Page 40 of The Best Bad Decision

I wasn’t naïve enough to think this was going to solve the problem, but I was hoping it would give me a break in the crazy to regroup.

Valerie did her best to frown at me like she was disappointed but the expression needed work. It looked even more manufactured when she attempted to add sadness to the mix as she glanced pointedly over at Casimir’s house. “When you’re through testing my loyalty, I’ll be here.”

Good fucking grief.

“You’ve got more than just a screw loose…the whole fucking box is rattling around.” They both puckered their lips like they were shocked and shook their heads. “Is that what you thought you were doing with the delivery kid and that dick that got you knocked up?”

I was done being polite.

“You were testing me?” For fuck’s sake. “I’m living my life since I’m getting divorced. I’m not testing anything but my fucking patience.”

Rolling their eyes, they looked like they both thought I was a toddler having a hissy fit. When I just waited for a response, they let out a few frustrated sound effects before turning and marching over to the expensive sedan.

I was beyond pissed but told myself at least they’d left without putting up much of a fight.

“They probably have an appointment about the wedding.” Scrubbing my hands over my face, I took a breath and let it out slowly. Regrouping was almost painful, mostly because they’d ruined my plans and my headspace. “I had everything perfect.”

I hadn’t been worried.

I’d been aroused and curious about what Casimir would do when I went over.

I’d even spent lunch filling out the last of the lists he’d sent me because he’d promised to have enough information at that point.

Air in.

Air out.

Thinking about my next steps drew a mental blank which I didn’t appreciate it in any way. I’d filled out the lists. I’d mentally found the right headspace. I’d even stayed hard on the drive home, which had not been easy.

But being able to check off items on my slightly strange mental to-do list wasn’t helping my current situation.

“They’ve lost their minds.” I should not have to get a restraining order because those two women were insane. “I need to—”

Casimir.

He stepped out on his front porch, wearing a long white button-down and some kind of tight black pants as he leaned against the doorframe. His smirk said he’d at least guessed how frustrated I was ,but he didn’t mind based on the way he crooked his finger at me.

“I’m not a puppy.” I followed him like one, though, and felt slightly silly by the time I’d crossed the street and tried to glare at him. “I’m not a puppy.”

His smirk said he didn’t mind my attitude. “You don’t want to know how many times I’ve thought about what a cute puppy you were.”

No. I really didn’t.

“I’m not cute.” I was, however, addicted to the dramatic man in front of me because I slowly stepped closer until he could grab my tie. “I’m frustrated.”

As he tugged me closer, he frowned sympathetically. “What did the idiots want now?”

The fact that he didn’t apologize for calling my mother an idiot was my favorite part about his question. “They’re disappointed in me for letting my lawyer hound Valerie who’s been avoiding her calls. Oh, and they want me to stop avoiding the wedding planner. I’m also supposed to stop pouting and being dramatic because the baby needs a father.”

Casimir went still before rolling his eyes. “Eventually they’ll learn that just because they say it over and over doesn’t make it true.”

“I hope so.” I also hoped they eventually realized I wasn’t going to back down. “Valerie’s excited to see how my delightful personality affects the baby.”

He froze again for just a split-second before sighing. “Clearly they don’t understand genetics either.”

“That’s what I said.” His smirk had some of my frustration fading. “They both have good degrees, so I think this is a case of mind over matter. They seem to think if they believe it then it’ll come true.”

His laugh had me fighting not to smile back. “Oh, you’re much more stubborn than they are, baby.”