Page 163 of Soul Mates: Hercules Valentine and I

“Okay, but just so you’d know, Hercules is Mason’s best man,” Lake reveals.

I gasp, hardly believing what I’m hearing. But of course, Hercules would be Mason’s best man. The two of them are more than work colleagues; they’re close friends.But still—is it too late to back out?

Then Eden raises a finger timidly. “Oh, and he’s Nero’s best man too.”

My hands fly up to cover my face. Glass crashes against the floor, and liquid splatters on my sandals, ankles, and the hem of one of the wedding dresses hanging on the rack.

Chapter Fifty-Seven

Nerves of Jelly

Paisley Grove

I’m wringing my hands, pacing the length of my apartment, as I try to figure out how to tell Hercules that I cannot go back to work for VTI. Then, to add insult to the emotional injurious day I’ve had, I bought myself a wedding dress to keep Dora from freaking out. And now I own a wedding dress that I’ll probably never wear for the only man I love.

I stop in front of the mirror near the hallway that leads to my office, yoga studio, and guest room and study my reflection. “It’s not that I don’t want to work for VTI. Because I really, really, really want to.”

Ugh…

Truth be told, I want my team back. I want to wake up every morning and go to the VTI building. I miss our long days creating awesome software. I also want to help Hercules figure out how to make my brother partner with him on the personal trainer RLHI. Max will be a hard nut to crack. I thought Killian could convince him to seize the opportunity, but alas, I might have to be the one who gets it done.But still…

“Sorry, Hercules. I would love to have my old job back. But as you know, family loyalty won’t allow it. By the way, have you ever found out why we’re supposed to be enemies?”

I sigh. I’ll leave out that last bit about our families’ feud and probably add a bit about how awkward it is that he’s the best man for both of my friends’ grooms and I’m the maid of honor for both brides.

“And then you’ll make a joke about how hard it is to escape him,” I say to my reflection in the mirror. We both chuckle. It is quite strange that my entire life, Hercules has been the one person who’s been part of my most important stages.

I wonder why, though. Is there something I’m supposed to learn from him? If I learn it, will he go away, and I’ll forget about him?

Finally, I dart over to the sofa, take my phone off the coffee table, and make the call.

After the fourth ring,I’m suffering from holding my breath, and my head is spinning because I’m thinking too hard about what sort of message to leave him.

“Hello,” Hercules answers, to my surprise.

Like an arrow leaving the bow, I shoot to my feet. With wide eyes, I open my mouth, but nothing comes out.Say something, Paisley.

“Hello,” he says for a second time. His tone is sharper.

“This is me, Paisley.”

He’s silent for a moment. Then he clears his throat. “Oh. Hi.”

“Hi, umm… I just want to tell you…”

“Hey, is this about my pitch for you to come back and finish what you started?”

Breathe, Paisley.“Yes,” I say with an exhale.

“How about we talk about it in person?”

I stop looking down at my feet to fight the vertigo I’m suddenly experienced. “Huh?”

“I think it’s appropriate that we have this conversation face-to-face.”

I twist my mouth as I think. Can I deny him if I’m looking into his eyes? I shake my head. I should say no. Just tell him, no.

“Okay,” I whisper.