Dating Games(114)

“That’s good to know, but from this moment forward, there’s no one else. Now that I finally have you, I don’t need to be anyone other than myself.”

He brushes his lips against mine and kisses me in front of the display window of Tiffany’s. I couldn’t think of a more perfect spot to begin our story of forever. It just goes to show you. The greatest things in life can’t be planned.

Love can’t be planned.





Chapter Forty-Three





I stare at the pink hue of the sky as the sun setting in the west casts a beautiful glow over the ocean outside the windows of Julian’s home in the Hamptons. A smile curves my mouth as I consider how far we’ve come since the first time I stepped foot in this house. Back then, I never would have imagined I’d be kicking off another summer with someone who was only supposed to be a fun distraction, or my key to revenge. Now I can’t imagine my life without him.

The sound of my phone ringing tears my attention away from the stunning view. I pull it out of my clutch, grinning when I see Chloe pop up.

“You made it!” I say as I answer her FaceTime call. “How are the islands treating you?”

She lifts the oversized sunglasses off her eyes as she brings a tropical concoction to her lips. She flew to Hawaii early this morning, but if I didn’t know any better, I’d think she’d been there for days.

“I may never leave.”

I smile. “I don’t blame you. I’m counting down the hours until we hop on a plane tomorrow.”

“Yeah,” she scoffs, rolling her eyes. “Because you have it so rough, having to hold off on coming to Hawaii so you can go to some high-class party in the Hamptons. Let me get out my violin, Evie.”

Shaking my head, I can’t stop the grin from crawling across my lips. She’s right. I do have it pretty good. Not only do I have an incredibly supportive man in my life, but I also have a job I only dreamed about. Thankfully, Viv knew I wasn’t thinking clearly and refused to offer the assistant editor position to anyone until the beginning of the year. By then, I’d come to my senses.

My new position isn’t without its challenges. I wouldn’t trade it for anything, though, especially whenever I pass a newsstand and see the new edition of a magazine bearing my name as the assistant editor. You can Google me now, and the search will return information unrelated to my relationship with Julian Gage. I wouldn’t have been able to say the same if I gave up and went home to become an English teacher, as I considered when everything fell apart.

“Have you seen Nora yet?” I ask.

“Yes.” She rolls her eyes. “She’s in full bridezilla mode, but in the best way possible. I think you’ve rubbed off on her.”

“How so?”

She grimaces. “She has lists.”

“Lists?”

“Lists,” she repeats with a nod. “And itineraries. She has one for you when you get here.”

“Do I want to know what’s on these lists or itineraries?”

“I can’t say for certain what’s on yours, but based on mine, I’m convinced she’s lost her damn mind. You need to come and run an intervention. Stat.”

I grin. “Why’s that?”

“I thought I’d enjoy a week of relaxation before the wedding. That girl has shit scheduled every day. Sightseeing shit.”

I stifle my laugh at the look of absolute displeasure crossing her face. I’ve often wondered how Chloe and Nora were such good friends. While Nora’s idea of a fun vacation is packing as much sightseeing and adventure into as short a time as possible, Chloe would much prefer to sit on a beach and have attractive men bring her fruity drinks as she works on her tan.

“At least you’re in Hawaii. It could be a lot worse.”

“The fact that I’m in Hawaii is what makes it unbearable. I should be shacking up with some hot islander who will breathe fire in my pussy. Instead, do you want to know what I’m tasked with doing during what should be a sex-filled vacation?”

“What’s that?”

“Making sure Jeremy’s best man keeps his dick in his pants. Apparently, he flirts with anything with a pulse. And since Nora knows I have a low tolerance for bullshit and charm, I’ve been given this exciting task.”

I laugh once more as Chloe brings her drink back to her lips. “I’m going to need this shit in an IV.”

“Remember. It’s all for Nora.”

“Yeah, well, Nora owes me after this. Anyway, I don’t want to take up much more of your time. I know you have a big thing tonight. I just wanted to call and wish you a happy birthday.” She lifts her glass once more, toasting me. “Here’s to thirty-one. May this birthday be more memorable than the last.”

“Actually…,” I begin after a moment of contemplation, “my last birthday was pretty amazing. It just took me a while to realize it.”

“At least you finally did.” She holds my gaze for a moment longer, then seems to look past me. I glance over my shoulder to see Julian descending the staircase. I return my eyes to my phone. “Looks like Prince Charming’s here to take you to the ball. Have a good night, Evie. And happy birthday.”

“Thanks, Chloe. Love you.”