my forehead and wandering out of the living room.
Well, shit. Looks like I’m on my own.
Later that night, I’m lying in bed, my cell in my hands as I try to figure out what to say to bring the heat back into my conversation with Emory, when a text appears on the screen.
EMORY: When exactly is your sister’s wedding? You said it’s in a couple of weeks…
SEBASTIAN: The 19th. It’s a Sunday. Weird, I know, but they’re having, like, a “wedding weekend” kinda thing.
And just like that, I get another brilliant idea. My lips curve in a grin as I type out another text.
SEBASTIAN: Actually, there’s a stack of pre-wedding activities that I’m going to need you to attend with me. To solidify our fake relationship.
EMORY: Is that so? And you’re only mentioning this now because?
Hmm, I honestly don’t know why I didn’t think of this before. Probably because I hadn’t really thought this plan out thoroughly. But now it’s really taking shape, and I’ve got a clear path in mind.
SEBASTIAN: My bad. I totally forgot about all the other stuff. But if we’re really going to sell this ruse of ours, we have to be there for all of it.
Storm and Jake have almost a full week’s worth of gatherings prior to their big day. I was going to most of them and taking some time off mannying since there’ll be plenty of family around to take care of the girls. But now, I have a better idea…
EMORY: Okay, I’ll block out that whole weekend. I’m no actress, but I’m sure I can manage two days.
My smile grows. Oh no, Miss Moss. I’m going to need much more than just a weekend.
SEBASTIAN: Yeah, I’m going to need you for the full week. The first luncheon is on Tuesday, but I’m picking Jacob’s parents up from the airport on Monday night, and I think you should be there with me.
Her response comes through even quicker than usual.
EMORY: Seriously?
EMORY: A whole week? Who are you people? The Kennedys?
SEBASTIAN: No, but Jacob’s family are all flying in for this. He’s an only child, and his family is… eccentric.
EMORY: What’s that got to do with anything? My family isn’t exactly a bunch of average Joes either, but a whole week of wedding activities seems a little extreme.
It is. I can’t dispute that. Jacob comes from old southern money. It took Storm years to be okay with spending it, but she’s finally come around and planned a wedding the Beaugard family will love. But more importantly, Storm will love it too.
SEBASTIAN: Agreed. But Storm deserves this. She deserves every happiness in the world after everything she’s been through.
EMORY: I love the way you love your family. Tell me more about them.
SEBASTIAN: How about you meet me for coffee tomorrow, and I’ll tell you everything you want to know?
EMORY: I am not getting up with the sun again. Hard pass.
I laugh, finding her disdain for mornings very entertaining.
SEBASTIAN: What if I promise to make it worth your while?
EMORY: You’re going to give me an orgasm in a coffee shop? Wow, didn’t pick you for an exhibitionist.
This time, I actually snort I’m laughing so hard. My thumb flies over my cell screen as I respond.
SEBASTIAN: Not exactly what I had in mind, but I could make it work.
EMORY: Oh, really? I’m intrigued.
SEBASTIAN: Enough to meet me in the morning?
EMORY: Maybe…
My dick has started taking notice of our conversation, and his interest is definitely piqued.
SEBASTIAN: Just tell me what to do to seal the deal, and I’ll make it happen.
EMORY: You really want to see me in all my morning glory again? I thought you would have been scarred from the first two times.
SEBASTIAN: I dig the hot-mess look.
EMORY: Good to know. It just so happens to be my go-to. Lucky for you *wink*
I chuckle, and it feels good. I’ve been in such a bitter mood since things with Jayla went to shit that I haven’t laughed much outside of my time with the girls. They never fail to lighten my day, and apparently, now Emory has that ability too.
Before I can respond, another text comes through.
EMORY: Back to a serious topic for a moment. What kind of activities am I expected to attend, and what the hell am I going to wear? You get that my wardrobe consists of snarky tees and yoga pants, right?
SEBASTIAN: I am aware. What are you wearing?
EMORY: Like, right now?
SEBASTIAN: Yeah.
EMORY: Umm, a tee that says, “I can’t adult today,” my