Page 106 of Headed for Home

His eyes gleam. “To invest in our next project.”

Laughter folds me in half. I smack the wall on my way down for extra impact. My upper half shakes from the effort of really nailing this performance. There might even be fake tears on my cheeks that I make a point to wipe away.

Ken’s saggy jowls remain unflappable. “I missed the joke, Mr. Granger.”

“There wasn’t one. Your incompetence is hilarious.”

“I’ve had enough with the insults,” he gripes.

My lips pucker at his attitude. Such a fun sponge. “How close did you inspect the contract my lawyer drafted before signing it?”

Mr. Sutherland sighs, reaching his limit of the game I’m playing. “I assure you that we’re very diligent.”

“Is that right?” I scrub my chin. “Do you recall section four on page three?”

“Afraid not, Mr. Granger. What’re you getting at?”

“I believe it was item B that clearly states Sutherland Homes hereby agrees to terminate all communication with Ms. Cassidy Brooks upon entering this partnership with Mr. Drake Granger. Failure to do so will result in a breach of contract. Don’t quote me for accuracy but that’s the gist.” My smile stretches to the stars as he sputters. “Now, let’s return to the topic of Alan’s successful discussion with Cassidy. It went pretty well for you, hmm?”

His complexion is blistering red, ready to pop. “You’re lying.”

“Nah, Ken. That’s not one of my specialties. But I do cover my bases. Something told me you couldn’t be trusted, but I gave you the benefit of the doubt. Did you really think I wouldn’t include an escape clause? All you had to do was abide. Unfortunately for you, I’m smarter than you expected. You saw me as an easy payday.” I cluck my tongue, heaving a loud sigh for good measure.

“What are you—?”

“Don’t worry,” I cut him off. “I’m not done. You’ve underestimated me and my devotion to Ms. Brooks. To your detriment. And now your business will pay for it.”

Mr. Sutherland rises to his feet, stabbing a finger into his desk. “Listen here, Mr. Granger. I’d never sign such a document.”

“You did and there’s proof.” I offer a lame shrug. “This is the point where my dramatic display steps aside to allow my lawyer to do his thing and take you for all your worth. It’s been a real delight passing along the news. I can’t wait to watch your ivory tower collapse.”

Ken’s eyes widen as I begin backing away. “You can’t do this.”

“There you go, underestimating me again. We’ll see how well that works out for you, yeah? Enjoy your demise.” I salute him with my middle finger. “Tootle-fucking-loo.”

Iprop my elbow on the bar, leaning forward to get the best view. “Nice ass, trouble.”

“This old thing?” Drake smacks his denim-clad butt. “It’s yours.”

“Mhmm, come to mama.” My tongue glides across my bottom lip to collect drool.

“Keep ogling me like that and you’ll never get your cocktail.”

“Ditch the tail. You can quench my thirst.” I pop my mouth for emphasis.

He glances at me over his shoulder. Ice rattles in the shaker as he vigorously mixes the contents of my mystery beverage. “What’s gotten into you?”

The warm fuzzies in my belly are served with a sigh of blissful contentment. “Happiness.”

“My penis?”

“That too,” I laugh.

“Irresistible combo.”

My brows bounce. “Quite addictive.”

Drake turns and grabs a mason jar. I watch as he slicks sugar on the rim before setting it on the counter. His steady hand pours in a yellow concoction until the liquid almost spills over. A striped straw and lemon are the final touches.

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