The gang gathered to welcome Curtis home in the private lounge of an exclusive members’ club and the atmosphere was electric. With a grin, Devin uncorked a bottle of Hennessy Paradis, a top-shelf cognac that was a century’s worth of limited release and not even available in stores.

This was a cherished possession of Devin’s grandfather, Hubert Perez. He himself could never bring himself to drink it, yet his adoring grandson had whisked it away to celebrate his best friend’s comeback..

“Are you sticking around this time?” Devin asked, getting Curtis a generous glass.

Curtis leaned back on the plush sofa, a picture of nonchalance. “Do you want me to leave?”

“Are you kidding? I’ve been counting the days until you got back!”

Someone in the group teased, “Devin’s been pining for you more than your wife, man.”

Devin shot back with a playful kick. “Shut it, will you?”

Glass in hand, Curtis patted Devin on the back of the head. “Missing me, huh? What, got an itch only I can scratch?”

“Please, my grandfather hasn’t stopped riding me since you’ve been gone,” Devin retorted. “Life’s been dull without you, brother.”

The conversation then turned to Curtis’ wife. “Speaking of, where’s your wife tonight?”

Devin answered with a dismissive wave, “We’re having a boys’ night. She’d only rain on parade.”

Our

knew the score with Curtis and Leanne. There wasn’t much of a marriage there. They never considered Leanne as Mrs.

opportunity, a woman sitting close

raised an eyebrow, taking a drag from his cigarette. “Is my wedding ring not

then did the woman notice the band on his

arm, his shirt collar gaped slightly, revealing

blushed and was curious about

like?” she

1/2

Chapter 2

with effortless grace, Curtis replied,

His

veneer of amusement that gave the illusion of affection. “She’s

could make any woman’s heart flutter. The

this man fool you. You couldn’t find at woman in Stonebridge more beautiful than

glanced at Curtis, who continued to smoke lazily, a

and fall, she realized he was toying

to hide his lack

his drink, grabbed his jacket, and stood up.

glass, Devin looked up in surprise. “You’re

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