Total pages in book: 190
Estimated words: 181992 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 910(@200wpm)___ 728(@250wpm)___ 607(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 181992 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 910(@200wpm)___ 728(@250wpm)___ 607(@300wpm)
“Because you dated Grayden?” he asked, his tone neutral.
“Yes. She’ll probably be very unhappy if you hire me. As your cousin, she’ll see it as a betrayal on your part. To be honest, I don’t think Grayden will like it much either. When he and I separated, we agreed that we wouldn’t be in contact”—which didn’t mean he didn’t occasionally call or text me for random reasons, the dick—“and that we’d steer clear of each other as far as possible. He may be divorced from Felicity but, considering they’re back together again, he’s effectively your cousin-in-law once more.”
Dax let out a low, thoughtful hum.
“I don’t want to talk myself out of a job, but I also don’t want to be the cause of any drama or put you in an awkward position. If you would prefer that another company take on the event, I will understand and respect that. There are some very good event organizers out there—I’d be happy to recommend some.”
He pursed those lips that I knew could do wicked, wicked things. “I’m very aware of Felicity’s animosity toward you. But, quite frankly, I don’t see that it’s relevant. This has not one thing to do with her. Or with Grayden, for that matter.” Dax’s eyelids lowered a little. “You were mine long before you were his.”
Choosing to ignore the fluttering in my belly, I swallowed. “Okay. If you change your mind …”
“I won’t. Sapphire Glade comes highly recommended. It has repeatedly been referred to as the best.” Dax paused. “I want the best.”
I gave a slow nod. “Well then, now that that’s out of the way, tell me what sort of event you have in mind.” Looking down at my tablet, I opened the app that featured a questionnaire I used for all consultations. “Be warned I’m going to fire a whole lot of questions at you. I need to be clear on what your wants and needs are.”
His lips kicked up in the beginnings of a wolfish smile.
“Regarding the event, I mean,” I quickly added, proud of myself for not blushing.
“I figured that, since you’re already aware of my … wants and needs.”
This motherfucker. “What makes you think you were that good I’d remember them?” I blurted out.
He let out a low, rumbly chuckle that was all warmth and approval. “It’s good to see you haven’t changed, Addison.”
“I’m glad you feel that way. Now, back to the event you wish to throw, I’m assuming it’s corporate,” I prodded, desperate to get back on professional ground.
“Typically, it would be. Not this time.” He sipped at his coffee, watching me so damn intently it made my nape prickle.
Dax could focus on you with the intensity of a leopard; concentrate on you with his eyes, ears, and very being. Like nothing else could possibly hold his attention at that moment. It was a heady thing. It was also nerve-wracking.
He’d always pinned me with that same focus when moving in and out of me.
I’m going to fuck you so hard, Addison. Harder than anyone else will ever take you.
He hadn’t bullshitted me on that score.
“This specific event”—Dax rested his mug on the armrest once more—“will be a wedding.”
The words punched the breath from my lungs and made the bottom drop out of my stomach. “Wedding?” I echoed, glad my voice sounded even.
“Yes. Whether I’ll definitely be going ahead with it, however, will depend on a few things.”
I inhaled deeply, determined to ignore the twinge in my chest. “Such as?”
“Mainly … on whether or not you’re a woman of your word.”
I blinked. “I’m sorry?”
“We once made a pact, didn’t we? We swore that if we were both single when you turned thirty, we’d marry each other. Your thirtieth birthday is in a week’s time. You’re unattached. So am I.” He gave a loose shrug. “The time has almost arrived for us to honor the pact. I’m prepared to do so. The question is: Are you?”
Chapter Three
Uh … what?
A surprised laugh almost bubbled out of me. He had to be kidding. He had to be. But … the gaze that was locked on mine held no humor, only an intense resolve.
Clutching my tablet, I openly stared at him, my heart pounding a little too fast. I felt planted to my chair by shock, unable to move. Thoughts were gushing around my brain too fast for me to process.
He didn’t push for a response; he simply sat there taking leisurely swigs of his drink, his incredible eyes never leaving me.
I hadn’t once considered that his purpose in asking me to come here was to discuss our fallback pact. Not once. I mean, we’d laughed about it back then. Okay, so it was more that he’d let out a low chuckle while I’d laughed, but still.
It had been something I’d proposed on a whim after hearing of a couple who’d acted on such a promise. I’d thought it was cute, thought it would be funny to suggest he and I do the same … not expecting him to do anything other than snort. Instead, he’d agreed. But I hadn’t believed he truly meant it.