Page 69 of A Little Naughty

“Girl…” She shakes her head and picks up Angie Dickinson. “Just as long as he doesn’t have to look into my background for anything.”

“I think you’re safe.” I follow her to the door. “Although, I might ask him to find out how you can afford all that expensive luggage.”

She holds up a finger. “That is not your business.”

“I like to imagine you had an affair with a senator. It checks all my boxes—forbidden love, billionaire, enemies to lovers…”

“Why do we have to be enemies?”

“Because he’s in Branson.”

Her red lips pucker, and she nods. “I see your point. It’s a fun story. You just keep on believing it.” I think she’s distracted from my new situation, but she’s not. “While we’re on the subject of money, does James Dean have any?”

“I don’t think so, but that’s not the point. The point is to help me.”

“Hmm…” She evaluates me. “I take it he’s good at consummation?”

“He’s very good, and we get along.” I think about what he said about not letting anyone hurt me and never cheating. “He’s a good man, and he wants to help us.”

“I’d like to be part of this slushie sit-down. I have a few questions of my own.”

“In that case, I think we should meet for drinks.”

“It won’t be anything he can’t handle.”

“I’m more worried about the kids.”

“I know how to act around children, and I know how to look out for them, too.” She leans down and air-kisses both my cheeks. “Lock this door behind me.”

“I will.”

We say goodnight, and I lock the door, turning to lean against it. Then I take out my phone and send Raif a text.

CHAPTER18

RAIF

“Yep.” Bender sits on the porch, nodding as I watch him stuff his face with barbecue pork. “This is good. Now tell me about it.”

“It’s leaner than beef, it has more vitamins, it’s more humane…” I scratch the back of my neck, running through all the facts I jotted down in my research. “No GMOs, no hormones. It’s better for the environment.”

He squints an eye, pointing at me. “You’ve done your homework. How soon can you get me enough to sell?”

I have done my homework, and this is the part I’ve been dreading.

“They’re smart, so I’d have to figure out a way to capture more than one. Maybe build a pen. Then I’ll have to find a butcher who’ll cut me a deal. It could take a while.”

“Is it sustainable?” He wipes the sauce off his beard.

“Maybe.” I remember what Jemima told me she’d learned. “The sows have about ten to twelve piglets a year.”

“I’m ready when you are. I think we can make this work. Free-range pork sells for sixteen to twenty dollars a pound.”

“I heard.” At the same time, I’m calculating how long it took to get one sandwich.

“It’s dirty work, but it’s good money.” He pushes off his knees. “It’s a growth industry. Before long you can hire some guys, and you’ll be the boss. You can sit back and rake in the profits.”

Three thousand dollars would go a long way towards getting me there. I watch as he picks up the bottle of Stone Cold single barrel, and I think about the deals I’ve made with my brother, with Jemima.

---