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“No, that was a slip up. I can’t believe I almost blabbed. I am a horrible friend.”
He searched her eyes. “Is it something that big? You have to tell me now.”
“I’m sorry. I can’t. It’s private, and I’m not going to betray her confidence.”
“Come on. Tell me.” He stuck out his bottom lip.
“Stop. That won’t work on me.”
He eyed her, and she pretended to zip her lips and throw away the key.
“Maybe I can get it out of you another way,” he said as he raised his hands, crooking his fingers just so.
“What are you—?”
Gus dug his fingers into her side. “Are you ticklish, Merritt?”
She pushed against his arms. “Are you crazy? What are you doing?”
“Tickle torture. It’s the only way.”
She screeched as she shoved at him and attempted to wiggle away, but he dove at her, pinning her to the bed, his fingertips digging into the spot below her ribs.
“Stop! Stop! Pleeease, Gus!” Her giggles were adorable.
The sound of the door squeaking open caused them to freeze in what appeared to be a compromising position. They looked over at Skylar and Adelia, standing in the doorway, amusement on their faces.
“Are we interrupting?” Adelia asked, grinning.
Gus rolled off of Merritt and let her up. She straightened her clothing and stood, while he remained seated on the bed.
“Are you sure this isn’t a real marriage?” Skylar asked, looking at them with uncertainty.
Merritt took a step toward her. The regret on her face was clear. “I’m so sorry, Skylar. I hated lying to you.”
“I’ve decided to keep your secret,” she announced.
“You have?” Gus stood then.
“Yes. We talked”—she nodded toward Adelia—“and while I think you’re both nuts for doing this, I understand your reasons. I won’t tell.”
Gus strode across the room and wrapped her up in a hug before she had a chance to move away. “Thank you,” he told her.
“You’re welcome.” She wrapped her arms around his back and gave him a tight hug. “You know I love you, right? And I want you back at the company with me.”
“I know. I love you too.”
When they let go, Skylar looked Gus in the eye. “Don’t make me regret this.”
“I won’t.”
She looked between Gus and Merritt. “I think you two care a lot about each other, and I hope that when this is over, we’ll still be able to have you in our lives, Merritt.”
Merritt brushed a tear from her cheek. “So do I.” Her expression said she wasn’t so sure.
Skylar went to her and gave her a reassuring hug.
Adelia joined in their hug, wrapping her arms around both girls, then giving Gus a hug. “I still think you’re crazy, but I love you both.”