Page 9 of Nothing to the Wedding

“I’m surprised Zairn’s still in New York.Thought he’d get here as fast as he could after the story broke.”

She sipped her coffee.“Why would he do that?”

“Haven’t heard anything about the wedding being canceled.”

“Ah, is that why you rushed over here?You want the scoop?Is this where I confess all?”

“You must’ve thought about calling the wedding off.”

Must’ve?No.In private, months ago, she and Zairn discussed stepping aside for Jane’s special day, giving all the focus to her friend.If their wedding, hers and Zairn’s, was ever to be called off, or they decided not to go ahead with it, that would be a decision made together.Never apart.

Helped that they were already married.

That might be a closely held secret, meaning it wasn’t often addressed, but she couldn’t imagine not having that security cradling her through life.Now it was there, she wouldn’t be able to live without it.

Maintaining her confidence, she faux sighed.“Oh, Mr.Crosby, you should do better research.Didn’t you see my stream last night?”

“From the club?”He put the tablet on the table and settled back.“Looked like you were having a good time.”

“I was.”She set the cup on the table.“I always have a good time in Crimson.”

“With a Breckenridge.”

Reporters wanted information, that was their stock and trade, she got it.They weren’t used to being the providers of information, which may be why he didn’t realize this was going exactly the way she assumed it would.There was no trust, only mutual satisfaction… or dissatisfaction.

“Yes,” she agreed, “a Breckenridge.A whole one all to myself.Greedy?There’s enough to go around.”

“Tripp Breckenridge has a reputation.”

“So I’ve heard.”

“You spend a lot of time with him.”

“And you think maybe Zairn is jealous or wants rid of the young scallywag?”

“He’s a man used to attention.You and Breckenridge are closer in age, kindred spirits.Zairn’s ready to settle down.”

“Tell you that himself, did he?”Tossing her hair, she turned more toward him.“Zairn knows what he wants.”

“What is that?”

Her smile was unashamed.“Me.”

“Thinks he can have you and his sidepiece too?”

“We’re talking about Zairn Lomond here.”

Interest raised his chin.“Meaning?”

“You know what I mean.”

Generalities were okay.And he could make his assumptions and reach his own conclusions.

“That you accept it?Him and other women?That he can handle two of you.More than two?What do you get out of the deal if he keeps on with the lifestyle?Suiting himself?”

The cretin was almost salivating.A private audience.For him, it was probably better than hardcore porn.

“You want me to say words that will justify our lives.”