I'm someone's backup plan. Chapter 1

I was the backup plan for three different men.

Number one was my childhood best friend. His heart still belonged to his high school sweetheart.

Number two was the lead singer of an indie band. After we slept together, he lit a cigarette and said, "We're still just friends, right?"

Number three was my boss. He warned me with an icy stare, "Don't get any ideas. I will only marry a woman from a family of equal standing."

Then, my mom started pressuring me to go on blind dates.

Suddenly, my childhood best friend was at my door with a marriage license.

The rock star was texting me, "I can't live without you."

And my boss was on one knee, holding a diamond the size of a pigeon's egg.

Seriously? I thought we all agreed this was just for fun.

*

* * *

My mom called, nagging me about another blind date.

"I know, I know," I said, trying to get her off the phone. "Just text me the time and place."

As I hung up, Alex came out of the bathroom. He had his beige cashmere sweater pushed up to his elbows, and in his hands, he was holding the underwear I'd left to soak. He walked across the living room and out onto the balcony to hang them up to dry.

"Who was that?"

"My mom."

He adjusted my lingerie so it would catch the morning sun, then turned to look at me. The soft light framed him in gold, making his amber eyes look like autumn leaves.

"So you won't be home for dinner tonight. I made fish and some vegetables. The fish is staying warm on the stove, and you can just microwave the veggies."

He pulled his sleeves down and ruffled my hair, a gesture that was almost painfully tender. "Don't order takeout."

I mumbled something noncommittal as I watched him grab his bag and head for the door.

I knew exactly where he was going.

His one true love was flying in from London today.

*