Free The Last Time by E. L. Todd Page B

noticed,” she said sarcastically.
    Sean guided her to the seat then set her down. “I’m sorry, okay? I had to make sure you were okay.”
    “How did you even know he was here?”
    “Olga called me. I told her to tell me when anyone comes to the house. She said some thug with a tattoo was in the kitchen. Naturally, I panicked.”
    She shook her head. “You’re fucking crazy, you know that?”
    “Yeah, I know,” he said without shame.
    “No w help Flynn up and apologize.”
    “I’ll help him up but I’m not apologizing.”
    Scarlet didn’t press him.
    Sean extended his hand and pulled me to my feet. But he still glared at me. “Let’s get something straight. Don’t ever come here without my permission.”
    “I live here too,” Scarlet said. “I can have anyone over that I want.”
    I didn’t want them to fight. “I’m sorry, Sean. I meant well. I swear. I didn’t mean to bother her.”
    Sean grabbed my arm and yanked me out of the room. “You know my wife had a miscarriage, right?”
    Hazel told me about it. I nodded.
    “I can’t stress her out. Don’t come here and drop your problems on her like a garbage can. She doesn’t need that right now.”
    “I’m sorry.” I meant it. “I’m just desperate.”
    Sean threatened me with his eyes again. “My wife is off limits. You can bug me all you want, not her.”
    “Understood.”
    We walked back into the kitchen.
    “I offered to help Flynn,” Scarlet said.
    “How?” Sean asked.
    “I’m going to pretend to be his girlfriend and hope his ex spills the beans.”
    Sean’s eyes were wide. “Absolutely not.”
    “It’ll just be for a few hours,” Scarlet said. “If it works and Flynn is telling the truth, we can get them back together.”
    “No.” Sean looked at me, a crazed look in his eye. “You’ll have to find someone else.”
    “Sean,” Scarlet interrupted. “It’s really not a big deal. I offered to do it.”
    Sean still looked pissed. “You need to stay home and relax.”
    “I’ll be sitting in a booth with Flynn’s arm around my shoulders. It’s nothing substantial.”
    Sean shook his head. “That’s too much affection.”
    “I ’ll hold his hand then,” Scarlet said.
    “Get someone else to do it,” Sean said.
    “Who?” I asked. “Janice won’t. Ryan already wants to rip my head off.”
    “That makes two of us,” Sean threatened.
    Scarlet crossed her arms over her chest. “This is my decision and I’m doing it.  I think Flynn is telling the truth, but I need to know for sure before I go to Hazel.”
    Sean ran his hands through his hair in frustration.
    “This is my decision, Sean,” she said. “You may as well accept it.”
    Scarlet was a strong woman. Sean tried to control her, to get her to relax and do nothing, but she couldn’t be tamed. She reminded me of Hazel. She always put others before herself for the greater good.
    Sean sighed. “Fine. You’re only doing this once.” He turned to me, giving me a death stare. “If this doesn’t work, you’re on your own.”
    I nodded. “I understand.”

9
    Mike
    “Baby, you’re sure you’ll be okay?” I asked. I didn’t feel good about leaving her alone. I hardly left her side. I was by her side every night, being the protective Neanderthal she constantly teased me about.
    “Yes,” she said firmly. “I want you to have fun.”
    “How about I take you to Scarlet’s?”
    “No. I’ll be fine.” She gave me a kiss on the cheek. “I’m making blueberry muffins then getting into bed. I’ll see you in the morning.”
    “How about you just come with me?” I was desperate not to leave her.
    She smiled. “Mik e, I’ll be fine, really. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
    “Leave the alarm on when you’re home.”
    She rolled her eyes. “Okay.”
    “I mean it.”
    A honk sounded outside.
    “Get out here, asshole!” It was Sean’s voice.
    Cassandra smirked. “They’re waiting.”
    I stared at my fiancé, the most wonderful girl in the world.