Something tells me it has to do with her ex-fiancé.
I couldn’t figure anything out about him by sitting at home on my couch, mulling over the very limited clues she’s given me about her failed relationship.
That’s why I’m back at Harry’s place.
It’s the distraction I need.
I invited Graham and Kavan to join us for dinner, but Graham tapped out to paint a stencil on the nursery wall.
Kavan is all in, though.
I knock on the door to Harry’s townhouse the same way I always do.
This time the response isn’t a series of knocks. Instead, the door flies open to reveal Kavan Bane standing behind it.
The man’s appearance matches his name.
The ends of his black hair drift over the collar of his suit jacket. His intense blue eyes lock on my face. There’s no grin in sight. Instead, he just stares.
“Hey, Bane.” I move to embrace him. “It looks like you’re in a hell of a good mood tonight.”
“I am,” he says, tapping the center of my back. “Wedding planning is in full force, Sean.”
A few months ago, I would have bet every penny I have on the fact that I’d never hear those words coming out of his mouth.
Kavan hasn’t had an easy life. It’s gotten much better since he met Juliet Bardin, his fiancée and the woman who has chased away the gray cloud that always hung over his head.
“How’s that going for you?” I ask as I inch around him to enter Harry’s home.
“I fucking love it.”
That turns me right around to face him again.
Kavan isn’t one for jokes. I doubt like hell he’s ever pulled a prank on anyone, yet this feels surreal. It can’t be true.
“You fucking love wedding planning?” I ask to clarify what he just said.
“Yes.” The answer is simple and straightforward and accompanied by a broad smile.
“Who the hell are you?” I ask in jest. “The Kavan Bane I know can’t smile like that. He’s not capable of it.”
He wraps one arm around my shoulder to usher me into the hallway that leads to the kitchen. “I’m in love.”
I steal a glance at his face. The smile is still planted there.
“Love suits you, Bane.”
His hand drifts from my shoulder to pat my cheek. “It’s a great feeling, Sean. I’m the luckiest guy in this city.”
I could argue that point with him since I feel pretty damn lucky about my upcoming date with Calliope.
The sound of someone descending the staircase pulls my gaze over my shoulder. Dressed in black trousers and a gray sweater, Harrison comes into view.
“Sean.” He raises a hand in greeting. “What’s on the menu for tonight?”
I didn’t bring anything with me because I knew I’d be able to whip up something from what’s in Harry’s kitchen.
“You name it, I’ll cook it,” I say.
Harry approaches us. “You’ve been in an extra good mood lately. What’s her name?”
I scratch my jaw, considering the pros and cons of telling these two about the woman I can’t stop thinking about.
“It’s Callie,” Kavan says to Harry. “Calliope Morrow. She’s the newest marketing hire at Wells. She lives next door to Sean too.”
My head snaps in his direction. “What the fuck?”
Kavan laughs. “Blame Declan. I ran into him the other night at a restaurant opening. Juliet had an invite, so I tagged along.”
Of course, my brother would spill the details about Calliope with Kavan.
“This sounds like a double dose of fate, Sean.” Harry smiles. “Maybe you’ll beat Kavan and Juliet down the aisle.”
I chuckle. “Slow down, Harrison. We’ve been on one date.”
“Sometimes, one date is all you need to know.” Kavan glances at me. “You should bring her to my wedding, Sean. She can be your plus one.”
“When exactly is this wedding happening, Bane?” I ask.
“Three months from today.” He glances at Harry before his gaze trails back to me. “I want you to be my best men.”
“Best men?” Harry and I ask in unison.
“You two and Locke.” Kavan’s arms cross his chest. “I make the rules at my wedding, so I’m having three best men.”
I trade a look with Harry. The smile on his face says it all. He’s in, so I am too. “I’ll do my best to be the best man out of the bunch, Bane.”
“Good.” Kavan turns to Harry. “What about you, Harrison?”
“Count me in.” He rests both hands on Kavan’s shoulders. “Juliet’s been good for you. I’ve never seen you happier.”
Kavan glances at me, but his words are directed to Harry. “Sean looks as happy as me, doesn’t he?”
“Almost as happy.” Harry waits a moment before he goes on, “I need to say that seeing all of my best friends this happy is good for my heart.”
Those words mean a lot coming from him.
“We’ll find you someone too,” I say as Harry sets off toward the kitchen.
“No need.” He shakes his head without glancing back at Kavan or me. “I’m happy with life as it is.”