All Good Things Exposed(78)

"Did you know?"

"He didn't tell me. But I knew." He pulled away with twinkling eyes. "He couldn't have picked a better woman to start forever with."

"Thank you, Caleb." My voice croaked with emotion and I blushed. I gave Jace's family a hug and kiss, thanking them for their congratulations as they filed through the door. When only Trisha, Trey and Gabe were left, I turned to them.

"Want to see my new place?"

"I can't believe it's in the same building." I shook my head. "But I think I'm going to pass for tonight. I'm really very tired."

Trisha pouted but pulled me into her arms none-the-less. "Oh, honey. I can't believe you're getting married."

"I am." I could hear the nerves in my tone but they weren't from fear. They were from excitement.

"Congratulations." She gave one last squeeze before she released me.

I looked to Trey. "Get over here."

He chuckled, closing the distance between us without touching me. He knew Jace was watching us. And I knew he felt uneasy. Hell, even I felt uneasy. "Congratulations."

"Thanks."

"I'd really like to talk to you," he shrugged to the hall. "If you don't mind."

"Not at all."

Jace stepped forward with Gabe at his side. "I mind."

"Jace,"

"No, Olivia. You can talk in here where I can see you."

"I'm not a child. Trey is my friend and I'll talk to him when and if I want to. I don't need your permission." With that, I walked to the hallway with Trey following awkwardly on my heel. Damn that man could piss me off. But I still loved him. I'd always love him.

I closed the door slightly harder then need be and turned to face Trey with a fake smile plastered over my face. "Sorry about that."

"No problem." He shrugged, but I could see he didn't like it.

"Trey, I know Jace is…well, he's ridiculous and possessive and protective, but I love him more than I've ever loved anyone." I sighed. "I can handle him."

"I know you can." He rolled his eyes and I could see this was difficult. "I still can't say I like the guy. And I think you can do a hell of a lot better, but there's one thing I can admit. Jace loves you. Even I can see that." He smiled awkwardly, shoving his hands into the pockets of his jeans. "So, I know it doesn't count for much but you have my blessing as well."

I felt my smile stretch over my face and I dove into his arms. "Thank you, Trey! You know it means a lot to me."

"You're welcome." He patted my back. "You know I'll always be here for you. Whenever you need a friend."

"I always need a good friend."

"Well," he shifted, pulling away. "You've got one in me."

"And you have one in me." I promised as the door flew open and Jace emerged, looking downright furious. Relief flashed over his face when he noticed Trey and I were still in the hallway. What? Had he thought Trey was planning on abducting me?

It was then that cold realization seeped into my bones. Jace thought there was a possibility that Trey was the writer of the letters. But that was just downright silly. Trey had just given me his blessing to marry Jace. Of course he wasn't the writer. That just wouldn't make sense.

"Olivia," Jace snapped my name. "We're going to bed."

I nodded. "Good night." I waved to Trisha and Trey who caught the elevator with Gabe. Jace closed the door before locking it. He set glowering eyes on me and I shrunk back.

"What?" I snapped. "He's my friend."

"Do you know how fucking uncomfortable that made me?"

"Why?"

"Because my fiancée was out in the hall with another man!" Jace yelled, dragging a hand violently through his hair.

"Because Trey is a man, or because you think he's the writer?" I asked pointedly. I folded my arms over my chest and waited for his reply as he stiffened.

"What?"

"You heard me."

His blue eyes narrowed to slits. "Do you think he's the writer?"

"No, Jace." I shook my head. "I don't think Trey is the writer."

"Why would you say that?" He snapped.

"Because I know you think he is."

"I don't know anything about him."

"That's bullshit."

"Watch your mouth." He roared. "You don't need to swear to get your point across."

"Same goes for you." I replied icily. "You did a background check on Trey. You told me when you first met him."

"A background check doesn't tell me what he thinks about you." His words were spoken with venom and I cringed.

"He gave me his blessing to marry you, Jace." I said tiredly.