Page 79 of The Best Man's Secret

“River,” I said, “she’s going to tell everyone. Spin it into some twisted tale.”

As the thought formed in my head, a knot formed in my throat with the realization of how quickly she could unravel us.

All the times we innocently hung out at his place watching a game. Or when we went to Tanner’s with my brothers. She could even spin those late nights I worked alone in the office.

I reached for him, finding relief in his familiar gaze. Our lips met, and for a fleeting moment, the world around us ceased to exist.

“Adam,” he whispered against my mouth, pulling back just enough to meet my gaze. “I don’t care what she says. You and I know our truth. That’s all that matters.”

I wanted to believe that, but with the blinders off, I could no longer make excuses for Victoria. She would do this out of spite, and suddenly, I would no longer be the jilted groom. I’d be the cheater she finally found the courage to leave.

Wasn’t she brave? It must have been heartbreaking to find out her fiancé was cheating on her. And with a man, nonetheless.

That’s what people would say.

I couldn’t let her ruin our reputations. “I have to go after her, River. I can’t let her control the narrative. This is our story.” My hands lingered on his arms, tracing the outlines of his tattoos under his rolled-up sleeves.

“Go.” He nodded, a gentle firmness in his tone. “But, Adam, remember we’re more than whatever she—or anyone else—says.”

“Thank you,” I said, gratitude lacing my voice. With one last look at him, I promised, “I’ll see you at home later.”

“You better.”

Then, I turned on my heel and ran toward the parking lot, determined to catch Victoria before she could weave her web of lies.

31

ADAM

“Adam!” Lex’s voice cut through my determination to get to my car. “Hey, wait up!”

I turned to see him jogging toward me, his expression etched with concern.

“What’s up?” I asked, forcing a smile I didn’t feel.

“We saw Victoria.” He paused in front of me, his breaths coming out in quick puffs. “What happened?”

His question hung in the air, and for a brief moment, I considered shrugging it off, but this was Lex, my twin, the only person apart from River who knew me inside and out.

“She came to talk,” I began, the words tasting bitter on my tongue. “But things… didn’t go as planned.”

Lex’s brow furrowed, and he crossed his arms, a silent invitation to continue.

“Victoria, she…” I trailed off, the confession clawing at my throat. “Let’s just say she’s made some assumptions about River and me.”

“Like what?”

“She thinks I cheated on her.”

“That’s bullshit,” he said, raising his voice.

“I know, but she can do a lot of damage with that lie, and she doesn’t get to take my coming out away from me.”

“Damn.” Lex exhaled. “I’m sorry, man. You okay?”

I nodded. “I’ll deal with it. Right now, I need to ensure she doesn’t cause any more trouble.”

“Be careful, Adam. Don’t let her get to you. You know we all have your back, right?”