Page 55 of All Tied Down

And I know that because Nico will have to hold me back if I ever see her in public.

My marriage might have a deadline, but until that time comes, Garrett North belongs to me.

“Kind of? But maybe not,” he corrects, setting his fork in the container and running his hand through his hair. “I thought it was a casual thing, and she was making plans, so I ended it because I was too focused on the band to be anyone’s serious anything.” Frustrated, his eyes meet mine. “Do you really think Heather is interested in causing problems for me so long after we were seeing each other?”

“I don’t know. Money and fame bring out the worst in people. Maybe she’s upset that you’re married now even though you ended things with her because you didn’t want a relationship.”

“That’s ridiculous. It was years ago.”

“It doesn’t have to make sense to you,” I tell him, pausing long enough to let that sink in. “Or maybe it’s a coincidence that Quinn and Heather connected at all.”

I don’t believe the words for a second, and I can tell by the way Garrett’s eyebrows slash down that he doesn’t either. Pulling out his phone, I watch as he taps away at the screen before tossing the device on the coffee table.

“Theo will get back to me tomorrow.”

“Do you know Des and Theo are going on a date soon?”

“Yeah. Theo sent me like six outfit options as if he’s not the one who dresses me for formal events.” Garrett rolls his eyes and I gape at him while picking up a pricey decorative pillow and chucking it at his stupidly handsome face. “Hey! What was that for?” He laughs, blocking it at the last second.

“You knew? What good is being married to you if you’re not giving me all the hot gossip about our assistants hooking up?”

“They’re not hooking up.”

“Yet.”

“Listen, I’m sorry that Des is not as forthcoming as Theo is about this stuff, but I’ve been subjected to years of botched dates, ugly breakups, and drama I’d rather get a root canal than relive.”

“I can’t believe you.”

“Why don’t you text Theo and ask for updates and⁠—”

“I can’t do that!”

“Why not? He’d love it.”

“Because my loyalty is to Des! If things go south, I can’t risk being caught in the middle.”

“Then I guess we’re just going to have to wait and see what happens.” He smirks and I want to protest until he slowly unfolds himself from the couch, holding his hand out to me as he stands. “I know you have work to do, but I’d bet every dollar I have that you could use a bath.”

“You going to join me, Rockstar?”

“Am I invited?”

“After tonight, Mr. North, you’ve definitely earned it.”

22

GARRETT

Istayed with Emerson in Chicago the next two nights. I wasn’t allowed to answer the phones in her office, but I did make sure her coffee was hot and that we were seen and happy.

That part was far better than fielding the few messages I got from Darren—the ones accusing me of trying to turn the band soft by staying home and local when we could be real rock stars touring the world.

As if we haven’t done that.

As if his fucking antics aren’t the reason we’re on this little hiatus in the first place.

I’d been tempted to reach out to Maverick and Lachlan but decided against it, instead forwarding everything to Roan and Theo to deal with for now.