Page 61 of Tangled Kisses
Right after she raked me over the coals for ever considering such a line of work.
As far as my sister knows, I’m still busting my ass in construction, running a crew, and on the side I escort rich women to dinners that end at the doorstep.
If she ever found out the rest—that I slept with women to cover her rent—she’d be horrified. Probably beat the hell out of me, then pack her bags before the bruises faded.
But she’s happy, living her best life. And my little sister is everything to me.
That’s why everything hinges on this weekend. Because if Lauren doesn’t believe in my business idea, then I’m out of options.
It will be back to turning tricks again.
A guaranteed payday that will guarantee I never haveanythingreal with Reese. Oh sure, she might sleep with me, but she’d never marry me. Never have a child with a man who fucked women for money.
Who could blame her?
The thought makes my gut twist. I shove Pearl’s bill into my bag like hiding it will make it disappear and square my shoulders.
This weekend has to work. It justhasto.
The museum galais everything Lauren promised—grand chandeliers, champagne flutes that never empty, and Portland’s elite dripping in designer labels. All to celebrate a new wing in her late husband’s name, the kind of gesture only old money can pull off.
Lauren’s right at home, radiant in a jewel-toned gown and looking easily a decade younger than her peers.
“Do you hate these events as much as I do?” she asks with a grin, looping her arm through mine.
“It’s not that bad,” I reply, which earns me a dramatic eye-roll.
“Oh yes, it is. It’s terrible. And I fully expect you to be honest with me, Griffin.”
Okay, fine, it’s been awful. Endless small talk, fake smiles, and calculated networking. I’ve been around enough of the wealthy to know most of them only open their mouths when it benefits them. Charity is just the backdrop for their deals.
Lauren leans closer. “Please tell me I’m not like them.”
“You’re not.” My answer is immediate and honest. “I wouldn’t be hanging out with you like this if you were. Wouldn’t agree to overnight trips either.”
She studies me intently, her expression softening. “Something’s different about you tonight.”
Here I thought I was pulling it off, acting nonchalant and unbothered.
How much do I reveal about Reese? About the kiss still burned into me? The answer is immediate: not the place. Not the time. This is about business.
“Just tired,” I reply as I sip the champagne.
Not a lie. These jobs are kicking my ass and for a fraction of what I earn as an escort.
Still, happiness is always a valid pursuit.
“It’s more than that. How’s your sister?”
I exhale, running a hand down my tie. “Pearl is amazing, as usual, but her rent is going up.Again.”
Her smile falters. “I’m sorry. That’s not fair to you. I know how hard you work.”
“Well, the thing is, Lauren.” I glance at the glittering crowd before returning my focus to her. “I don’t want to keep doing this. This lifestyle.”
Her hand tightens on my arm. “I can’t say I’m surprised. I’ve told you before, I think this takes too much out of you. Your talents are being wasted.”
I let out a short laugh. Plenty of clients would argue my talents are being put to usejustfine.
