Page 38 of The Wright Man

Not big, not dramatic. Just enough.

The butterflies in my chest exploded like fireworks.

Someone repeated the question near my ear: "Was that your first kiss?"

I smiled softly. Only for him.

"No. It wasn't my first."

Maleek had always known my worth. And now... everybody else was just catching up.

* * *

Angelica

Now

I woke up with my heart racing and the ghost of Theo's crusty ass lips still on my mouth.

"Ugh," I groaned, sitting up and wiping my lips like that kiss had followed me into the present.

Even after four years of being married to his best friend, plus four years as said best friend's girlfriend, Theo still wasn't my favorite person.

My bonnet was twisted halfway off my head, pillowcase slightly damp. It was either sweat or tears—not that it mattered.

I hadn't thought about that day in years.

So why now? Why that memory?

And then I remembered.

The party.

I'm going to see him today.

I let that truth settle, buzzing and unwelcome. Even after everything... it still had the power to make my pulse stutter.

I slid out of bed and glanced back at it—the sheets still tangled on my side, Gavin's untouched and smooth.

There was a time he used to pull me close before I could roll over. A time when I'd wake up sore in the best ways, stretched and loved and claimed. Back when he touched me like I was his peace, not his punishment.

Now? He hadn't touched me in over a year, and he slept in the guest room.

He had a million reasons at first. Said it was the stress. The grief. That his back hurt. That I was distant.

Then he stopped giving reasons. I stopped asking for them.

I knew better anyway. He'd been gone long before he stopped sleeping in our bed.

I stood there too long, toes curling into the rug, almost like saying good morning to the ache I've grown so accustomed to. Then I shook it off. I didn't have time to spiral this morning.

The house was quiet except for the low hum of the AC kicking on. I turned on the shower, let the water run until the steam began to rise, and peeled off my sleep shirt and panties, tossing them into the hamper with one hand while twisting my bonnet off with the other.

I stepped under the spray and let the water run hot, searing through the fog in my head. My to-do list immediately elbowed its way to the front of my mind.

Call Bella and make sure she grabs the sodas. Pick up the balloons. Bring out the folding chairs. Make sure Uncle Marvin doesn't burn the ribs again. And—

Shit. Daddy's gift.