Page 65 of Tempting God

Spinning, I find Grant standing in the doorway. He gives me a small smile before turning his attention back to my mother.

“Go. And if I hear that you’ve tried to contact Greer, I’ll make sure the world knows what a monster you are.”

I expect her to put up a fight or at least say something to defend herself or even maybe say that we’re wrong. She does nothing. No, she spins on her heels and walks out of the guest room. Out of my life…

The relief is immediate.

Grant turns to Aimée. “I’d like a moment with my bride.”

“But it’s bad luck?—”

“Fuck luck,” he says. “Go.”

She waits a beat before hurrying away. Grant closes the door, turning the lock. I’m silent as he faces me.

“Baby, I’m so fucking sorry.”

“About which part?” I ask with a bitter laugh. “The wedding or my mother?”

“Your mother.”

I shrug. “I mean, I’m guessing you heard enough. Thanks for taking up for me. You didn’t have to.”

“Yes, I did.” He moves closer. “How are you feeling about the wedding?”

“I’m mostly wondering how long you knew that this was going to happen.”

He says, “I’ve known for a few days. Ever since Zhang was killed and I found out I was being promoted.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Tears mist my eyes, but I blink them away. I’m not going to cry, dammit.

“I didn’t tell you because I needed time.”

“Time to find a way out of this?”

He moves closer. “Time to get everything ready. I was going to do this in Mexico, but it seems your cousin can’t stand not being the one calling the shots.”

“Do what in Mexico?”

He reaches into his pocket, pulling out a ring box. Slowly, he lowers to one knee, opening the box. The ring is stunning. I mean, I’d expect nothing less from Grant Carter, but this ring really takes the cake. There’s one large diamond surrounded by smaller diamonds and emeralds, and the band has a whimsical feel. It’s perfect.

“Greer Arwen Blanc, will you marry me?”

I look into Grant’s eyes and find myself shaking my head.

“Grant, we can’t do this.”

He stands slowly, as if he’s afraid he’s going to scare me off.

“Greer—”

“Please don’t make me explain myself. We both know why this is a bad idea…why this will never work.”

“I was going to ask you to marry me before I spoke to Charles,” he says. “Did this rush my timeline a bit? Yes. But this is what I want. I was kind of hoping you’d want it, too.”

“This is crazy. We don’t know each other. Not really. And good sex isn’t a reason to get married.”

His lips lift in a smile. “Good sex, eh? Glad I’m not the only one who thinks so. But, believe me, baby, there’s more to us than great sex.”

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