**There isn't enough espresso in Iceland for me. Never will be.
* * *
To: Erin Walsh
From: Nick Acevedo
Date: December 4
Subject: Spousal privilege
Skip,
I'll chat you bare-ass naked if you want. Not sure why it's taken this long for us to get that out on the table.
I can agree that it's Sam and Tiel's day, but I won't hide anything. If I want to grab your ass in front of your brothers, I will and you'll like it. Spousal privilege.
Going out to buy an espresso machine now,
Your ever-patient and faithfully nude husband
*Just heard from Matt that Shannon and Will are living together. Whichever rock you sent worked a shit-ton of magic.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Nick
Riley:What are you doing tonight?
Riley:I need to get out of here
Riley:These assholes are driving me crazy
Nick:What now?
Riley:Sam and Matt are intent on "helping" me
Nick:Intervention?
Riley:Something like that
Riley:I took over one of Sam's big projects when he was in his Mountain Man phase, and I'm wrapping it up soon but the client is really fucking annoying. Like, nine paint color changes annoying. Like, five emergency meetings to discuss doorknobs annoying.
Riley:Now Sam and Matt have climbed up my asshole to "coach" me
Riley:Real talk: I really like this shit and they ARE helpful but fuck me, I've had dinner with all of them four times this week
Nick:So that's four dinners with Lauren
Riley:Yes sir
Riley:I think I'm having a nervous breakdown
Nick:You're not. You're going to get through.
Riley:Doubts. I have doubts.
Nick:I'm covering the ER for a couple of hours but I could go for a beer later