Claire narrows her gaze and walks to him. “You can’t compare her with Miller. He didn’t cheat on me with my best friend. And it’s not like you loved her, did you?”

“Are you telling me you’re in love with this asshole?”

Are you? I glance at her, hopeful.

“Look, whatever is happening between us isn’t your problem.”

“Until he fucks up and I have to hunt him down.”

“Hey, I’m here,” I finally speak out. Being a spectator is fun until it isn’t. “Am I going to fuck up? Probably. But who doesn’t? I’m not saying I’m perfect, but I’m planning on staying as long as she allows me to stay. Listen, I’ve been where you are. Kevin, my brother-in-law, isn’t my favorite person, but we get along for Lola.”

Even when the asshole screws up with my stuff.

“As long as he treats Lola like a queen, we get along well,” I add.

“You treated my sister—”

“Not my best moment,” I concede. “I learned the lesson and I’ve paid for it. Almost three years without her was hell. My goal is, if she allows it, I’ll make up for it—for as long as she allows it. Which I hope is for at least the next fifty years.”

“Always the overachieving, sweet talker, Mr. Archer,” Claire says, rolling her eyes but then focuses her attention on me. “You’re serious, aren’t you?”

I bob my head. “Thomas, I’m only asking you to keep things civil, because the last thing I want is for Claire to be stressed out when we’re around each other. You’re one of her favorite people and I don’t want your relationship to suffer because of it.”

“I don’t trust you,” he says, exhaling harshly. “Claire?”

“I’m old enough to take care of myself, but you know I love you for keeping an eye on me, right?”

Thomas nods.

“Do you really want to get back with the cheating bitch?” she grumbles the question.

Thomas rolls his eyes and shakes his head.

“Good, can we go to visit the parents now?” She turns toward me and says, “Do you want to join us, Miller?”

I smile. “Only if you want me to, Princess.”

“Oh fuck, I’m not driving him to the parents’ place.”

“We’ll drive separate,” I say, then ask, “Are you sure you want me there, even when we’re not together?”

“It’s a work in progress.”

“I love you,” I say.

“Thank you,” she responds, “for understanding.”

“That I’m in the doghouse?” I shrug. “I’m switching my game, Solis.”

When I know how to. What else does she need from me?

Forty-Six

Claire

“This is unacceptable,” Jonathan protests.