.”
A soft sigh reached me. “Me either. And Cass has really found something great and not too OTT?”
“I think it could easily be over the top, but it won’t be. The place is stunning. There are cottages too for everyone, which will make everything easier.”
“Sounds perfect. Are you still out?” he asked.
“Yeah. I’ll head back soon. Get my beauty sleep before Thursday’s shoot.”
“About that…” He cleared his throat. My interest piqued at the rumbly tone that followed, but rather than push, I waited him out. “Uhm… you think I can get some of the proofs?”
I quirked my brow, tempted to switch to video so I could see the blush I knew would be spreading across his cheeks. “You want pics of me in underwear?” I teased. “I could have sent you plenty before now.”
“I wouldn’t be, you know, averse to seeing a few of those.” I heard the smile in his voice, and my dick twitched.
