Page 41 of Icing the Enemy

“Lastly, any notion of cheating on him in public or private for the duration of said agreement will result in an immediate dissolution of the marriage even if the three-month threshold has not been met. Which means no photos with other men or women that have the slightest suggestion of betrayal.”

“Do I get to say what's in the document?” I ask.

His voice is soft. “Yeah. What do you want to add?”

“I want you to add to the prenup that I keep Dixie in the divorce.”

Corbin opens his mouth like he’s going to speak but then closes his mouth and nods to his sister.

Becca says, “I’ll add that in. Corbin, I’ll have it sent back by courier later tonight. You’ll both have a copy. Corbin, yours will be kept on file at my office. Where do you want yours kept?”

“I have a safe in my bedroom; she can put her copy in there,” Corbin offers, shoving his hands into the pockets of his shorts.

His sister sighs and says, “I don’t know what we’re going to tell Mom and Dad. We’ve never lied to them.”

As his sister expresses concern over what to tell their parents, I can’t help but feel a twinge of guilt. But he’s a grown man, and he made the decision to go into this arrangement. He has the upper hand, having a bulldog attorney for a sister. The agreement is full of legal-eze, and I don’t have the money or resources to make sure it’s as good for me as it is for him.

“Let me handle Mom, Dad, and Mamaw. Thanks, sis. Love ya.”

After walking her out, he returns to the living room, silent. Corbin rubs his forehead with his fingers, then stares at a line of photos on a mahogany-stained sofa table.

“You’re close, huh?”

“Close doesn’t describe it,” he replies with a lazy smile.

“Is she always so alpha?” I ask with a hint of admiration lacing my tone. I like a woman who goes after what she wants and if she’s honest with herself, I think she has an ounce or two of respect for me making this happen.

Corbin nods, proud of his sister's strong personality. "She can be, but she's also incredibly caring and always there for those she loves. But she’s a determined go-getter.”

Under my breath, I mutter, “Must run in the family.” If he hears me, he doesn’t acknowledge it.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

corbin

“I have something for you.”I hand Oakley the blue bag from the phone store.

She reaches inside the box and retrieves the weighty white package. With a firm shake, the lid pops open and reveals a brand-new phone. Oakley’s eyes shimmer with tears and when she blinks, one falls on her cheek.

“This is too much,” she says as her voice breaks.

Too much? It’s a phone with texting and downloadable apps. I’m beginning to understand how Oakley has had to do without. But she doesn’t have to worry while she’s my girlfriend.

Her hand covers her mouth, and she hits her nose, and she shrieks. “I’m never playing kickball again.”

“Correction, you’re never playing with that Marvin guy again, at least not while you’re mine.”

For the first time since Bryce and Emmaline’s wedding, she gives me a genuine smile, and it’s fucking beautiful. “I’ll add possessiveness to your list of qualities,” she says, smirking.

“Good qualities.”

“That remains to be seen. Thank you for the phone. You didn’t need to do that. I’ve been getting by fine without all the extras.”

I ignore her statement. “It’s already programmed with your new number. When this ends, the phone is yours. I’ve prepaid it for a year, and Oakley… we all deserve more than getting by.”

“Are we going out tonight?” she asks.

“I thought we would stay in. I’ll give you a tour, and you can pick out your bedroom. Make a list of what you want for when you move in next week.”

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