Page 121 of The Main Event

I wanted to break out in song I was so happy.

Jared, of course, was another story. “You can’t just claim all the money your grandfather amassed for yourself and think we’re going to do nothing,” he snapped. “That money was supposed to go to all of us.”

“There is no money,” Jax gritted out.

“There has to be. There are only three hotels in this town.” Jared lowered his voice. “I need that money. My investments haven’t been doing well this year. If I don’t find an influx of cash somewhere, we’re going to lose the house.”

Delilah made a startled noise. “What?”

“Oh, don’t act so surprised,” Jared shot back. “You spend half the household budget on clothes and ridiculous teas. What did you expect to happen?”

“Maybe you should stop spending so much money on your mistresses,” Delilah fired back. “That might save some money.”

“Shut up,” Jared barked. His gaze and voice were cruel. “Just shut up for once in your miserable life.” When he turned back to Jax, he was cold. “You are going to sell this hotel. I understand you have to do renovations. Tammy has explained it to me.”

Tammy preened like a peacock.

“In the spring, you’re selling this hotel,” he continued. “Then you’re splitting up the proceeds between everybody … although, as your father, I’ll be getting the lion’s share of the sale.”

Tinsley made a sputtering noise. “Um … I didn’t agree to that.”

“It doesn’t matter what you all agree to,” Jax replied. He was oddly calm. “You don’t get a say in it. I was confused as to why Grandfather left the hotel to me and only me, but I get it now. He knew the rest of you would do this.” He almost looked sad. Then he collected himself. “It’s my hotel, and I’m not selling.”

“So, what?” Delilah demanded. “You’re just going to stay in Salem, run a hotel, and marry her?” She gestured at me. “She has two mothers for crying out loud,” she said in a hissed whisper. “Oh, don’t look at me like that. Of course we ran a background check. She is not an acceptable wife for you.”

I wasn’t certain how to respond, so for once in my life, I kept my mouth shut.

“It’s a little early to talk about marriage, Mother, but you’ve got that backward.” Jax had emotionally shut himself off from his family at this point. It was obvious, and although a part of me ached for him, the other part was thrilled. He was indeed the man I hoped he would be.

“You’re not good enough for Daisy,” he continued. “Her family is warm and welcoming. They already care about me. They already want to know what I’m thinking and feeling. As for Daisy, I’ve never felt anything like what I feel for her.”

My heart felt as if it was about to explode in my chest.

“I love her,” he said, stealing my breath. “I love her … and this place … and these people.” He turned to Tammy. “Not you, though. You’re still fired.”

“I was just trying to help,” she complained.

“Well, I hope your next employer is looking for an overbearing brand of help, because you’re not staying here.” Jax was firm. “In the spring, when we can charge a premium for all the rooms because they’ve finally been updated, you won’t be part of it.”

Jax fixed his father with a final look. “There’s nothing you can do to change my mind. You should pack up your roving band of hyenas and go. This party is for people with imagination, and you have none.”

Jared looked murderous. “This isn’t over.”

“It is.” Jax held out his hand for me, and I took it. “There’s not a single thing you can do to me. Grandfather made sure ofit.” He took a steadying breath. “We’re done here.” With that, he turned his back on his family for good and pulled me into his arms.

I held tight as he caught his breath. I understood how hard that had been for him. “Are you okay?” I asked when I finally pulled back.

“That’s not how I wanted to do that,” he said ruefully. “I had big plans. I was going to be romantic and knock your socks off in bed.”

A giggle bubbled up. “I think you did it the absolute perfect way.”

“Yeah?”

I nodded.

“Do you have any other thoughts about what I said?” Now he looked vulnerable.

“Just one.” I sidled closer, so my lips were a mere inch from his. “I love you, too.”

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