Page 17 of Never Been Worse

“So was Ava,” I say.

“Ava isn’t about to have a fucking shotgun weddingto one of my clients, Wes!”

“Leo, it makes sense, and you know it,” I say. “You needed a distraction; I got you one.”

“A distraction could have been dating a high-profile celebrity. It could have been announcing some kind of home goods line or skin care or whatever the fuck you wanted.”

“None of those would have explained the band going on hiatus, and you know it,” I say, leaning back, because no matter what kind of fit Leo throws, I’m not changing my mind.

It’s a genius idea, really, and with the way it fell into my lap, I can’t help but think it was meant to be. I’ve wanted Harper Abbott to be mine since I first saw her in that club two years ago, but she was taken then. Now she’s single, and I’d be an idiot to ignore this opportunity before me.

“But a quickie marriage?” Leo almost whines, exasperated, before sinking into a chair. “Did it have to be a quickie marriage?”

“It would explain why I want to postpone the tour.”

“What’s in it for her?” he asks, looking at me seriously. “She’s going to have to sign a prenup and an ironclad NDA. Her friends, too.”

“She knows that, and she will. It was her idea, actually,” I say, thinking of our night together and how she insisted that would be something we need if we went through with this.

“I want to make sure you’re protected, no matter what happens,”her sweet voice whispered when I walked her to her car.

“And she’s got some issues with her ex, as you know,” I say, trying to gloss over that, reminding him of the arrest. “And his new girlfriend is on a campaign to ruin her reputation. She needs a bit of a boost there.”

Strangely enough, Leo perks up at that.

“Oh, a reputation redemption? I can work with that. I can absolutely work with that angle.” He pulls his laptop closer, suddenly looking excited at the new challenge. “How do you spell her first name?”

“Jesus, Leo,” Riggins says. “You’ve met her at least a dozen times.”

Leo’s face goes stern, glaring at his client. “I don’t have time for names of regular people,” he says, and Beck lets out a loud laugh.

“God, you sound like such an entitled prick,” Beck says.

“I don’t care how I sound. I care that I do my job well,” Leo says, continuing with his research.

I open my mouth to say something but get distracted when my phone buzzes.

Hey, it’s Harper.

I got your number from Ava, who got it from Stella.

I’m not a total creep.

I figured if we’re going to get married, I should probably have your number.

If you still want to do that, of course. If you don’t, that’s totally cool, it was kind of a random suggestion.

I can almostfeelher spiraling through the phone, and I have to fight to keep a smile off my lips as Leo maniacally rambles about press opportunities and dates, not wanting to attract the attention of anyone.

Definitely still want to do this. Currently planning it out with Leo now.

Oh. Okay. Well, that’s good. Right? Does he think it’s a good idea?

I hesitate before answering, though I know I’m not giving her the real answer ofLeo is currently having a meltdown and thinks this is both a wonderful and terrible ideabecause I’m not giving Harper a single reason not to go through with this.

He thinks it’s a great idea. Just working on logistics and timing.

Cool, cool, cool. Well, you have my number now if you need anything.

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