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He groaned. “Let’s go get a drink.” Clasping her hand, he pulled her away from Wyatt, tearing my focus off Ash and Skylar.
Wyatt stared after his lovers, so much goddamn contentment in his eyes a muscle ticked in my jaw.
“The honeymoon phase is still going strong, I see,” I said, truly happy for them.
Same as during the ceremony binding them together, I forced a smile, determined to keep my own emotions from showing on my face.
“Better than ever.” Wyatt turned toward me, grinning. “I hope you, Ash, and whoever she is find the same.”
“Skylar,” I offered her name, “and Ash is already there.”
Anyone with eyes would note his possessive hand on her back while introducing her to others. The way he watched her face while she spoke with our guests outed him almost as much as if he’d dropped to one knee and proposed right there.
“What’s holding you back?”
Lifting an eyebrow, I once more glanced at Wyatt.
“Don’t give me that look,” he said with a chuckle. “I’ve spilled my shit to you plenty of times.”
He had me there, and maybe some perspective from someone else in a triad wouldn’t hurt. “She has no aspirations beyond having babies and being a mom.” I gave him one bit of truth.
“That sounds more like what Ash wanted than what I remember your profile stating.”
“I changed our preferences a few weeks back.”
“Enter the angel of your dreams.”
Flighty laughter rose over the other voices around us, drawing the focus of half the room and keeping me from correcting Wyatt’s assumption.
The volume of Skylar’s giggles rose, and she clapped a hand over her mouth, but she’d already drawn the attention of the rest of the guests who hadn’t noticed her arrive on the scene.
I studied the crowd, seeing gazes take her in from head to shifting feet, people speaking to those beside them while eyeing the beauty still clinging to Ash’s hand.
Another bark of laughter tipped Skylar’s head back, and I sipped my wine again, ready for the circus to begin.
“I’ve never seen you uptight like this.”
I yanked my attention back toward Wyatt who studied me with a knowing look. “Is it jealousy or anxiety that has you tensed like you’re on the verge of explosion?”
Rarely did a person call me out, labeling the feelings that seemed like a growing cancer inside my gut.
Jealousy sounded right for every harsh, negativity Skylar stirred up inside me whenever Ash put her first.
“You know some might judge,” Wyatt said, “but don’t let other’s opinions keep you from happiness.”
I didn’t respond, and Wyatt eventually nodded as though accepting my disinterest in discussing the situation I’d created for myself.
“I’m always available if you need an ear, Rhett.” He clasped my shoulder briefly and moved off, heading in the direction where Garrett and Haley had disappeared.
He’d found his place with his partners, and I’d named the emotion inside me for what it was at seeing the three of them together without any distance.
Envy.
34
Ashton
Skylar’s sunshine didn’t light up too many faces like I had expected.