ETHAN CAME OUT of the kitchen with a tiramisu that looked sinfully delicious. The man never stopped amazing Kerri with his culinary masterpieces. Doctor’s orders were to cut back—and yes she should, for her own sake—but she could never resist his desserts. Thankfully, Et
han didn’t believe in American-sized servings…or maybe he did it for her. In any case, the three beautiful plates in his large hands sported only a few small bites’ worth of sweetness with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream.
“God, you people,” Justin said, staring at his tiramisu. “You may be used to European portions, Kerri, but I didn’t grow up there. I’m American.”
“I’m sure Ethan will let you lick the bowl if you ask nicely.”
“Haha. Very funny.”
“Kerri’s been cutting back on sugar,” Ethan said, sitting down and putting a warm hand on her shoulder. “So we don’t usually eat dessert, but since you’re here, I figured we could splurge.”
“Well. In that case, I feel honored.” Justin winked.
He’d decided to make a special trip to northern Virginia to visit Kerri after a five-day vacation in Curaçao. His dark hair and bright green eyes were set off by the tan he’d acquired. Most importantly, he looked relaxed. She hadn’t seen him this loose in a while.
When she commented on it, he grinned. “It’s because I no longer have to cover for you with le roi soleil. You have no idea what it’s like to lie right to his face.”
She cringed. “I actually do know.” Barron could make you feel small and pathetic for deceiving him. Before he completely destroyed your future, of course.
“Who’s le roi soleil?” Ethan asked.
“That’s our code name for Barron. It’s, uh, kind of classified, though,” Justin said.
Ethan’s lips twitched. “Of course.”
Justin polished off his dessert in two large spoonfuls, while Kerri savored hers in small bites. Who knew when she’d get to indulge again?
“By the way, when’s the happy date?” Justin asked.
Kerri choked and reached for her water. Ethan patted her back gently.
“We aren’t sure,” Ethan said.
“We aren’t even engaged yet, Justin,” Kerri said when she found her voice again.
“You planning on living in sin forever?”
Kerri stole a quick glance at Ethan. They’d never talked about it, and she didn’t want to pressure him into anything. Marriage was a huge step.
“Just, ah, don’t plan anything concrete other than the date,” Justin said.
Kerri narrowed her eyes. “Why?”
“Yes, why?” Ethan asked.
“Because Barron’s going to want to overcompensate.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
“You know how he doesn’t just ruin people? He ruins people, right? This is going to be the same thing. He won’t just compensate for what he considered the lost time. He will compensate.”
“Uh oh,” Kerri said. “What exactly does that mean?”
“I honestly don’t know.” Justin shrugged. “Maybe buy a small country and name it after you?”
Ethan chuckled, while Kerri made a face. “That’s so not what I want.”
“Enjoy the fact that he loves you, Kerri.” Justin’s voice grew serious and affectionate. “He’s trying to make up for everything. I know you didn’t want to hear it before, but he’s been hurting, too.”