Page 18 of Code of Heart

Isaac smirked as he walked out of Levi’s office, far too amused with the situation. There was no way he could get any work done now that his life had gone to shit in a matter of hours.

The realization that he may be getting married very soon was reason enough to skip out and find a bar to drink the day away.

He wasn’t prepared to marry a stranger.

Hell, he wasn’t prepared to get married at all.

Levi placed his head in his hands and groaned. He needed to get a hold of himself and his life.

When he thought it couldn’t get any worse, Owen barged in. Making himself comfortable in a chair, Owen leaned back and put his feet up on Levi's desk. With a straight face, he asked, “When do I get to meet the future Mrs. Lockwood?”

“Owen, I swear to god I don't have the energy for your bullshit today,” Levi growled in frustration.

That spurred Owen on more, his crystal blue eyes ringed with gold and green, crinkling with amusement. “Challenge accepted.”

Owen was classically handsome with golden blond hair, tanned skin, and biceps that women regularly drooled over. Underneath that exterior hid a sharp wit and attention to detail…those eyes never missed a thing.

He was also a smart ass who never passed up an opportunity for drama. The twinkle in his eyes and the lopsided grin on his face confirmed that Owen spent all afternoon preparing for this interaction.

“No, no…there has been no challenge issued!”

“Incorrect. So, can I officiate the wedding? I can get a license online today.”

“What? No!”

“Can I be the best man?”

“Absolutely not.”

“Can I be the flower guy? I would beamazingat throwing flowers.”

“Please don't do this to me right now; it's been a rough day already.”

“If she's hot and has any hot sisters, will you set me up with one of them?”

“Owen, I will throw you down a flight of stairs if you don't stop it.”

Owen rolled his eyes. “You couldn't even pick me up, princess. Fine, I’ll settle for you naming your first child after me.”

“If you have nothing useful to contribute, then please go away,” Levi sighed.

“Can I investigate her?”

Levi was about to say no, but caught himself. “If this actually happens, then yes, you can investigate her.”

Owen threw his hands in the air and let out a triumphant, “Aw yessssss!”

Levi leaned over his desk, head in his hands again, taking deep breaths. When he looked back up at Owen, all traces of amusement had faded from his face, replaced with contemplative concern.

“Do you want to hear my opinion, or are you committed to playing the part of the rich CEO who got into a dick-measuring contest and is upset about the consequences of the dumb shit he said?” Owen asked seriously.

“Not about my imaginary fiancée,” he said defeatedly.

“Believe it or not, I understand that. I’ve been through enough with you to know that he pushed you to this.” Levi looked up at him skeptically. “I also understand how badly you want to settle down.” He slumped back into his chair.

“But,” Owen continued, “Idothink you need to step back and stop working so much—actually go out and do things and meetpeople. You’ve dealt with people like Tyler all your life—you know the second you get sloppy, it’ll be used against you.”

Levi knew he was right; nonetheless, it was a tough pill to swallow. “I haven’t reacted like that in a long time,” Levi admitted, “I truly hate that little goblin.”