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“Now that we’ve got that out of the way,” Raegan remarked, “where are we going for our next girl’s night out?”
“I’d like to go rock climbing or maybe canoeing,” I suggested.
“Yeah, we haven’t done an adventure outing in some time,” Eriss agreed.
“Then maybe we can top it off with dinner at Soldier’s,” Raegan proposed.
“The new African restaurant on the west side?” I asked.
“Exactly. Gavin and I went there one night and not only is the atmosphere amazing, but the food is to die for. I’ve been wanting to go back, but with his busy schedule, we just haven’t had time,” Raegan replied.
“Sounds like a plan to me. Let’s shoot for next weekend,” Eriss suggested.
I pulled up my phone and scrolled to my calendar. “It’s a date.”
“Can you get away from Aydan’s fierce loving long enough?” Raegan teased.
Eriss waved her hand. “Actually, he’ll be at a conference for the magazine next weekend. He wanted me to go along, but I decided to skip this one. Speaking of my baby’s fierce loving, I don’t think we’ve got anything on you and Gavin, Ms. Once a Day.”
Eriss and I giggled at Raegan’s stricken expression. “Well, I’m a high-maintenance woman, and I have needs too. Gavin knew what he was getting into after chasing me down. I’m not an easy one, I know, but I’m necessary,” she said, winking at us as she pulled her sunglasses back down on her face.
I lay back on the lounger and closed my eyes. I reflected on our conversation. I had been lying when I told them I did not want a relationship. There was nothing I wanted more than to be married again, but I was certain I could not handle it. Not now at this stage of my life.
Losing Elijah had been too much for me to handle. If I were to be honest, I wasn’t sure how I would handle dating again. It had been far too long since I had played the games, and I doubted if I had the patience or energy to do it again.
Yet, when I looked at what Eriss and Aydan had, my heart jumped for joy at the possibility of once again sharing a love and commitment so deep. When I looked at what Raegan and Gavin had, I was mesmerized by the possibility of a man so protective and nurturing toward me the way Gavin was with Raegan.
I wasn’t certain what it was, but I prayed they would work their way through it. After all, the two couples were the only reason I held onto the little bit of hope that I did. The couplescoming into my office weekly didn’t give me much reason to hope. Especially not Casimir and Bethany Perez.
Casimir
Frustration filled me as I pulled into the medical complex for our counseling session. Beth and I argued on the way over. It was nothing abnormal, but it did hamper my mood.
“Go ahead into the office. I’ll be there shortly. I have an urgent call to make.”
“It can’t wait, Beth?”
“No, Cas. It cannot. It’s related to Daddy’s fundraising campaign.”
I blew out a breath and exited the car, but not without slamming the door closed behind me. She pissed me off every chance she got.
I shot off a text message to someone.
Me:I need those phone records.
TC:This afternoon.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Perez. Please sign in, and Dr. Champagne will be right with you.” The receptionist greeted me as I stepped inside.
I signed in and took a seat. I busied myself with reviewing emails on my phone related to the other business I started a few years ago. I hadn’t mentioned it to Bethany, her parents, or mine yet. Only those who needed to know knew about it.
“Mr. Perez, I’m ready for you.” The silky-smooth voice of Giselle Champagne called to me a few minutes later. I checked my watch and noticed that ten minutes had passed since I left Bethany in the car.
“Is Mrs. Perez not joining us again today?” Giselle asked as I walked into her office.
The spicy floral fragrance she wore tickled my nose and tugged at my manhood.
“She’s outside making a phone call. She should be in shortly.”