Page 73 of Mine

God, I loved that about her.

I dropped my keys, phone, and wallet into the desk drawer and rubbed my palms together.

I was early. Earlier than she expected. And I was hoping the surprise was a good one.

Chapter Thirty-Nine

BLUE

I was ridiculouslyexcited that it was finally Friday, but I was also a little nervous.

When West and I were apart, it felt like we barely knew each other. But when we were in the same room, it was like we had known each other forever. I was ready for us to be friends again.

I hadn’t gone back to the lake house all week. I didn’t want to be there without him. But I’d already told my dad that’s where I’d be this weekend, mostly because I couldn’t picture myself staying away from West any longer now that we had amended our rules a little.

It was still early, and the bar wasn’t too busy yet. I kept glancing at my phone every few minutes, waiting for West’s text. He’d said he’d message me when he was on his way, but I hadn’t heard anything yet.

Finally, I reached under the counter and typed out a quick text.

Blue

What’s your ETA?

I pressed send and immediately regretted it. Too short. Too formal. I sounded like a needy robot. I sighed and slid my phone back under the counter just as strong hands gripped my hips and his presence stole the air around me.

“Did you just text me?” he whispered into my ear from behind.

A woman sitting at the bar looked up at us, wide-eyed like she’d just witnessed some steamy soap opera scene. My infamous husband had made a show of saying hi.

“You’re here early,” I said, my voice breathless.

“I left work early.”

My pulse spiked. I kept trying to tell myself it was all for show, just him playing the part, keeping up appearances with the public display of affection. But it felt real.

None of it was necessary. He didn’t have to leave early. He didn’t have to slide in behind me and touch me like I belonged to him. He didn’t have to breathe against my neck like he missed me.

And then I turned in his arms and saw him.

Jeans. A plain white T-shirt.

He looked normal. Like he was born and raised in Harmony Haven and adhered to the dress code. And shit, he was so unfairly hot.

Tuffy passed by, mumbling a “Hi, Mr. Brooks” as she went. West turned slightly, probably to respond, but I gasped before he could.

He froze. His expression was a mix of confusion and concern until he realized I was staring at him. That stupid white T-shirt was clinging to his chest like it had been made for him.

My mouth watered. And not just because of how good he looked, but because I knew he did this on purpose. For me.

The suit made him feel powerful, in control. But this was him letting his guard down. This was him trusting me.

West turned his attention to a woman at the bar and took her order like he’d been bartending for years. There were a couple more waiting, but I couldn’t move.

Tuffy slid up beside him again. “It’s not very busy right now, Mr. Brooks. You might wanna snap your wife out of it before the Friday rush begins.”

He didn’t even glance at her, just slid two drinks across the bar and smiled at the customer. Then Tuffy nudged me on her way past.

I wasn’t even completely sure West had heard her, but as soon as he knew everyone was taken care of, he grabbed my hand and led me down the hall.