And just like that, I had plans for the evening.
I almost wished they were truly for fun. But I knew how Brooke was and that nothing good could come of her attending the party. I could be there for Grace in case she needed backup. And for Mark too.
Watching the time closely, I arrived at work. Wren was in and out as she managed other projects, but I knew she would come by near the eight-hour mark to make sure I didn’t overwork myself.
Sure enough, right at five, the front door to the apartment opened.
“You better be—” She paused when she saw me. “Oh, you’re actually wrapping up. Are you finally listening?”
“Mostly. I also happen to have plans for tonight.”
Her eyebrows raised. “Oh, hot date?”
“Just going to Mark’s big birthday thing. Are you going too?”
She winced. “As much as I’d love to try one of Tammy’s drinks, I’ll be at home with Henry. We aren’t big on the party scene.”
“You might miss out on some drama. Brooke is in town.”
Wren frowned. “I haven’t heard good things about her. How did you know she was in town?”
“I pissed her off. It’s a talent of mine.” When Wren went to ask again, I added, “And it has nothing to do with me breaking her heart.”
“I wasn’t gonna say that.” She rolled her eyes. “I was gonna say I’ve heard it’s easy to do that.”
“Very easy,” I muttered. “And I’ll probably do it again.”
“Why?”
“I’m not letting her walk all over Grace. She has a bad habit of doing that.”
“That’s really sweet of you. It’s good how you and Grace?—”
“Grace and I aren’t anything.”
“I know. I’m just glad you’re getting along. Take a breath, Dean. I’m on your side here.”
I forced myself to relax. “Sorry. I just don’t want these people getting any ideas.”
“You feel really strongly about it.”
“Grace and I are doing well. I don’t need fucking gossip to ruin it.”
Wren only stared at me, no doubt curious about why I hated gossip so much. But unlike Grace, who would dig in without a second thought, Wren let stuff go.
“I shouldn’t keep you,” she said with a smile. “You have a party to enjoy. And a Brooke to piss off.”
“Wish me luck.”
“I will.” She walked toward the door. “And have fun with Grace. You know, there’s a bet on you two.”
Normally, I’d ignore a comment like that. Plenty of people had taken my interest in a woman and tried to make it something it wasn’t.
Butthishit me in a different way. I wanted to chase Wren down and make sure she knew that it wouldn’t be happening. Iwas defensive. My hands were clammy. And I needed, more than anything, to shut this down.
The last thing I needed was a small town fucking up the tentative good thing I had with Grace.
And if they found out, that was exactly what they’d do.
