Page 9 of Tied Up in Riches

“No. I know this one is important for you.” It is. But this is the cost of juggling so many things at once, and it’s not fair for Troy to suffer because of everything I’m piling on my plate. “I’m sure we can do the cake tasting another day. The wedding isn’t for months.”

A throat clears behind us, capturing both of our attention. “I know this isn’t Thailand where the rules are all more like ‘suggestions,’ but I can help if you need it.” Fucking hell. Her hoodie hangs on the crooks of her arms, and I can barely make out her nipples through the thin white fabric of her sports bra. What is she saying? “I can sign a waiver or something too.”

I replay her words, catching up my brain. “You’re on vacation. We aren’t going to put you to work.” I know Maci wants her to find a job, to stay, but I don’t want to take advantage.

“I offered.” She shrugs, bringing her mug of what I’m assuming is Thai tea to her lips, her eyes fluttering closed for a moment as she inhales the steam. When they open again, she locks them on me. “My only plans tonight were to babysit for Avery with Maci. I’m sure she can manage on her own.”

“Thank you, but no,” I say firmly. “It’s not your responsibility.”

“That would be great actually,” Troy cuts in, then gives me a look. “You can’t do everything yourself. Let her help,” he insists.

“Whatever you guys want works for me, really. I totally understand either way.” She looks to me for confirmation. Outside of my meeting, the time it took me to find the right vintage pinball and Pacman arcade machines to add to the billiards room earlier made me more cramped on time than usual. I don’t have a better option on short notice. Conceding, all I manage is a short nod and a “thank you.”

“Alright, well, I’m going to go shower then. Let me know when and where to be.”

I watch her leave before turning back to Troy. When I do, he’s leaned back in the chair, pen twirling in his fingers, a shit-eating grin on his face. “What?”

“What do you mean ‘what?’ You were practically undressing her with your eyes.”

Fucking hell. I shake that exact thought from my head. “Do you think she noticed?” There’s no point in denying it.

“Nah. But dude! Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Tell you what?”

“That you’re into Brooke. Obviously.”

“I’m not.” She’s hot. That’s it.

“Uh-huh. You keep telling yourself that.”

I don’t have time to be into some girl who doesn’t even live here–not to mention one who is flighty enough to pick up her entire life and move it places she’s never been. “I will.”

I’m waiting by my car when Brooke comes out of the house. Her jeans are tight and I guarantee her tank top will ride up and show skin when she’s reaching across the bar later. If I didn’t drink for free, I’d probably go broke if she was my bartender because goddamn.

Getting out of my head in the nick of time, I half-jog to the passenger side of the car and open the door for her.

“Oh. Thanks,” she says in a combination of surprise and shyness.

I give her a slight nod, making my way back to the driver's side and sliding in, pressing the push start and bringing my car to life with a quiet hum. Brooke buckles her seatbelt without a word, and fucking hell, it’s like I forgot how to have a conversation with a woman.

Luckily, she did not forget basic adult skills. “So, what took you to Thailand?”

“Business.”

I can feel her stare on me as I back down the gravel driveway like she’s waiting for me to expand on my answer, but I won’t. My mentor taught me that the less you say the better because the more you give people, the more they can take. Apparently that rule has translated to my personal life.

“Just business?” she presses.

“Mostly. Tried a lot of street food.” Food is hands down the best part about traveling.

“Where else have you gone?”

“I do more business in the states, but I’ve been to Tokyo, Paris, and Dubai. Greece too.” I think back to the trip to Athens that I took with my parents when I graduated high school. I have a feeling Brooke would love it there.

“Ooh. That’s amazing. Where was your favorite?”

“Dubai. The architecture is insane. And there are so many things unique to that country.”

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