Page 36 of Tangled Kisses
Dorian is still a fan favorite, but he doesn’t sleep with clients. He’s strictly a handsome man on their arm, attending functions, doting on them, ensuring the world sees them as beautiful vibrant women.
Guess it’s cheaper than therapy.
Probably more effective, too, if one-upping your friends is the goal.
Capri lets out a low chuckle as she taps a nail against the edge of her desk. “Figures the two hottest guys here don’t want to turn tricks. I thought men were supposed to love sex more than life.”
What Capri won’t admit is that Dorian loves one thing more than sex—her. Hell, he won’t admit it either, but everyone knows it’s true, and he’s ensuring that should Capri ever open that door to her heart, he’s the first man waiting in line.
Now I understand his mentality.
Capri pushes back from her chair, smoothing her skirt as she stands and pulls a bottle of whiskey and two glasses from the cabinet. She pours a shot into each and hands one to me. “You’re about to make your life really fucking complicated, Griffin.”
I shrug. “It already was.”
“I can’t guarantee the maintenance job will be enough to cover your bills, but I’ll see what I can do to make it work.”
Capri doesn’t press, doesn’t bring up Pearl. She doesn’t have to. She knows damn well I’d set myself on fire before I let my sister go without. Hell, she knows that’s the only reason I ever came to the ranch—or why I’ve stayed this long.
“Thank you, Capri.”
“On one condition.”
“Don’t tell me to stay away from Reese. I can’t. If that’s your request, then fire me.”
Her gaze lingers on me, unreadable. She swirls the whiskey in her glass, watching the amber liquid catch the light. “Be careful with her. I don’t know Reese’s full story, but there is painbehind her eyes. She’s fresh out of one nightmare. You don’t want to be another one.”
Her words land like a sucker punch, because she’s right.
“I’ll take it slow.”
She smirks. “Somehow, I doubt that. Guess I’ll send Tim over to Delilah, with your regrets.”
“If Delilah still wants a date, I’m willing to play the part. Just no more than that.”
“You and I both know she wantswaymore than that. Better to cut it off clean. Tim has been begging for more clients, and I think Delilah will enjoy him.”
“No doubt. Do you want me to speak to her?”
“And tell her what? You’ve developed a mad crush and can’t stand the idea of another woman touching you? Let me handle it.”
My shoulders dip, the air leaving me in a slow exhale. I don’t have room for pride here, only gratitude. “Thank you for understanding.”
“Oh, I get it. Trust me, I do. But remember that sometimes, love alone isn’t enough.”
Her words stick with me as I stand to leave, heavier than the whiskey burning its way down my throat.
“While I love havinglunch with you, I know this isn’t because you missed my company.” Piper snickers behind her hand before rattling off her order to the server. “What’s up?”
I lean in, bracing my forearms on the table. “Tell me about your sister.”
Piper grins, taking a long sip of water before setting the glass down with a clink. “Reese is wonderful, although she’s got the worst taste in men.”
Let’s hope I’m about to change that.
“Let’s see. She’s an overachiever. A nurturer. And she was always the good girl, while I was the screwup. Reese cleaned up my messes more than once, even took the blame when it should’ve been mine.”
“She protected you.”
