Total pages in book: 129
Estimated words: 132097 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 660(@200wpm)___ 528(@250wpm)___ 440(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 132097 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 660(@200wpm)___ 528(@250wpm)___ 440(@300wpm)
“It’s definitely a lot,” I agree. “I know the surprise wasn’t pleasant.”
Hattie nibbles on the granola bar, pulling her legs up under her. I make a point of not looking at them too long, even if she is wearing a pair of skimpy white shorts.
I’m not an animal. Self-control hasn’t been a problem since I was younger and dumber.
Hattie shouldn’t pose any challenge, no matter how unexpectedly curvy she’s gotten with age.
“We need to think about this rationally,” I say.
Margot glowers at me, then looks back at Hattie.
“Don’t listen. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want. It’s a family favor. I think PopPop meant it as a compliment—he thought the world of you, you know. You were basically his other adopted granddaughter, after me and Cleo.”
A compliment.
That’s one fucked up way to look at it.
“Not that I know what he was thinking.” Margot shrugs and looks at me.
No argument there.
“There’s a lot of questions. I can’t fathom why he wanted this.” I try to sound reasonable and undickish.
“The why doesn’t matter in the end. It’s your choice, Hattie,” she says.
I scowl at her.
“Stop telling her what to do, Margot.”
“Guys, enough.” Hattie crunches the snack bar wrapper in her fist and looks between us. “I appreciate you, Gigi, it’s fine. I can get through this.”
I stare at her, surprised at the sudden change of heart.
I’m certainly not missing the opportunity.
“Excellent choice,” I say. “I can have the funds transferred immediately. If you don’t want the check, I’ll wire them. Whatever you prefer.”
She fires me a heated glance.
“Ethan, this isn’t about the money. Honestly, I’m curious. If we go through with this, maybe we’ll all find some answers. Leo must’ve had a reason for doing this.”
Not about the money she fainted over?
Whatever.
Still, if it makes her cooperate…
“Besides,” she adds, “it’s not like we need to hang out that much, right?”
Ouch. Fuck.
Sure, I came in guns blazing, but the comment stings more than it should.
There are tons of women who’d leap at the chance to trade places with her.
The taste of that green sludge fills my mouth, and I swallow past the rush of saliva.
“This isn’t easy for anyone,” I say sharply. “I’m not exactly looking to marry right now. Also, I drank that shit your mom brought to keep the peace.”
So far, that’s been the worst part of this black fucking day.
Red dusts Hattie’s cheeks.
Weirdly charming, but I sweep the thought aside.
“I am sorry about my mom,” she says, looking down. “I know that wasn’t—it couldn’t have been pleasant.”
“Or tasty,” Margot says gleefully. “I tried one of her turmeric concoctions once and I came so close to barfing. But I think it cured years of inflammation.”
“Thank you, Margot.” I snort.
As it happens, I also nearly threw up.
Probably would’ve, too, if this day hadn’t given me a lot of practice with holding it in.
But fuck, if I go three more lifetimes without having to taste that shit again, it won’t be long enough.
“This is incredible,” Margot says cheerfully. “I can practically feel the awkwardness in the air. Is your entire marriage going to be like this?”
I barely spare her a withering glance.
“Our marriage will be as painless as I can make it.”
“Our marriage will have a lot of ghosting,” Hattie says, apparently regaining her calm. She tucks her hair behind her ear and sips her water. “Right, Ethan?”
“Yes.” I unclench my jaw and stop myself from grinding my teeth.
“Once you learn to manage him, he’ll be just fine,” Margot whispers in Hattie’s ear, and although Hattie doesn’t giggle, she bites her lip like she’s hiding a smile.
Wrong time and place.
For one, I need to speak to Hattie without my little sister raising hell.
That might be her top talent, but I don’t have the time or energy to deal with it, or her, right now.
“We should sit down and discuss the terms of the agreement,” I say, ignoring the way Margot rolls her eyes.
What now?
Has she regressed back to teenage smartass when I wasn’t looking? Or did she ever grow up at all?
I haven’t spent enough time with her lately to know.
This is a business arrangement, dammit.
I’m going to treat it like one.
As soon as both parties know the precise terms, there’s no more confusion, no room for misinterpretation.
The moment we both know what’s expected, the sooner we can fulfill our roles, finish this, and move on.
Hattie chews the inside of her cheek.
“If we’re moving forward, we should sign a contract,” I continue. “I can have my lawyers draft something up. You’re welcome to add suggestions, provided they’re reasonable.”
“Amend away. Don’t let him take advantage of you,” Margot mutters in her ear.
“For fuck’s sake, Margot.” I grit my teeth again. “I’m being perfectly fair. I want this to work for us both. This is a shitty situation, all the way around.”
Hattie turns her clear green eyes on me. “What are your terms?”