Page 88 of The Wedding Pact

I’ll do anything for you.

Anything you ask.

I genuinely just want you to be happy.

There’s a long silence, where I panic for a moment that she’s left the chat, so my heart starts to beat in double-quick time when I see her begin to type again.

IDA

Let’s do a video call on HelSkel

RaffAlone

Okay. I’ll call you now

She answers almost immediately and my body rushes with pleasure at the sight of her. Once again, I’m blown away by how beautiful she is. How much character she has in her face. How much intelligence in her eyes.

I can’t believe I was so stupid as to walk away from her. What was I thinking?

‘Hey,’ I say, my voice rough and a little shaky.

‘Hey. So, to address your final message, I am happy, dude.’

‘I’m glad.’

‘And I don’t need saving.’

‘No, you absolutely don’t.’ I take a breath. ‘Okay, since you don’t need me to save you, can I be your wingman instead?’

‘My wingman?’

‘Yeah. You know, the person who’s always got your back. The one you call when you need a getaway driver, or to be bailed out of jail or something.’ I drop her a wink.

She’s clearly trying to suppress a grin and it makes my heart lift with hope. ‘I like the sentiment behind that and I appreciate the offer of you being my partner in crime.’

‘Whatever it takes,’ I say.

‘You want a relationship with me that much?’

‘Yeah, I do.’

‘Are you really taking a break from running your company?’

‘Yeah. I’m taking some time away to figure out how I’m going to rebalance my life.’

‘I see.’

She’s quiet for a moment.

‘So you’ll have some free time to come on my show now then?’ Her eyes gleam with mirth.

I let out a low breath, wrinkle my nose, then say, ‘Yep. Absolutely. I’d love to come on your show.’

‘Liar,’ she teases.

‘Okay, fine. It wouldn’t be my first choice of activity.’ I hold up my hands in supplication. ‘But I’d be willing to come on your show if it would make you happy.’

She nods. ‘It would.’