“You know why.” We’d talked about our goals, our ambitions countless times over the years. She knew my aspirations where Marks International was concerned. “The career I want, running this company, it’s not compatible with a family. Gloria might think it is, but she doesn’t pull her weight. Her kids would never see her if she took the reins. And I’m pretty sure Holden wants kids. He loves them.” Watching him with his nephew, Harrison, was a testament to that. He was a natural with kids, whereas I didn’t know what to do with mini-people.

“And you’re sure you want the career more than the man?”

“Look at this place, Presley.” I gestured to the soon-to-be-gorgeous property surrounding us.

“Look at that man,” she countered.

“That man who’s my friend. One of the best friends I have. He offered to help me because we go way back. Because we’re friends. I’m prepared to lose the marriage, but I can’t lose the friendship.” My throat thickened at the thought of not having Holden in my life at all.

“And you don’t think it would be smart to see if he has feelings too? Because if he doesn’t, he has some serious acting skills.”

“How would that go, exactly?” I asked. “I’m not trying to make you uncomfortable, but I’m head over heels in love with you and want to spend the rest of forever with you, and I was just wondering if you feel the same?”

“Maybe.”

“Are you nuts? If his answer is no, and I’m pretty sure his answer would be no because he could have any girl he wanted, then how awkward would it be between us?”

“Okay,” she allowed, “I get that. But what if his answer is yes?”

I couldn’t let myself think about the possibility, because even that was enough to knock us, Holden and me, off-kilter.

“It’s not a yes. He’s just happy to not have to be celibate for a year. As am I. Just let me enjoy this, Presley. It’s the perfect setup. Holden gets his brewery. I get my career. We both get sex.”

“And then, in a year? What are you going to do then, Chloe?”

I bit down on my lip at the emotion that once again surged into my throat and made it hard to breathe. Willing it back, I forced a grin. “Twizzlers and rosé, baby. Lots of Twizzlers and rosé.”

Chapter 18

Holden

I’d been walking on air for nearly two weeks.