I get a reminder the next morning when Chance rings me---to check up on me, naturally. I can't be trusted not to deflower every virgin in New York City.
When I answer my mobile, I speak before Chance can. "No, I'm not having sex with Arden."
"Good day to you too, Reese."
"Don't pretend you aren't ringing me to make sure I've kept my randy paws off your fiancée's best friend."
"Maybe I am, but that's not the only reason I rang you."
I sigh, leaning my head back against the sofa. I've been sitting here while I wait for Arden to wake up and emerge from her room. "What else do you want, Chance?"
"Elena needs Arden in New Hampshire on Wednesday instead of Friday. She needs help with some sort of wedding dress crisis. It sounds like nothing to me, but Elena's having an anxiety attack."
"Aren't you loving all the feminine bollocks that comes with a wedding?"
"What would you know about it? You've never proposed to a woman in your life---and proposing a one-night stand doesn't count."
I scratch my neck and my cheek, because I've suddenly developed itches all over my body. "You make me sound like a right bastard. If you think I'm such a dick, why haven't you flown over here to drag me away from Elena's best friend?"
"Relax, Reese, it was a joke. You're not a dick." He hesitates before asking, "Do you like Arden? Really like her?"
"What, are we children now? Do I like her. What an asinine thing to ask." I have no idea why the question makes me uneasy, or why I get snarky with Chance because he asked it. I also have no bloody clue why I say, "Do you think Elena would mind if I wanted to, um, date Arden?"
Since we're already in a relationship, why do I need to ask permission? If Elena vetoes the idea, I won't stop dating Arden.
But I want to know what my brother thinks of it.
Yes, I'm an idiot.
"Date? You?" Chance laughs, but it doesn't sound like sarcasm. "Never thought I'd see the day. I'll ask Elena."
I hear a noise like he's holding the phone away from his face, then he shouts his fiancée's name.
"Chance, I didn't mean you should actually ask her---"
But it's too late. He's not listening to me anymore, and I hear Elena's lovely laughter when he asks her, "Would you mind if Reese dates Arden?"
"Of course not," she says. "As long as he behaves."
"I'm afraid that's not at all likely."
"That's not funny," I say so loudly I'm almost shouting. "You two are off my Christmas list. And forget birthday presents too."
Elena laughs again, and Chance joins her this time.
The bloody pair of them. I'm seriously concerned about whether Elena and Chance mind if I date Arden, and they're laughing at me.
"It's okay," Elena says. "But Arden's the one you need to ask for permission."
Maybe I should admit to them I've already done that, she's already said yes, and we're already dating and in a relationship. No, that would be too much honesty.
Some sort of movement catches my attention out the corner of my eye, and I glance toward the hallway.
Arden has come out of her room wearing nothing but those damn plaid knickers and a bra so thin I can almost see through it.
"Got to go," I tell Chance and Elena. "See you in New Hampshire."
I hang up and jump off the sofa. "Good morning, Arden."