Page 71 of Strictly Business
“Finn has nothing to do with the divorce.”
“Maybe not entirely.”
“I didn’t cheat on David.”
“That’s not what I’m saying.” Nick leans back in his chair with a slight grin. “But, Finn is one, if not the reason you’re ready to move forward, am I right?”
Well, he’s not wrong. I’ve never felt so comfortable with someone. I’ve never stayed overnight with a boyfriend this early in a relationship. Never slept over when they weren’t home. Never had my own space and things at his place. Never borrowed his clothes. Never felt so comfortable to be myself.
“The other thing I don’t understand is what’s taking so long for the divorce to finalize. Josh said it’s still not done. What’s the hold-up?” Nick sips his coffee and his eyes dart to the clock on the wall before landing back on me.
“The ring,” I mumble behind my mug. Nick cocks an eyebrow and I groan. “And, the condo. He wants me to sell it, and he wants the ring back, but I don’t—”
“So, give it to him.”
“What is he going to do with it? Give it to someone else? That’s tacky.”
“What are you going to do with it? It’s not like you’re going to wear it. So what if he decides to recycle rings with the next girl, that’s his problem, not yours.” His phone vibrates across the counter and a smile crosses his features when he picks it up.
I wonder if Finn does that when I text him.
“What’s she doing this morning?” I ask, but I already know the answer.
“Working, what else?”
“She’s wearing herself thin, Nick.”
“Tell her that.” He finally looks up when he hits send on the text message. “She wants to make sure everything is ready for when we’re gone. The honeymoon will be her first real vacation since Ric passed and it’s stressing her out.”
“Kai can manage.”
“Of course, he can. She knows that, but she’s been overseeing almost everything since Ophelia was born.”
“What’s she gonna do when she gets pregnant? She won’t be able to keep going like this.”
“We’ll cross that bridge if we get there.”
If we get there.
The words feel like a rock in my stomach.
“But this isn't about us, it's about you. So, you wanna tell me how you went from hating Sheffield’s guts to sleeping in his bed?” Nick leans forward resting his chin on folded hands and his eyes shine with mischief. “Was your hate just hidden desire this whole time?”
“No, you weirdo. Don’t be gross.”
“Oh, so it was him? He was the one who's been riddled with desire all these years.”
“Oh my gosh, stop.”
“Was it his dashing good looks – his luscious hair and bright, beautiful eyes? Or was it his charm — you know he’s always had a way with the ladies.”
“It wasn’t any of that," I laugh.
“Well, don’t leave me hanging, what was it?”
“I don’t know. I guess, working with him I got to see a new side of him..”
“I thought he was an asshole.”