Page 3 of His Weekend Wife

“Not a penny.” With the admission, his stomach twisted. Irritation cascaded through him wave after wave. He couldn’t have paid her enough to stay after he’d angrily told her that he didn’t need her and she should pack. He’d been a spoiled brat who was too used to getting his way. And very stupid. In turn, he’d hurt her and he hated knowing how much of a bastard he’d been.

“You’re a lucky, son-of-a-gun. Any woman with a business sense would have drained at least one of your accounts.”

“Good thing not every woman has your reputable morals, Aunt Lucy.”

“I’m being serious.”

“Oh, I know you’re serious.”

Her brows scrunched. “That brings me to the most important reason why I’ve come here.” She sipped from her glass and strolled to the large window that overlooked the amazing view of downtown Atlanta. Her shoulders were squared as if what she was about to say was difficult. “I spoke with Mick Hannigan earlier.”

“I thought we were beyond you being the go-between? The ball’s in my court now.”

“I did too.” She tapped the glass with her long, pointed fingernail. “Believe it or not, I only called him to talk about an upcoming charity that could use his deep pockets, and he mentioned the merger simply out of the blue.”

“And…?” Declan prompted. There was a nagging feeling deep in his gut.

“It appears we have a competitor.”

“A competitor? Who else wants to take over Hannigan Sports? I’ve been dealing with Mick myself for the last three months, and every conversation I’ve had with him led me to believe that he has chosen Knight Corp’s offer.” Frustration slithered down his backbone. He’d invested hundreds of hours on the deal and Mick Hannigan who had plans of retiring in the next year. If Knight Corp took over the one hundred Hannigan locations, they would be shot into the spot of being the largest sporting equipment supplier in the country. No, the world. Declan had dreamed of this opportunity, worked hard for the chance. He couldn’t allow anything to screw this up. He strolled to the mini bar to pour another scotch. What started out as a beer night was slowly turning into a drunken stupor.

Lucy shrugged a thin shoulder, slipped off her jacket and laid it over the arm of the sofa. “It seems the competitor company is based out of Chicago—”

“Seriously? Dan Ginther wants in on the action? He can’t afford what Hannigan is asking.”

She clasped her hands together at her waist and new wrinkles appeared around her eyes. Her obvious concern bothered him. “Apparently, money isn’t a top priority for Mick. I told you that from the very beginning. He believes in strong family values.”

“He doesn’t have any kids.” He squeezed the crystal tumbler and felt his knuckles ache.

“That makes him even more determined to find a buyer that is.”

“Knight Corp is family owned.”

“Mick has another concern. He thinks you’re a bit dangerous when it comes to business. You’re young, not afraid to take risks, some that are questionable I might add. He doesn’t want his businesses to go under, even after the merge. He will still own a small share, remember.”

“What does my risk-taking personality have to do with family?”

“He thinks a more mature CEO, one maybe with a wife, is better grounded. It doesn’t help that every tabloid over the last five years has pinned you, and a few of your brothers, as playboys.”

He squinted. “When he gets here in two weeks I’ll prove to him that I’m the man to take over his company. I’ll show him how my plans mean great things for all of us. He’ll see.” He took a long gulp of his drink and it burnt all the way down into his stomach.

“That’s why he said he’ll leave any decision he makes until after he meets you and your wife.”

“Great. I can win him over—wait…what did you say?” Acid came up into his throat.

“Mick is anticipating meeting you and your wife personally.”

“How in the hell did he get the idea that I’m married?” No one except his assistant knew Declan had never gotten a divorce.

Placing her still full glass on the bar, she forced a fake smile to her lips. “Because I told him that you married recently—that you and your wife exchanged nuptials secretly because you wanted a private ceremony. Thankfully, he bought it.”

He set his glass down so he wouldn’t crush it in his palm. “I don’t know what possessed you to lie to him, but you fix this.”

Her hands dropped to her sides. “I did what needed to be done. That’s what we Knights do.”

“Tell him the truth. Once he is here and he sees how we run things, he’ll have no choice but to sign the company over. He’ll see that I’m the best decision, not Ginther who is a spineless twerp.”

“I’m not doing that. You’re being silly.”

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