Page 61 of Exes and Oh Hell No

I growl, gripping my fork so hard it might snap. "I can’t believe you’re okay with this."

Gram cocks her head, studying me intently. "Why wouldn’t I be?"

She rests her elbows on the table, leaning in closer. "You aren’t as upset as you pretend to be."

My stomach drops.

The words hit so hard, I forget to breathe.

My body betrays me again, a shiver racing down my spine, an unwelcome thrill of pleasure pooling low in my belly.

My eyes skip away too fast.

That’s my first mistake.

My second is looking at Connor, who grins like a damn Cheshire cat.

My third?

Turning to Ford.

Because that motherfucker?

He’sgloating.

Fucking bastards.

Every one of them.

I stab my fork into the lasagna, shoving a bite into my mouth just to keep from screaming.

Meanwhile, my mind frantically searches for ways to poke holes in Gram’s theory.

"I’m pissed," I say, through gritted teeth. "And I have every right to be. He’s taking away the ability to make my own decisions."

As if I didn’t just speak, Ford leans back in his chair, totally unbothered. "I want you with me in the city. You’ll have to quit your job."

He turns his attention to Connor. "Isn’t Mary Beth leaving since she’s pregnant?"

Connor snaps his fingers. "Oh, shit. You’re right. I forgot about that. Harper could handle the PR for the team. Fresh ideas from an outsider."

Ford nods, excited. "She’s a fast learner. Combined with her fresh outlook, she could liven up our PR."

My mouth hangs open.

What the actual fuck just happened?

I was just trying to stab Ford with a fork, and now my entire future is being planned over a fucking plate of lasagna.

I close my eyes, exhaling long and slow, willing my head not to explode.

When I open them, Gram is watching me.

Like she already knows I’m losing this battle.

Like she already knows I’m his.

"See how much he loves you?" she says. "He’s already lining up a job for you. It’ll pay far more than what you’re currently making."

---