Page 76 of Husband to Go

“Yeah,” she smiles, throwing her hands around my shoulders and leaning up for a kiss. Our lips touch and fireworks go off behind my eyes, but then she breaks away.

“We’ll save that for later,” she teases before gathering her things and changing back into the clothes she came in. “What time should I come back?”

“I’ll send a car to pick you up around seven. Is that okay?”

“Perfect.” I kiss her one last time, and she leaves, waving goodbye as the elevator doors close.

As soon as she’s gone, I spring into action. I have to get everything ready for tonight. Kylie walked into my place, and it’s a pigsty. My cleaning service hasn’t come in a while because I was too depressed to call them, and as a result there are pizza boxes and ice cream containers strewn everywhere. Thankfully, Kylie didn’t say anything, but I don’t want our first date to happen as we’re surrounded by garbage.

Shit. I’m going to have to get this place clean, get food to cook for tonight, and figure out how to make everything extra special. Throwing a steak on a plate isn’t enough because she means so much to me and I want all the bells and whistles. She’s transformed me, and I’m a new man now. How do I show my appreciation for her? By pulling out all the stops because Kylie deserves the best, and as the man who loves her, I want to provide everything.

23

Kylie

Ileave Tanner’s apartment and call Andrea immediately because I need to tell someone everything that just happened. I’m so jazzed up, and I don’t think I’ll ever come down from this amazing high.

I dial Andrea’s number, and she answers on the first ring.

“Kylie! I stopped by your place, but you weren’t there. Is everything good?”

I sigh. Where to start?

“Yeah, I just left Tanner’s apartment.”

“Oh, Tanner’s apartment. Was this a good visit?”

“It was a very good visit,” I giggle.

“Oh my god, I’m so happy,” Andi squeals. Her excitement plasters a smile on my face. I already feel amazing about what’s happened, but knowing my best friend is happy about this relationship makes me feel a lot more confident in my choice.

“Wait!” she squeals. “I want to get all the details in the flesh. Can I meet you at your apartment?”

“Sure thing girl. You know where I live. See you soon!” We hang up, and I call for a cab. I get home, and surprise surprise, when I open my door, Andrea is already waiting on the couch with two wine glasses on the table.

“Hey girl!” She waves at me. “I have everything ready and it’s time to dish.” I plop down next to my best friend and give her a super tight hug. She hugs me back. “I love all this loving, but I need the deets, Ky. Ineedto know what happened last night.”

“Okay, okay.” I break our embrace and pick up the wine she poured for me. I take sip before giving Andi the rundown.

“So last night I actually went to go see my mom.”

“Really?” Andrea makes a face. I’m well aware my best friend does not like Veronica in the slightest. She’s made that very clear multiple times.

“Yeah, I thought it would be a good idea to see how she was doing. One thing led to another, and I told her all about my affair with Tanner. She didn’t take it well, unsurprisingly.”

“Yeah,” Andrea says reflectively while sipping her wine. “So what did she do? Given how your night ended, something must have happened.”

I grimace.

“She lost her shit. But even worse, apparently, she suspected that I was in love with Tanner the entire time. Can you believe it? But she wanted his money so bad, she didn’t care. Andthenshe said so many horrible things about our relationship, that I was really taken aback.That’swhen I realized that she’s never really cared about me.”

“Oh, Kylie, I’m so sorry.” My friend rubs the back of my shoulder. “I know I’ve said some mean things about Veronica, but I also know that you loved her. You only have one mom.” I take a deep breath and wipe away the forming tear.

“Well, I’m done with Veronica. She made it abundantly clear what she thinks of me,” I mumble. “But back to the story. After talking to my mom, I went to my aunt’s house, and Jane made me realize that I’m not the one who broke up the relationship because you can’t really steal someone away.”

“That’s wonderful,” says Andi sympathetically. “I’ve always liked your Aunt Jane a million times more than Veronica. If anything, she’s more of a mom to you than your biological mom.”

I sniffle a bit but nod.