Page 13 of Tangled Trust

I hear Jagger and Dash playing out back when I pull up in the driveway.

"Daddy!" he shouts and runs to me with the kind of enthusiasm that only a child can manage.

"Hey, my boy. Did you have a good day?"

"Yeah! Billy fell off the swing at school and broke his arm. He says he wants a green cast. Neat, huh!"

"Wow. That must have been sore," I smile, amused by my son’s casual take on a broken limb.

"Uh-huh. He cried like a baby. Suzie tried to kiss his arm better, but the teacher said she shouldn’t touch it."

"Sounds like you had quite a day."

"Yup. Can we go to the beach, Daddy? I wanted to take Dash, but Ella said I have to wait for you."

"Ella’s right. I don’t want you in the ocean without me, my boy."

"Come on, Dad! I can swim."

"Yes, I know. You swim like a fish, but even so."

"Ugh! Fine. Come on, Dash."

I watch as Jagger rubs Dash behind his ear and then runs off.

"I’ll see you in a bit!" I call after the two hooligans.

I’d better get out of my suit. I wonder if Ella is settled in her room. I think I’ll check on her too.

5

ELLA

My room at Carter’s is bigger than my first apartment. There are certainly serious perks to working for a billionaire. I had to restrain myself when the housekeeper showed me to my new accommodations. I was tempted to ask her which small family I was going to share my plush new home with. I know they say they do everything bigger in Texas, but LA is no poor relative.

I jump when there’s a knock at the door.

"Come in."

"Hi, Ella. I see you’re all settled in. Is the room okay?"

Damn it. Why is he so bloody gorgeous?

"Hello, Carter. Yes, thank you. The room is lovely."

"This used to be Jagger’s nursery before we moved him into the ‘big boy room’ next door," he smiles.

"Well, it’s very nice."

Nice? Really?

"Jagger and I are going down to the beach for a swim. Would you like to join us?"

"Uh, sure."

"Good. I know you start tomorrow, officially, but will you get him ready for me, please?"

"Of course."

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