Page 78 of One Sweet Lie

“Like spicy recipes in cookbooks?”

“No.” She snorted. “Like romance.”

“Ohhh.” She tapped her lip. “I haven’t read a book in that genre yet.”

“Then today is your lucky day!” She pulled paperbacks from her purse. “I have the ultimate romance newbie starter kit ready to go. I’ve got a collection of sexy billionaires, some groomsmen who run a wedding business, and ah! An enemies-to-lovers romp that will set your panties on fire!”

“My panties being on fire is a good thing?” she asked.

“No.” I motioned for Sasha to stop. “Olivia doesn’t need to read those stories at her age, Sasha.”

“Oh, please! I was stealing my mom’s romance books and reading them under covers when I wasnine.”

“Can you at least blackout the inappropriate words and scenes, then?”

“So, like, all the good parts?”

“Sasha…”

“Okay, okay.” She handed Olivia one of the lighter romance books. “Start with this one, and I’ll get you seven more after I handle a few things for your grumpy nanny.”

“I’m not a grump, Sasha.”

“Anyway—” Sasha waved me away, focusing on Olivia. “Let me walk you through why romance is the best genre in the whole fucking world…”

THIRTY-FOUR

PIERCE

The Jets’ record sat at 25-25, a perfect .500 on the season, which was a miracle.

With our recent 8-0 run, the sports media hailed us as a potential “Cinderella team,” and the online box office for next week’s home games read “Sold Out.”

We were a long shot for the playoffs, but the renewed energy and pride that flowed from the fans to every member of this organization was officially contagious.

It was the reason I was meeting with my top executives at the crack of dawn today.

I didn’t want to let a single second slip through our fingers; we needed to keep this momentum for as long as possible.

As Brian presented ideas about what we should give away at the next game, I glanced at my phone to check on the twins.

Harlow

OMG! LOOK who’s walking now?!!

[video]

I immediately hit play.

William smiled at the camera, kneeling in a leapfrog position.

“Come on, William!” Olivia cheered. “Do it again!”

He rocked forward and slowly stood up straight. Holding out his arms, he waddled to the windows.

Charlotte, Olivia, and Harlow clapped and cheered before the video ended.

“I need to go home.” I stood to my feet.

---