Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 86322 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86322 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
“I wanted to keep the donation similar, so the highest bidder will be a special announcer for an award at the Oscars and assist in bringing the trophies to the other winners. As well as a VIP experience at an after-party.”
“Holy shit.” She blinked, her brows shooting high. “How the hell did you get that?”
I took in her dropped jaw, imagining all the ways I could fill her open mouth. “I have my ways.” I drawled with a wolfish smile, slipping a finger beneath her chin to coax her mouth closed. I didn’t need anyone else noticing her beautifully parted lips—or getting ideas.
I nearly rolled my eyes at the possessive thought. Get it together, Daire.
She nodded her thanks and turned her attention back to the crowd. “I guess we should follow my dad’s example and go talk people out of their money.”
“Sounds like a plan,” I agreed, gesturing for her to lead the way.
We spent the next forty-five minutes floating from one conversation to the next, and I was reminded of why I avoided these functions whenever I could, sending one of my employees instead. I hated all the schmoozing and false platitudes.
At one point in my life, I’d looked forward to these events. After watching my mom and dad float around the room, effortlessly working their way through a room as a united front, looking like they’d rather be nowhere else than by each other’s side as they endeared some business out of their money for the charity’s cause.
I’d assumed I’d have the same experience with Daria when we married, but it never quite fit. She spoke over me, or I interrupted her. Which led her to walk away to grab another drink, eventually finding someone else—usually a man—to talk to while avoiding me.
After our divorce, I did my best to avoid social events.
However, having Aspen at my side gave me a different experience. She only spoke when she had something important to add. She looked to me when I spoke, as if she hung on my every word. She rarely left my side, unless it was to grab a glass of champagne from a passing waiter, grabbing one for me as well.
We balanced each other, and the conversations flowed effortlessly.
Just like my parents.
Before I could linger on that thought, two familiar faces appeared.
“Rose. Corbin,” Aspen greeted. “I’m so glad to see you here.”
“Of course. We wouldn’t miss a chance for The Berkshire to donate to the arts for public schools. As a reputable bar,” Rose clarified and laughed. “Couldn’t have people wondering why a kinky sex club is donating to children.”
Aspen snorted before pulling Rose in for a hug while Corbin and I shook hands.
“I hear congratulations are in order,” Corbin stated.
“Oh, yes. The engagement,” Rose exclaimed, sparkling in her champagne-colored dress. “I was surprised after our conversation when you said you two hated each other. But then again, hate and love have such a fine line. So, maybe there wasn’t much to be surprised about after all.”
My throat tightened at her assumption, and I pulled at my collar, searching for room to breathe. Before I could choke out a reply, Aspen swooped in.
“I know. It was surprising to me, too. But life is full of surprises, and I’ve learned to just roll with them and not question the how too much.”
A laugh slipped through my constricted throat, earning me a glower from Aspen that I met with a look that called bullshit. “Asking questions is Aspen’s favorite pastime,” I teased. She had a driving need to understand and know what came next. Especially when we played. “I guess I’m just lucky that she decided not to question whatever it is between us too much and said yes.”
“Lucky indeed,” Aspen said.
After more congratulations and small talk, the girls made an excuse to go grab drinks.
“I was sure you’d never get married again,” Corbin said once we were alone, his deep blue eyes filled with knowing doubt.
“You know I made a promise to my godfather,” I confessed. Corbin knew me better than anyone, making lying useless. The last thing I wanted was a public interrogation that someone could overhear about my motives for marrying Aspen. “I needed a wife, and she needed a way to keep her company. The end.”
“But marriage?” he questioned, stepping to my side, looking over the crowd toward our women at the bar.
“We aren’t all as lucky as you with Rose.”
He scoffed. “Hey, remember, I was divorced, too.”
I winced at the reminder, hating the connection he was trying to make between us.
“Maybe Aspen is your Rose. Your second chance at love.”
It was my turn to scoff. Hard. “I don’t think so.”
“You’re sure looking at her like I look at Rose.”
“Because I like playing with her.”
“Hmmm.”
I did my best to ignore his gaze boring into the side of my head as I tried to change the way I watched Aspen.