I’m not expecting it. And yet, it feels natural.
The conversation freely flows in another direction, and the chemistry continues.
But I keep thinking about that kiss.
His arm is around me.
We are laughing and talking and eating and sipping water instead of tequila and the night is alive with something staticky and sweet.
And so are my lips.
Because we only have to pretend to be together for his family.
Kate and Paul don’t care if I am dating my boss.
They don’t care if I kept in touch with Cal.
They don’t know I married him, and we are still married.
But he kissed me anyway.
Kate’s eyes are locked on me hard, and I decide to change the subject. Make her the center of attention. She likes that anyway.
“So, I can’t believe you two are finally getting married,” I smile.
“Has it been a long time coming?” Callum asks, not knowing any of the background.
“Let’s just say this one has been dragging his feet for a hot minute,” Kate says, nudging Paul in the ribs.
“You could also say this one here wants a wedding so elaborate I had to pull some money out of investments just to see to it that the Queen was happy.”
“Oh, my God, you make me sound like a Bridezilla!” Kate says and I refuse to look at her. I simply bite back a smile and look everywhere but her face and Kate’s mouth drops open dramatically. “I’m not! You guys are the worst.”
“Well soon we’ll be married and then you can focus on the next thing you want from me,” Paul says, pulling her against him sideways.
“Yes, like giving me a niece or nephew,” I clap.
“Now I can get behind that,” Paul says, holding his glass up in a mock cheers.
“You looking forward to being a dad?” Callum asks.
“I meant the baby making part of the process,” Paul jokes and Kate rolls her eyes.
“What about you, Callum?” Kate asks. “Do you want to be a dad?”
My chest tightens involuntarily, and I can’t help the small smile that tugs on my lips as I watch him, waiting for the answer.
“I’m pretty sure that ship has sailed,” he says. I’m secretly hoping for more explanation. He didn’t exactly answer the question. But the subject changes and no one mentions it again.
We stay at the restaurant until it closes. As we walk out into the night air, the guys are chatting about Top Golf and how it’s better than regular golf because “less walking, more drinking” and Kate and I follow behind. She links an arm in mine and looks up at me.
“I really like him, Amanda,” she smiles.
I do too. A lot.
Chapter 23
Callum
