Page 26 of The Proposal
“Thanks,” I say instead—mostly because I like my face. “I’m going to grab my wallet, and I’ll be ready. Have you seen the girls?”
“They should be about done. I’ll go check on Ella and hurry her ass along.”
Shall I go check on your sister’s ass? “Great.”
He gives me a sideways look as he leaves.
“I gotta get it together,” I mutter, entering my room and closing the door.
I lean against the wall and blow out a long, harried breath.
My heart feels like I’m gearing up for a game. Every cell in my body is on high alert, waiting on …nothing. Nothing is going to happen.
I should’ve jacked off in the shower. It would’ve at least taken the edge off things.
Maybe.
My phone buzzes, offering me a reprieve from my thoughts.
Bianca: If I tell you something and it turns out to be true—and it’s illegal—am I considered an accomplice?
Me: Did you do it?
Bianca. NO. Not me.
I sit on the edge of the bed.
Me: Out of all your siblings, you chose the brother playing rugby for legal advice?
Bianca: No offense, but out of all our siblings, you have the most experience dealing with legal issues.
Me: Touché. Continue.
Bianca: Maybe I should call you so it’s not written down. Paper trails are a real thing.
Me: Why? You think I’m going to rat you out?
Bianca: I’m calling you.
“Thanks for the warning.” As promised, the phone buzzes in my hands. “If you didn’t know, I promised your father I would be on my best behavior until his purchase goes through. I don’t think he’d appreciate you dragging me into the dark side.”
“Myfather?”
I shrug. “He likes you best.And me least. Anyway, I knew you had illicit behavior in you. I could tell. It’s in your eyes. Real recognizes real.”
“Renn? Shut up.”
“Fine.”
She sighs. “I think my new neighbor might be holding someone hostage.”
“What? Why?”
“I was sitting on my patio, enjoying my tea and doing some paperwork, and all of a sudden, this muted …bangingwas coming from that direction.”
“Maybe he’s doing construction.”
“Have you seen him? He’s not construction-y, and there are no work trucks or anything here.”
