Page 21 of The P Arrangement

“I’m supposed to go to a law conference next weekend. Madison was going to watch Paxton, but with her being out of town, I was going to see if you could switch weekends. I’d cancel, but I’m supposed to present.”

My brow furrowed. “Law conference? Where is it?”

“Las Vegas.”

“Oh shit. That’s already next weekend? I’m supposed to be on a panel there.”

“Preston, really?”

I laughed. “Hey, I knew it was coming up, but you know my assistant knows how busy my schedule is. She only tells me what’s going on for the week we’re trying to get through. I’m sure she’ll remind me on Monday.”

“You owe her a raise.”

“I already gave her one this year.”

“Then, an end-of-year bonus.”

“I’ll think about it.” My grin was back because I hadn’t been looking forward to the conference in Vegas, but now that I knew Delaney was going, I couldn’t wait. But I knew she was in a bind. “Your presentation is more important than me being on a panel. If you need me to cancel, I can stay home with Paxton.”

She stopped me with a hand on my chest and shook her head. “No. My sister already offered to take him. And my parents said they would help. I just need to call and make sure it’s okay.”

“Are you sure?” I really wanted her to say yes.

“I’m sure.” She tried to give me a smile, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I mean, if we were still married, they’d have to watch him with Madison being gone.”

My good mood was suddenly ruined by the reminder that she was no longer my wife, but my ex-wife.

The woman came out of the bathroom and nodded at us before walking away.

As soon as it was clear, I drew Delaney into my arms. “I was serious about you coming home with me tonight.”

She nodded. “I know.”

“Are you coming?”

She hesitated for a moment, but nodded again. “Yes.”

TEN

DELANEY

Preston insistedI park in the garage since I was staying all night, so I pulled into my old spot and followed him inside. I soon realized I should have waited in my car until he got rid of his “babysitter.”

“Preston, is that you?” came from the living room when we walked in.

I shuddered. My former mother-in-law’s voice was like nails on a chalkboard. And I was mad at myself for not thinking about asking who was watching Paxton while he was on his date.

Spinning around, I was just about to march back into the garage when she entered the kitchen.

“Oh, you brought your date home. Hmm. I don’t remember JoAnn’s daughter being a brunette.”

Slowly, I turned to face my ex’s mother.

She gasped. “Delaney? What—why—” She pursed her lips and looked at her son. “Why is she here?”

I rolled my eyes.

Rebecca St. James had never liked me. She also never bothered to hide it. She was the one thing I absolutely did not miss about being married to Preston. She had always been awful toward me and made no qualms about the fact that she thought her son should have married someone more high society.

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