Page 35 of Accidentally Engaged
Liam reaches over and lays his ice-white hand on mine, giving it a little squeeze that startles me. “It’s okay. You were too busy with heartbreak to think clearly. It hits you hard, doesn’t it?”
“Yeah.” I’m grateful that’s all I have to say.
Alban is going through my divorce paperwork with one frantic finger, and I notice his lips moving, silent, speedy words flying from his mouth. When he’s done, he pulls a laptop from his handsome leather shoulder satchel, opens it, and presses a single key. “This is legally binding—and fair, in my estimation. It removes the intellectual property clause and also says that as soon as the former Mrs. Lochenko gives you verbal or written notice that she is in a committed relationship, your alimony ceases and may not be reinstated for any reason.” He turns the screen to face me.
My eyes glaze over after the first three paragraphs of legalese, but I nod. “I doubt she’ll sign this, Alban. Or admit to being in a committed relationship. That might be years away. But thanks. It’s good to have it in my back pocket.”
Chloe rubs my arm. “Honey, that’s just Alban’s part of the plan. Now, Liam takes over.”
Liam smiles and looks into my eyes. I feel—warm and confused. Then, irritated. “I’m with the lady, buddy,” I finally grumble.
To my surprise, Liam just rubs his hands together happily and giggles. “Yes, but if you weren’t betrothed to our local banshee, you’d be well on your way to being seduced. And just so you know, I’m not like one of the incubi of old. I can seduce and feed on desire without having a full ‘meal,’ so to speak. I think that after I rush to Miss Patsy’s assistance this morning, catching her wobbly form as she exits the police department, she’ll start to fall for my charms. And of course, I’ll insist that she sign this decree before we start our new life together.”
“Wait... You’re going to trick Patsy into falling in love?”
“No, sweetie. I can’t do that.” Liam shakes his head, and there’s sadness all across his handsome features. “I can make her fall in lust, though, unless she actively resists. I’m all about free will. Kind of a big deal.”
“It won’t break her heart?”
Chloe’s grip tightens on my arm, and I feel her pulse beating through my skin. “I love you so much,” she hisses.
Well, I might as well be king of the universe right now. She said it. This amazing woman loves me, and she told other people, too! “I love you, too.”
“I mean, because you are so good, Jared. Other people have hurt you, but you won’t stoop to their level. You’re truly wonderful.”
She nuzzles into my shoulder, and I bow my head to kiss her. “It’s a different story when they hurt you,” I whisper, remembering the bruises on Chloe’s side.
I suddenly don’t care what tricks they play on Patsy. She needs to learn a few hard lessons about how she treats people.
“Don’t worry, nothing illegal or underhanded will happen. Sneaky, but not underhanded. I would say this agreement is more honest and fair than the first one.”
“Won’t she realize she’s been duped and just sue or something?” I ask.
“She might. I doubt it. As long as she gives off enough sexual energy for me to snack on, I’ll be happy to be her main squeeze for a few weeks. Again—I don’t have to do the deed to get the feed,” Liam reassures, his toothy smile back in place.
I’m about to ask Chloe if I can trust these guys, but then I stop. I don’t think I need to ask, after all. I trust them more than I trust Patsy.
Sometimes the humans are the monsters, dearie,” Liam sighs and chugs his coffee. “Ugh. Alban, two sugars, I told you.”
“No, you told me to get you something with more syllables in it than an Italian dictionary. Coffee, black. Go dress it up yourself, smiley.”
“You're just jealous because you can’t wear leather,” Liam huffs and saunters off.
“I like him,” I say aloud.
Chloe laughs. “Good, because he could use a friend like you. Everyone could.”
Alban rises. “You pay for the coffee and the filing, kids, and the rest is on me. Pro bono for one of my best tenants... even if you’ll be moving out soon.”
“Huh? Oh, I have no plans to leave—” I look over at Chloe, who is looking at her croissant, now just crumbs.
The image of two cars parked in front of the townhouse is back, the little girl with purple Velcro sneakers on her feet and tiny blonde pigtails resting on my hip, the kiss as we walk to our vehicles—and the cat and dog jumping into Chloe’s car... And this time, Kep’s there, too.
I blink. “To leave the area, but I’m thinking a little townhouse with a yard might be nice.”
Chloe shakes Alban’s hand. “A summer wedding would be nice. Want to be an usher?”
“Just tell me when to show up.”
