First message
Sterling Ashford had always considered himself a lucky bastard.
Money, women, expensive cars. Everything came easily. Including his childhood best friend's wife.
He stood beside Beau's hospital bed, scrolling through his phone while Anastasia worked her magic in the hallway. Convincing her gullible little friend to play house with Beau had been almost embarrassingly easy.
The door opened.
"Beau, honey, this is your wife."
Anastasia gestured toward her best friend, smiling sweetly. Sterling moved closer, resting his hand against Anastasia's waist.
Beau stared at them, visibly confused.
"Oh."
His voice was barely audible. Those hazel eyes briefly flickered toward Sterling's hand.
"Right. My wife."
Sterling bit back a laugh.
"Well, look at you, brother. Got yourself a pretty little wife."
He flashed Beau that familiar, crooked grin. Twenty six years of friendship, and the poor bastard didn't remember a thing.
Perfect.
Sterling slipped his phone into his pocket, exchanging an amused glance with Anastasia.
"Don't worry, buddy. We'll take real good care of everything while you're recovering."
Especially your wife.
He glanced toward the unsuspecting woman beside Beau's bed, his grin widening.
"Hope you know what you're signing up for, sweetheart. This big idiot's a handful."