Page 93 of Perfect Satisfaction

“A husband?” Carys reminds me gently.

“Yes! Adulterous Asshole Arek. Have I mentioned I love alliteration.” Whirling so we’re now facing each other, I say, “Writing used to be relaxing. I refuse to let him steal that from me.”

“Of course not,” Carys assures me.

An arm slides around me from behind. As it’s attached to the most comforting scent in the world, I snuggle back into the embrace, relaxing instinctively. I declare to my brother, “Your wife was magnificent. She’s even more beautiful when she’s nine thousand months pregnant with my next nephew.”

Brendan chuckles deeply. “I’m going to tell her you said it just like that.”

“Tattletale. You know she’ll laugh.”

“She will right before she nags me to death about you.”

“About?”

“If you’re really as in control as you pretend to be on the phone. We both want to know what your sanity level is at.”

I sip from my glass before admitting the truth. “Gone. Completely. Between JB and...” I freeze as one of Em’s models saunters by next to Dani.

Her.

I was so busy working, I didn’t realize she walked the runway tonight.

Brendan’s arm just tightens around my waist. He leans his chin on my shoulder ensuring I’m wrapped in his love. “You are stronger than anyone ever imagined. It’s almost done, and you’ll be able to move on.”

Carys follows our gaze and declares, “I don’t represent her so I can completely join in on Team Trash Talk.”

“Seriously? Where have you been all my life?” I whirl on Brendan. “Screw Becks. I’m more pissed you didn’t introduce me to Carys.”

The woman in question preens.

“Now, sweetheart, you know how I’ve always said you could rule the world.”

“Yes.”

“You and Carys together could rule galaxies. I had to give us humble menfolk a chance at something. Otherwise, you’d have neutered us.”

“Once again, you are forgiven.” I aim a thumb back at Brendan and inform Carys, “He has always been better at getting his foot out of his mouth than JB.”

Angie sidles up in time to hear that remark. “Ain’t that the truth.”

A fashion reporter wandering around fromSexy and Socialgawks at the four of us joking around with ease. “Can I get your picture?”

We all get close together. As we do, Brendan murmurs, “Did Em forget to send the pants with this shirt?”

The photo that hits their blog moments later has us all laughing to something no one else would appreciate.

Except, perhaps, Arek.

CHAPTERFORTY-SIX

Brendan Blake presented his wife, supermodel Danielle Madison, with an unusual gift as she took the final lap with famous designer Emily Freeman during her show.

From my vantage point, it appeared to be a lipstick painted guitar.

The model howled with laughter before slinging it over her shoulder and kissing her husband exuberantly.

No one ever said celebrities didn’t have their eccentricities.