Page 61 of Tangled Trust

"That’s not what I meant, you perv. I mean, we don’t have much time for ourselves. Jagger is usually around, and I have a busy schedule."

"Come on. You’re a smart guy. Make time to get away. Just the two of you."

"Ella and I went to Vegas a few weeks ago. It was amazing."

"That’s more like it. Does the dragon know?"

"Hell, no. She accused me when she met Ella for the first time, but that was before I actually slept with the gorgeous Au Pair."

"Oh, she’s going to hit the roof. That woman is so not over you."

"Ella said the same. I don’t see it."

"Come on, Caboose. For such a smart guy, you can be pretty slow."

"It doesn’t matter anyway. I’m done with Amanda. It was over long before the divorce."

"We all wanted it to work, Carter. For your sake and Jagger’s. But we always had a feeling the marriage wouldn’t last. Amanda is just not the woman for you."

"It would have been handy had you told me how you guys felt before I married her."

"What? You didn't pick up on the hints and body language? Sophie and I were practically willing you to dump Amanda’s snooty ass. If we’d been any more obvious, the dragon herself would have cottoned on. Besides, it wasn’t my place to say anything, Carter. I’m sorry I didn’t. But, trust me, I won’t make that mistake again."

"I was wondering why Sophie knew all about Ella before I’d even mentioned her," I grin.

"Oh, that," my brother says, looking guilty. "Yeah, the wife and I got excited when we saw the chemistry between the two of you at dinner that night."

"I guess so. Next time, please don’t help."

* * *

I miss Ella’s gorgeous body. Perhaps I should surprise her with some sexy lingerie. It’s a shame not to adorn such a stunning figure with the best silk and lace money can buy. I know there’s an exclusive lingerie boutique in downtown Houston, so I make a turn there when I’m in town for my next meeting.

The store is filled with stunning designer pieces, and I zero in on a white negligee that will look incredible on Ella.

I can’t wait to see her in it.

18

ELLA

Jagger looks green when he wakes up. No prizes for guessing that he’s finally caught the stomach bug that’s been doing its rounds at school. Great. I suppose I’ll be next. All those hugs and kisses I enjoy so much from him are no doubt about to bite me in the ass.

"Oh, dear. You’re not looking good, little man," I say as I place the back of my hand on his little forehead.

My words are barely spoken when confirmation comes by way of an explosive bout of vomiting—right on my shoes, wouldn’t you know it?

"Okay, I guess you have the nasty tummy bug, Jagger," I grimace, stepping out of my soiled shoes and tiptoeing a very nauseated Jagger to the bathroom whilst simultaneously yelling at Dash not to partake of his master’s recycled breakfast.

"I’ll run you a nice, warm bath, little guy. You’ll feel better soon, I promise."

"I want to lie in Daddy’s bed," he groans after the bath.

"Okay. Shall we watch a movie together?"

"Yes. Can we watch Avatar?"

"Sure, sweetie. We’ll have a PJ day. How does that sound?"

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