Page 11 of Too Sweet

I squawk as I watching the gate swing open. “Do you hear yourself? They’re trying to help entrepreneurs start small businesses.”

Harmony sighs. “That’s what I love about you. Always believe the best about people.”

The last leg of our journey takes us up a winding tree-lined path. The house is not yet visible, but the grounds are beautiful. A strange thought floats into my mind about what this place would look like at Christmastime. This slope would make for some kickass snow sledding. Kids would have a blast exploring the terrain, making forts, and playing in creeks.

Not that I’m thinking about moving in and having babies with anyone. Not in the least. And not anytime soon. Just thinking hypothetically, Carter and I would make adorable babies. I’m not giving it any real deep consideration but with my hair and his eyes? I’m just saying. Adorable.

What Harmony just said finally hits home.

“You’re right. I always think the best of people until they prove otherwise. And I think the MacKenzie twins are good people.”

“They invited us to their house after knowing us for five minutes,” Harmony says. “You don’t think that’s a little unusual?”

“I’ll admit that was surprising. But very generous. We didn’t meet them at the club, Harmony.”

I steer the car around a hairpin curve and wonder how much longer until we see the house. Five more minutes and Harmony is going to call this whole thing off. I can feel it.

“For someone who works the VIP room at a nightclub you are oddly optimistic about human nature,” she says.

Where is this dang house?

“Carter hates crowds. You heard him say it; he likes kitchen table conversations much better.”

Harmony snorts. “Yeah, I can see why that worked on you.”

My defensive reply is thankfully cut off when we angle around the next turn. Both of us gasp at the sight.

“Holy shit,” I say. “Look at this place!”

The stone structure rises three stories tall, dwarfing the century-old oaks and pines dotting the manicured landscape. Roman columns rise along the front face of the house, where an expansive front patio boasts expert whimsical topiaries and a cherub fountain. At the fountain’s base, a manmade water feature flows into a moat that spans the side of the house. It’s Las Vegas, but in the woods.

“Is this real?” I laugh. “Am I on drugs?”

“Turn the car around,” Harmony says. “We are not having dinner at the Playboy Mansion today.”

Snorting, I reply, “What do you know about the Playboy Mansion?”

“Anybody with a cherub fountain and a fucking moat definitely has a grotto. And I don’t know what happens in the grotto but I know it isn’t good. People with grottos also wear smoking jackets, sleep in a waterbed, and install mirrors on their bedroom ceilings.”

I shift the car into the park and stare at my sister, who is close to hyperventilating.

“First of all, quit making up stories. Second, you do realize that these guys inherited their money from their eccentric aunt, don’t you? The house was most likely the way the old lady decorated it. You can’t fault the guys for this. Anyway, it would be rude to turn back now after we already accepted their invitation to dinner,” I say.

“I don’t see how an inheritance is supposed to make me give someone the benefit of the doubt. My experience with trust fund guys tells me it’s an enormous red flag.”

Oh boy, she’s spiraling. “Nobody said you had to date them,” I remind my sister gently. “We’re here for business.”

“You used your feminine wiles on them. Also you joked about dating them, but now I’m wondering if that’s the actual motive. I saw the way you and Connor were looking at each other.”

“Carter,” I remind her of his name. “And my motivation is to make our dreams come true. The last partner we had lined up backed out. We need a partner with deep pockets to co-sign if we want a bank loan. Please don’t judge these guys because of their aunt’s cheesy house.”

Harmony lets out a long sigh. “I’m trying not to put politeness ahead of my gut feelings…but you are right about the house. Maybe it’s not their taste.”

I reach over and pat her hand. “I’m sure they’ve removed all the mirrors from the bedroom ceiling.”

Harmony blows out a breath and nods her head. “You’re right.”

“And I’ll be right next to you the whole time. You think I’d let a manwhore have his way with you when I’m right there?”

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