Page 83 of Secret Husband
I would rather not have shared his identity, but it was easier coming from my sister.
Gunnar didn’t look angry. If anything, he looked amused.
“What’s so funny?”
“So you have history with this guy. You married him after a few drinks. And he came over to look after you when you were sick.” A wry smile snuck over his lips. “Sounds like a relationship, Lo.”
Groaning, I looked to the ceiling for guidance but found only a concerning damp spot in the corner. Add it to the list.
“I’m dealing with it. I don’t want to be married to him. I have Thad.”
“And he’s okay with it?”
“Not getting into this with you. Now, I need to take a shower, check in with my clients, and eat something more interesting than soup.”
Two days later, I felt like a new woman, but unfortunately shades of the former one insisted on needling their way to the surface, specifically that soft-hearted wimp who had once fallen for a hockey superstar. Case in point: I had been so disappointed to wake up and find that Alexei had left. Of course he had responsibilities, and I was lucky that he was able to spare a few hours to feed me like a Victorian-era orphan. In his place, Sadie had stayed for the next twenty-four hours, ensuring I was on the road to recovery.
In other news, my sister was a menace.
Since witnessing Alexei playing at nursemaid, she had been texting me absurdities about the wonderful impression he had made.
Sadie
Perhaps we should invite your husband to dinner to thank him?
Me
For what? Reacting like a nervous nelly because I missed a meeting?
Sadie
He was very concerned about you. I thought it was sweet.
Me
Don’t mistake humorlessness for concern. He’s Russian.
Sadie
So, Saturday?
Gah! I put my phone in my slouchy hobo as I approached the hostess podium at Galleria. The same woman as before greeted me, and she remained as unimpressed with my pantsuit as she was with my sweats.
“This way, please.”
Thad was already seated at the table, funnily enough the same one as my date with Alexei.
Not a date. But it had felt more like one than this. Likely because it was new and a little bit exciting, not to mention under the radar. Thad hadn’t known yet and I had enjoyed that, though I shouldn’t have. I didn’t usually revel in danger. After my troubled adolescence, I had evened out. That night in Vegas was the first spark of rebellion in years.
“Hello.”
“Babe!” He half-stood, chewing on the bread he always asked for before I arrived, usually because I tended to be late while I put out fires for my trouble-loving clients. He bussed my cheek. “How goes adventures in agenting?”
“Fine. I missed a couple of days with the stomach flu.”
His eyes widened. “But you’re better now, aren’t you? Did you get my flowers?”
“I did, thanks.” The server came over, the same one as before. Tonight was a rehash of my greatest hits in dining. He winced on seeing me but pro that he was, quickly regrouped. “Madam, can I get you a drink?”
