Her eyebrows tipped together. “Hmm, I think there are two offers on it, not sure if it’s sold yet.”
“Okay, I want it.”
“You do?” I asked, startled. “I loved that one.”
His attention shifted to me. “It’s why I’m buying it.”
My jaw dropped. Wow. “Really?”
“Why so surprised?” He cocked his head at me. “You did the tour of the gallery then came back to that painting.”
My heart tripped. I shouldn’t be surprised,but heck, I was. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure.” He smiled, then said to Ila, “And the Dissolution one, too.”
Now I frowned. “Why?”
“To remind me how fleeting everything in life is if you don’t take care of it,” he said quietly.
He meant us.
Guilt squeezed my stomach, knowing I’d hurt him. Never again would I let my insecurities win when it came to my relationship with this amazing man.
Ila waved the gallery owner over. Debra sashayed to us, her long braids swaying about her shoulders. “I’d like for War to have the paintings he wants.”
A smile lit the woman’s brown eyes. Yeah, she’d recognized him. “Absolutely,” she said with a slight twang to her voice.
“I won’t be long, Blue.” War stroked my back then walked off with Debra.
Ila arched an eyebrow. “Blue?”
I groaned. “Don’t ask.”
“Now I’m intrigued.” She waved Ray over, who was talking with Max and Jack.
“Did you know he calls her Blue?” she asked Ray the moment she joined us.
“Why? Why would you do this to me?” I moaned.
Ray frowned and shook her head. “No, I didn’t. But first, I’m happy you guys made up. Now, spill, girl!”
Oh, boy. Exhaling, I told them. “War insists I flashed him my underwear during the wedding rehearsal.”
Both stared at me wide-eyed, then they burst out laughing.
“I didn’t, okay?” I glared at my so-called friends. Jesus, why was I friends with these girls? “The damn wind did, and just so you know, I’m getting new best friends. I’ll advertise on Tinder.” I cast them a gimlet glare.
“You won’t. You love us,” Ila choked out between her laughter. “Besides, Tinder doesn’t work that way.”
I knew that. But, ugh, she was right. I did love the darn wretches.
“It’s so freakin’ cute.” Ray wiped the tears from her eyes. “That guy’s a goner for you. Who knew the most notorious of the players would fall so fast?”
I snorted, and then my own smile started.
War returned, his warm gaze finding mine. “Ready?”
I nodded and hugged my best friends, and then we said goodbye to Jack and Max.
In the lift, I leaned against the opposite metal wall, still feeling as if I was caught in a surreal dream. War had stood up to my mother for me, and she had done a turnabout? Heck, it had thrown me for a loop.
But I knew her. She’d watch, wait, and see. Then she’d badger me about the damn prenup again. Too bad for her, I had no plans on marrying. I had a job, and would have money from the sale of my grandmother’s home once I put it back on the market. So I could look after myself financially.
No, I didn’t need any man’s assets. I cared deeply for War, and as long as I had him in my life, it was all that mattered.He is all that matters.
Our life together didn’t have to be secured with ‘I do’sand a ring.
