Marriage of Inconvenience(Knitting in the City Book #7)(10)

Obviously, first I have to find out if he’s single.

Scrunching my face at myself, I struggled to shake off the desperate turn of my thoughts.

Once inside, I sent a short wave to Lawrence, the concierge—he’s married—and crossed to the elevators. Lawrence returned the greeting as he unlocked the controls. Soon I was on my way up to Dan’s floor, berating myself for fanatically cataloguing the relationship status of every person I encountered.

I practiced my speech on the short walk down the hall to Dan’s apartment, knocking on the door as I debated how much money I should offer Steven for his trouble. I wanted to pay him for his trouble—because it would be trouble—but I didn’t want to pay him so much it might unduly influence his decision one way or the other.

Ten million dollars might be too much, for example. I wanted Steven to marry me because he wanted to help and because he was freely willing to accept the trouble Caleb would rain upon us, not because of the money. I didn’t want him to feel trapped or coerced.

I resolved to call Eugene and ask his opinion regarding the appropriate dollar figure just as Steven opened the door.

“Kat.” He wore a surprised yet welcoming smile. “Are you here for me?”

“Yes. Dan said you were here.”

“You spoke to Dan?” Steven’s gray eyes widened with obvious expectation and excitement as he stepped back from the door, motioning me in. “Tell me everything.”

“It wasn’t like that. You know he doesn’t think of me that way.” I hesitated for a split second, and then I walked into the entryway of Dan’s apartment.

“Maybe because you avoid him.”

“You know why I avoid him.” My attention was distracted by the pictures on the wall. “I needed to speak to you and Dan told me where you were, that’s all.”

My stare snagged on a black and white photo of Dan and Wally, when the dog was just a pup. He was holding the little bundle tucked in a jacket, cuddled to his chest, and Wally was licking his face. Dan wore a look of complete adoration and joy.

Oh my heart.

I sighed.

As though on cue, I heard a dog bark, followed by a whine and scratching.

“You’ve been here less than thirty seconds and you’re already bursting bubbles.” Steven shut the front door, huffing as he walked farther into the apartment. “Come on in, Debbie Disappointment. I need to let Wally out of the bedroom.”

“Why is he in the bedroom?” I tore my gaze from the photo and followed Steven.

“He growls at people he doesn’t like and runs after people he does. When Alex stops by, Wally tries to follow him out. It’s better to keep him in the bedroom whenever someone comes or goes.”

The short hall opened to a large living room with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the parks and lake. I only tangentially noted the comfy leather couch and wood furniture decorating the space, mostly because I was trying my best not to notice anything. This was Dan’s apartment, and I wasn’t present by invitation.

Least I forget, proposing marriage to Steven while simultaneously and thoroughly warning him of potential dangers was my goal.

“I brought you lunch,” I called after my friend, setting the bags of takeout on a granite bar that separated the kitchen from the living space. “Sushi from Mai Tai.”

“Okay, then you’re forgiven.” His voice reached my ears just before Wally bounded into the room, making a dash straight for me.

I squatted, grinning, and opened my arms to receive him. The first thing he did was lick my face and I laughed as he danced excitedly in front of me, enthusiastic tail wagging almost knocking him over.

Rubbing behind his ears and turning my head to avoid additional doggy kisses, I looked to Steven as he re-entered the room. “Forgiven for what?”

“Forgiven for not asking Dan out. He’s been single for something like two months. The time has come to stop avoiding The Security Man.”

I stood, still scratching the spot Wally seemed to love. “Steven.”

“Kat.” Steven crossed his arms, giving me his bitch, please look.

Whenever Dan came up in conversation—but especially over the last two months—Steven would not-so-subtly push me to do something about my feelings. My friend knew all about my two-and-a-half-year crush, though I hadn’t yet told him what happened between Dan and me in Vegas. Steven hadn’t asked and I hadn’t volunteered.

We didn’t have time for this conversation. It was already past noon. If we were going to get married as soon as possible—which was tomorrow—we needed to go to the Clerk of the Court and obtain a marriage license now.