Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 59951 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 300(@200wpm)___ 240(@250wpm)___ 200(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 59951 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 300(@200wpm)___ 240(@250wpm)___ 200(@300wpm)
“Stop torturing him. Just take his word that he doesn’t care about details, and plan the wedding you want.”
Riley had trouble swallowing his last bite of sandwich. Was he really being so awful? “I want him to be happy. I pushed him into having a wedding. I don’t want to choose things that will make it even worse—a tux he hates, flowers he finds tacky, whatever.”
Marc balled up the wax paper that had been around his bagel. “Did you guys have a fight? You seem even more bitter about all this than the last time we talked.”
Great. He was being an ass, but he didn’t want Marc calling him out on it. “We’re fine.”
Marc clearly didn’t believe him. “Riley, seriously. I think you’re losing it. And that’s normal: planning a wedding, starting a new business, that’s a hell of a lot to do at once.”
Riley dropped his head into his hands. “What should I do?”
“Talk to Thorne. Tell him.”
“He’ll be so pissed off that I’ve forced this, that we’ve put so much time and energy and money into it.”
Marc shook his head. “I think you’re wrong, and he sure as hell doesn’t care about the money. You know that.”
“I care.”
“So use the things you’ve already set up, just quit trying to make everything perfect.”
“But it’s—”
“One day. One fucking day that starts something amazing.”
Why did everyone keep saying that? “But I always wanted—”
“Sometimes the reality isn’t as good as the fantasy.”
Riley thought about how he felt when he was with Thorne, when they were happy. “And sometimes it’s better.”
“You mean Thorne.”
“Yes.”
“Then enjoy the reality that’s worth it, and forget the fantasy.”
“So you really think I should just stop pestering him and decide things myself?”
Marc nodded. “I do, and I can help you. It will probably be my only chance to plan a wedding.”
“You don’t know that.” Riley really wanted Marc to find someone as great as Thorne.
“With my track record, I’d say my chances are near zip.”
“Eventually, you’ll have your fill of sly, charming assholes.”
Marc sighed. “Maybe I already have since I’m currently pining away for a man who doesn’t want me. Perhaps this is a new phase.”
“I told you what you should do.”
“Hmpf.”
Riley smiled. “I’m not sure either of us is in a clubbing mood. You want to come over tonight instead? We can order pizza, and I can show you the flowers and invitations we’ve picked out, and maybe we can make a few or a few hundred other decisions.”
“It’s a date. But you do remember how to say no right? You used to be good at it.”
“Why? Are you planning to seduce me?”
“Ha. I’m not that desperate.”
Riley raised his brows. “I happen to know just how desperate I could make you.” They’d been friends with benefits back when Marc had convinced Riley to work for the escort service where they’d both met Thorne.
“As if. I’d have you panting for it in seconds. I was referring to saying no to this wedding planner. She seems a bit pushy.”
“Maybe, but I don’t know what I’m doing and—”
Marc narrowed his eyes, and Riley could feel his disapproval. “There’s no right or wrong way to do this.”
Riley sighed. “But Thorne is…”
“Wealthy and can do whatever the fuck he wants, and so can you.”
“Okay, fine.” Marc was right, but how could Riley decide what to cut and what not to? He was already doing that with his business. Fuck. Why did he get himself into this mess?
Marc glanced at his phone. “I’d better go, or I’ll be late. You coming with me so you can ask Darius about tuxes?”
“Sure. You should bring him, you know.”
Marc gave him a wary look. “Bring him where?”
“To the wedding.”
“I can’t. He won’t date employees, remember?”
“It’s a wedding. You can say you’re going as friends.”
“And sit there with him all evening, unable to touch him?”
They stood, and Riley took his last sip of coffee. “Maybe he’d be inspired.”
“I don’t know. It’s months away.”
“Then see what happens.”
Marc nodded. “Okay, I’ll think about it.”
They tossed their breakfast trash and placed their trays on the holder.
When they stepped out, the sun was already working on turning the city into an inferno. “Fuck, I’m ready for fall,” Marc said.
“Me too. I wish I was at the lake now.”
“You and Thorne should go this weekend.”
Riley considered the idea. “I guess we could. He said he’d probably be back from Chicago on Friday.”
“You should book a cabin. The two of you need some time away.”
“Yeah, we do, but I’m not sure this is a great weekend for it.”
“With the wedding and the bakery, when would be?”
“I don’t know.” Riley pulled open the door to Darius’s building and held it for Marc.
“Remember when you first started seeing Thorne?”
“As Dash?”
“Yes.” They paused outside the door of Darius’s shop. “Remember how you were always complaining that he couldn’t relax?”