We finish getting ready and call a ride-share to drive us to Ward’s house.
Having already seen it, I’m ready. I’m sure this will be an emotional gut-punch for Liam, though.
I fully expect to have to do psychological triage with Liam later tonight after he sees the signs of his boy having a life he had no part of laid out before him. All the daily detritus and pictures and having to sit at the table with a woman who might be married to Ward, but there’s one thing she hasn’t done and never will do with Ward that Liam and I both have.
We’ve fucked her husband.
We also now own his heart.
Despite what I said about not wanting to discuss my emotions, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit…yeah.
I wish I wasn’t, but I can’t help it—I’m falling for Ward.
Fell, actually.
Okay, I’m in love with the fucker. Happy?
When we arrive, it’s Ward who greets us at the front door. I don’t miss how he shakes my hand first and then waits for me to tip my head toward Liam so he can shake his hand. “Thanks for coming over tonight. Olivia will be right out.” His smile turns tight, tense.
I already hate her, and his nervous reaction means I hate her even more.
I’m also watching Liam as we are given a quick tour. I pretend I haven’t fucked him on their couch already, even though I spot the unasked questions in Liam’s eyes as he takes everything in.
Then, we pause in front of the wedding picture, because Liam stops walking as if he’s hit a wall.
I press a hand to the middle of his lower back. “It’s okay,” I murmur.
Since when did I become the consoler and chief to both of them?
Except then I flinch at the woman’s sharp, grating voice, like sheet metal ripping apart in a strong wind, not softened at all by her clipped Atlanta drawl. “Ward. Why didn’t you tell me they were here? I’m sorry, hey there. Olivia Madison Callahan.”
We both turn and I let Liam shake with her first, just for appearances. “Liam Davis-Walker. This is my husband, Daniel Walker-Davis.” I love him for not simplifying it.
She makes that Karen-wants-to-talk-to-your-manager face. “Well, is it Davis-Walker, or Walker-Davis?”
Liam’s thin smile doesn’t fool me in the slightest. He’s had two weeks of emotional upheaval, no sexual release, an angry husband, and he’s pissed off at himself for being stupid. Add to that he’s upset his boy is married to this woman.
She will get no pardon from him tonight.
“Yes,” he says. “We hyphenated each other’s names when we got married.”
“Well, wouldn’t it just be easier for y’all to have the same order?” Her laugh cracks like hot, brittle glass submerged in ice water. “I mean, that’s just confusing now, isn’t it?”
“We each had careers before we got married. Rather than change everything, we just hyphenated. It doesn’t have to make sense to you.”
Bam.
Moments like this, I remember why I love my husband.
One of those things I love about him is his takes-no-prisoners mode.
Apparently, she’s not used to being talked to like that. Behind her and out of her field of vision, Ward struggles not to laugh. “Well. I didn’t mean to strike a nerve.”
Liam’s smile is replaced by one he usually reserves only for opposing counsel or hostile witnesses he’s cross-examining. “You didn’t, bless your heart. You asked, I answered.”
Her smile grows uneasy and fades as she realizes she’s not going to be able to charm Liam, but Ward steps in. “Dinner’s ready, by the way.”
“Oh, good!” she says. “Let’s eat.”
