Page 62 of No More Billionaires

The highways had opened this morning, allowing traffic to move, though it was still slow-going. It took most of the day, but Larson and I had made it home safely.

We’d said goodbye in the car in front of my house with a quick kiss and a “see you at work tomorrow.”

“Well, I hope you’re pregnant,” Momma said from behind me.

“Momma!” Cadence and I both yelped in unison, spinning around to face her.

She shrugged and gave us an unrepentant grin. “I’m a modern woman. I know how things go. I’m just saying it wouldn’t be the end of the world if you gave Larson an heir and got married. You needsomethingto light a fire under your butt. You’re not getting any younger, thinner, or prettier.”

I was dumbstruck with fury.

Thankfully my sister spoke up for me. “She’s not even thirty yet. And Kenley doesn’t need to get pregnant to get someone to marry her. And she doesn’t need a man at all if she doesn’t want one.”

No longer caring about mixing loads, I snatched things from my suitcase and rammed them into the washer. I finally tamped down my temper enough to grind out a response.

“Larson doesn’t need an ‘heir.’ He’s not a royal. He’s just a regular person who deserves—never mind. Ididn’tsleep with him. Sometimes I think you’re living in a fairy tale—a twisted one.”

Momma shrugged. “I’m not going to apologize for dreaming big for my girls. When you end up with the handsome prince, you’ll thank me.”

She waltzed off down the hallway, probably to complain about her ungrateful daughters to one of her girlfriends on the phone or maybe to catch a Real Housewives marathon on TV.

“So, do you like him?” Cadence asked when she was sure Momma was out of earshot.

I stopped, realizing I was gripping his white t-shirt. I must have put it into my bag by mistake.

The smell of his cologne was still on it, and it sent a dart of sensation shooting through my lower body and up to my heart. I looked up at Cadence, suddenly terror-struck.

“I do.” I squeezed my eyelids tight and released a tense breath. “Oh, Cay, I really do.”

She smiled and put a hand on my arm. “That’s a good thing. Why do you look like you’ve just had a strip of wax yanked off your bikini zone?”

Now tears filled my eyes. “Because I can’t be with him. You heard Momma.”

Cadence’s face twisted into a confused scowl. “What does any of this have to do withher?”

“Because he’s exactly who she wants me to be with—I couldn’t have picked a more perfect guy as far as she’s concerned. She makes me feel so worthless, like the best I can do is be somebody’s kept woman. If I end up dating him… it’ll be like letting her win.”

“And if you refuse to date him just to spite her, who wins?” Cadence asked.

I turned away and resumed jamming my abused clothes into the washing machine.

“Why did I get stuck with such a smart sister? Don’t you have some sort of advanced calculus class to study for or something?”

She leaned over and gave me a quick kiss on the temple. “As a matter of fact, I do. I’ll leave you to it. But keep this in mind—happiness on your own terms is the best revenge.”

* * *

As I arrived at my desk the next morning, Deb turned to me.

“The victorious field producer has returned. Welcome home. Now spill.”

“What?”

“Hot guy. Cute girl. Stranded in a storm. I’m no math whiz, but I can put two and two together.”

“Shh.” I craned my neck around, looking for Larson. “Nothing happened. And the story went very well, thanks for asking.”

Deb waved a hand in front of her face. “Story—who cares? And don’t try to tell me nothing happened. I haven’t seen Larson this happy since the first time we beat all the other cable shows in the ratings.Somethinghappened.”

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