Page 293 of The First Time
I get the feeling this isn't the first time he's bailed on a conversation for a call. Even the first time tonight.
"My son is a lot of trouble. I hope he's making it up to you," Meryl says.
Right on cue, Blake returns with drinks. Wine for Meryl. Whiskey for him. Gin and tonic for me.
His fingers brush mine as he hands over the glass.
It's the same. My body buzzes with desire. Already, I want to be alone with him.
I take a long sip of my gin and tonic. It's delicious, but it isn't refreshing.
Blake shoots his mother areallylook. "That isn't appropriate dinner table conversation."
"Oh, please. You know I wouldn't mind." Meryl looks to me with a smile. "Dinner should be ready shortly. But if you're hungry, there are snacks in the fridge."
"I'm fine, thank you." I finish half my drink. It warms my throat and pushes away theyou shouldn't do thisvoice in my head.
Fiona stares at her half-full glass of wine. "I'm surprised Blake hasn't offered to help you." She looks to Trey's empty seat. "Trey is the one who offered the seed money for my clothing line. He was very supportive."
Regret streaks her expression. The guy taking a call outside is clearly not supportive. He's one of those wealthy guys who writes a check instead of tending to his wife's emotional needs.
I don't know the asshole, and I already hate him.
My gaze goes to Blake. Damn. He's good at this. There isn't a single visible reaction on his face. The man is the picture of cool.
But then, he always is.
"I'll do anything for Kat. Anything." He runs his fingers over my cheek. Stares at me like we're in love. "But her independence is very important to her. She wants to make her own way."
"Admirable, but sweetie—" Meryl takes quite the sip of wine. "Take the poor fool's money if he's offering it."
"It will be our money soon." Blake smiles. "We set a date. The last Friday in April."
"You're not asking for a prenup?" Fiona tries to wipe away the shock on her face but doesn't quite land at a neutral expression.
Blake raises a brow. They share a look of understanding. It's pure sibling telepathy.
"I don't want to hear those words again," Meryl says. "And I do not want to hear a single figure."
Fiona frowns. "But Blake could lose the company if they divorce."
"What did I say?" Meryl squeezes her wineglass.
Fiona flushes red. She stumbles over her words. "I only want to help him protect himself."
"And how did that prenup work for you?" Meryl asks.
"That's different. He had more money," Fiona says.
"I am signing a prenup." I try my most confident voice. "It was my idea. I don't want Blake thinking I'm in this for his money. I may be young, but I'm not naive. I know marriage doesn't always work out. I'd rather we have these details ironed out now than later."
Meryl stares at me the way Blake does. She picks me apart, assessing the weight of every single word. "You're a fool, sweetie, but an admirable one."
I smooth my dress. "Thank you. I think."
She laughs. "It's a compliment." She looks to Blake and Fiona. "My kids, they don't get it. They think marriage is about protecting your assets. It's not. It's about finding a partner who will hold you up when you need that. It's about finding someone who you need by your side. Someone who will support you."
I swallow hard. Marriage should be all those things. It should be everything.
