Page 35 of Hot Momosa

“Then, may I ask why you’re refusing me?”

I just told you why.“I don’t want either of us to end up cold and bitter in a loveless marriage, Harrison.”

He gave me a patient smile. “Over the previous year we’ve become good friends. Dare I say we’re fond of one another?”

I recognized the trap he’d set, but nodded.

“People in our world don’t marry for love. It’s a bonus when it’s there, but it’s not necessary. We’re already ahead of the curve starting as friends. Who’s to say we won’t fall in love in time?”

Me. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again.

“I’m sorry. I can’t marry someone in the hopes I’ll love them some day.”

He spoke through gritted teeth, “We can make it work. Think about what this marriage would do for both of our families.”

“Goodbye, Harry.” I stood.

He grabbed my hand hard enough to crush my knuckles. “I’m not asking you to live a lie. We aren’t your parents, Dahlia.”

“What the heck is that supposed to mean?” I couldn’t believe he’d thrown that in my face. My parents had exactly the kind of relationship Harrison had proposed. My dad handled it well enough. My mom? Not so much.

“You will do this, because you always do what’s best for your father.”

“Not this time.” I snatched my hand back.

“You’re going to regret this.”

Rubbing my fingers, I said, “The only thing I regret is coming here instead of telling you what I had to say over the phone.”

People turned and stared, but I didn’t care. He’d not only crossed the line, he’d erased it.

Harrison plastered on a fake smile and lowered his voice. “Sit down. You’re causing a scene.”

“We’re done here.” I marched outside.

The Hawaiian shirt-clad reporter that’d been waiting for me outside my house lowered his camera and gave me a quick salute. For all our careful planning, one paparazzo had caught on.

Son of a bitch. Can this day get any worse?

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