Page 30 of Win Big

“I’m good, thanks.”

I bet he is.

I nearly groan as I hustle across the kitchen to refill my mug. I take advantage of the moment with my back to him to close my eyes and inhale deeply.

“These eggs are perfect,” he comments. “Sunny-side up can be hard to pull off. Sometimes the white is too runny. And you didn’t break the yolks.”

“Thanks.” I fill my mug. “It’s not that hard, though.”

I’m pretty sure he mutters, “Oh yes it is.”

Well, good. We’re in the same damn boat here, floating around in an ocean of sexual frustration.

I lift my chin and return to the table.

I finish off my egg whites, which are crispy and brown. I know it’s weird, but that’s how I like them. I pick up my last piece of bacon.

“Perfect bacon too.” Wyatt says. “Just the right level of crispy. You’re pretty much perfect at everything, aren’t you?”

I stare at him. If he only knew. Then I shake my hair back. “Yes.”

He laughs. “What are your plans today?”

I sigh. “I’m going shopping with my mother.”

“Why do you sound so put upon by that? I thought all women like shopping.”

“I love shopping.” I hesitate. He’s not one of the family; in fact, he works for the family, sort of. I shouldn’t talk to him about private family stuff. But the feud isn’t exactly secret. It’s been well covered in the media. “It’s a pretext for getting her alone to talk to her about why my half brothers are suing my dad.”

“Oh.” He makes a face. “You don’t know why?”

I shake my head, chewing my bacon. “None of us know, and the whole family feud is pissing us off.”

“Huh.” He tips his head to one side. “Let me guess—you’re the leader of this investigation?”

“How did you know?” I roll my eyes. “But I was put in charge—I didn’t start it.”

He grins. “Okay.”

“I’m sure my mom knows more than she lets on.” I nibble my bottom lip and then I confess something I don’t mean to. “I’m kind of worried about Dad.”

His gaze sharpens. “How so?”

I shake my head. “Never mind. I shouldn’t have said that.”

“To me,” he adds.

“Well, yeah.”

“I get it. But I’m pretty good at keeping secrets. And I’m a good listener.”

“You could take advantage of my father’s weaknesses. What happens when it comes time to negotiate your next contract?”

“Your father doesn’t negotiate contracts,” he points out evenly. “And you know that. Théo’s in charge now, and he’s not about to let anyone take advantage. He’s probably the smartest guy I know.”

I purse my lips.

“After all, he traded Patrick for me.”

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