Page 240 of Accidental Husband

Just, uh… is it hot in here? Fuck, it's really hot in here.

My knees knock together. "I, uh, I see you're ready."

He nods. "Seemed prudent."

"Right." Prudent. Because we're getting a divorce. Because he's an idiot. And I'm a bigger idiot. And we made a stupid drunk mistake that's going to ruin our friendship. "I should also do that."

"I'd rather you wear your birthday suit."

"That's a good one. Or maybe I'm tired."

His chuckle is soft.

It warms me everywhere. It's hard to believe it's barely been twelve hours since he stormed out of that party.

But I guess that's what happens when you give your marriage a week. Everything feels fast.

"I am." He places the key back under the planter. Closes the door. Clicks the lock. "You need help getting dressed?"

"I can handle it, actually."

"Still like to watch."

"Uh… I mean…"Are you here to tell me you've found your own lawyer?Are we discussing asset allocation?Is this a formal meeting?Or are you going to tell me you love me and want to stay mine forever?"Why are you here?"

"Would you rather we meet at the law firm?"

I don't know. "It would be easier."

"Easier how?"

"Less painful."

His dark eyes bore into mine. "Are you in pain?"

I push my hands into my pockets. "Griff, can we not?"

"Not what?"

"I don't know. Whatever that is. I'm tired. And I… it's not like I'm psyched to sign divorce papers."

"Yeah." He motions to the stairsshall we? "We can talk and dress at the same time."

That's true.

"If we don't, we'll be late."

Also true.

Still, I don't want to invite him into my space. Not if he isn't mine. Not if he's here to discuss the details of our divorce. Not if this is the end.

"Give me a minute." I motion to the couch.Sit.

He nodsokay. Watches me move up the stairs.

I press the door closed. Press my back against it. The wood laminate is far from solid, but the weight is still comforting.

Not as comforting as his arms or his chest or the smell of his shampoo.