The Wright Boss(60)

"No, there wasn't," Austin said.

"I mean … you were serious with that HR chick for, like, a hot minute."

"Julia?" I asked. "I didn't know y'all dated."

"We didn't," Austin said with annoyance. "This isn't about us. This is about Miranda. I mean, I know you're banging Heidi … "

"Could you keep your voice down?" I ground out, looking around the parking lot wildly. Luckily, there was no one nearby. But, Jesus!

"And Miranda has a way of fucking you over, dude. I mean, you had to marry her before you realized she was a massive bitch."

I stopped walking once we reached Jensen's Mercedes that I was still borrowing. I stared at both of them. I knew they meant well, but they couldn't possibly understand where I was coming from.

"Appreciate the concern, guys, but she's signing the paperwork. That's it," I told them.

"Should I take care of your girl while you're away?" Patrick asked with a laugh.

Before I knew what I was doing, I had slammed Patrick backward. He was pressed up against the SUV next to my car, and my hands were fisted in the front of his suit coat him. His eyes widened in alarm.

"Dude, I was joking!" Patrick cried.

"Do not ever make a joke like that about Heidi again," I growled. "Ever."

"You know I'm just fucking around," Patrick said.

"Landon, bro," Austin said, placing his hand on my sleeve.

"Ever," I repeated.

"Got it," Patrick said. "Clear as day. No jokes about Heidi."

I released him with a shove and clicked the key fob to open the car. "I'm going to this fucking dinner with my soon-to-be ex-wife, and it's the last goddamn thing that I want to do. I want this marriage to be over. I want to move on with my life. So, while I appreciate y'all trying to steer me in the right direction," I said, looking them in the eyes, one at a time, "back the fuck off." 

Patrick straightened out his suit and gave me a two-fingered salute.

Austin just nodded. "Text if you need an out. We'll be happy to make a scene."

"Thanks," I said with a genuine smile.

Miranda had put me on edge. I hated that I'd gotten into an argument with my brother and his best friend. I'd just lost my shit. The idea of someone else getting near Heidi while I was trying to eliminate my baggage had made me see red. I wouldn't let that happen.

With a heavy sigh, I sank into the driver's seat of the Mercedes and sent Miranda a text.

I'll do dinner if you agree to sign the paperwork.

See you at seven at West Table, darling. Wear my favorite suit.





Twenty-Four



Landon


I showed up right on time. Not a second before or after seven. I wanted to keep my time with her to a minimum. I was already dreading this whole fucking thing. Not to mention, the last time I had been at West Table, I'd been hitting on Heidi while she was with someone else. Now, here I was, with Miranda.

And, of course, she showed up a full ten minutes late. I cringed at the fact that I had walked right into her setup. She had the upper hand already because she had kept me waiting. And I'd stayed.

Like a fucking idiot.

"Sorry I'm late," she said, not rushing in the slightest as she catwalked up to the table I'd reserved for us.

She'd changed out of her red dress for a black number that I'd never seen before and hoped to God never to see again. It was … slinky. Clearly meant to be seductive. And covered very little.

"I was about to leave," I said as way of a greeting.

She shot me a smooth smile. "No, you weren't."

I ground my teeth together. She sank down into her seat, which was a blessing since I could now only see her top half. The other problem was, now, I could see her top half.

"You wore the suit," she said with a big grin.

I looked down at the charcoal suit I had picked out with disdain. I'd probably never wear it again.

"Did you bring the paperwork? Are you going to sign now?"

"Didn't you get a good look at me? Where would I hide divorce papers? Feel free to try to find them though." She winked at me.

"I'll pass."

"Shame." Miranda flipped her blonde bob and reached for the wine menu. "I'll sign when I get home. No rush."

"So, none of this is necessary?" I glared at her and started to stand up.

"Sit down, Landon. Have some wine with me. Relax. I'll sign your precious papers. Just … " Her soulful eyes looked up into mine. "Just … let it be like old times for one night."

I didn't relax. I just stared back at her blankly. She ignored my expression and ordered a vintage bottle of her favorite French wine. She was through a glass of wine by the time we ordered our food. I had a glass in front of me, but I'd only had a sip. What I really wanted was some of Austin's whiskey. I should have stolen his flask to get through this evening.