Page 221 of Forbidden Billionaires: Vol. 2

James looked down. “There’s probably rats here. We can’t just leave a dish of food. It’ll attract more of them.”

“You are just as bad as your brother. This apartment is so cute. Just because you’re used to high-end everything doesn’t mean this place has rats!”

Daphne opened up the door just at that moment. A frown cut across her face.

Oh, fuck.I was defending her apartment, but I was pretty sure the end of my sentence was just: “This place has rats!” I cleared my throat. “Hey! I was just telling James how much I love your apartment.”

She nodded, but I could tell she looked hurt.

“I mean it,” I said. “You heard the end of my sentence, but I was actually saying that your place doesn’t have rats.”

“It’s true,” James said. “I think you may have just heard the end of what she said and it was completely out of context. I was the one that thought there might be rats if we left this dish on your doorstep.” He lifted up the casserole dish. “We brought you dinner. We know you must be crazy busy with all the planning.”

“Oh.” She smiled, immediately believing him. “How thoughtful of you.”

Not how thoughtful ofyou guys. Just James.Gah.Yeah, I was definitely not going to be a bridesmaid.

“Shit,” Rob said and groaned.

I peered over Daphne’s shoulder. Rob had just hit his elbow on a doorjamb as he was pulling on a shirt.

Okay, wow, we’d definitely just interrupted them banging.

“Anyway,” I said. “We just wanted to drop this off and get out of your hair. Unless you needed help with anything?”

“Hey, guys,” Rob said. “Did Ellen make that or did you?” he said and looked at me.

“Ellen.”

Rob smiled and grabbed it out of James’ hands.

“I’m not a bad cook,” I said.

“I didn’t say you were.” He peeled back the foil and reached somewhere to the right and suddenly had a spoon.

Yes, their apartment was tiny. But cute, I swear it!

“I just really love Ellen’s cooking,” he said and ate a spoonful of the chicken pot pie. “So freaking good. It’s actually perfect, because we just depleted a whole lot of energy.” He winked at Daphne and her face turned crimson.

James cleared his throat. “Okay, well, enjoy. Catch you guys later.”

“Unless you need help with anything,” I added. “Wedding related or…anything. We’re always here for you.”

“Nope, we’ve got it all handled. We’ll see you this weekend though. I think it’s Mason’s turn to pick the place.”

It was Tuesday. They weren’t planning on seeing us for four more days? They really didn’t want our help? It felt like my stomach dropped.Daphne hates me.I just nodded. “Sounds good. See you this weekend, guys.”

“Thanks again,” Daphne said with a wave and a smile before the door slammed in my face.

I felt tears welling in my eyes. I quickly ran up the stairs and back to the sidewalk. Ian was parked, waiting for us, but I just needed a minute. So I walked straight past the car.

The autumn night air was finally chilly. So I could feel the hot tears slide down my cheeks. I quickly wiped them away.

“Penny, where are you going?” James said and caught my wrist.

“I looked like a complete ass.”

“I love your ass.” His hand squeezed one of my butt cheeks.