Page 33 of The P Arrangement

“I love you.” If only everyone had someone to look out for them like I had my sister. “But Idoremember what it was like.”

“Do you really though? I know how much you loved him, and I also know how charming he can be. He’s not a bad guy, but I’m worried he’s going to reel you in, and before you know it, he’ll have broken your heart all over again.”

It was my turn to roll my eyes. “Nat, I am coming up on forty years old in a couple of years. I am not in my twenties anymore. I can’t be swayed by a handsome face and romantic words.” I put my hand up. “If Preston even tried that,” I added before she could say anything about that.

It was mostly the truth. He’d said some dirty, filthy things to me, but none of them were romantic. And I would like to think I could keep my heart separated from my cooch. Something that had been a lot harder to do in my twenties.

“Listen, we’re trying to get along for Paxton’s sake, and we’re both going to the law conference, where we’ll be surrounded by a bunch of lawyers all weekend. It’s not that big of a deal.”

“If you say so. But if you share a room with him, I’m flying down there to kick your ass.”

My eyes got wide, and Natalie laughed, misunderstanding my reaction.

Pulling me in for a hug, she said, “I love you too. Now, go and enjoy some kid-free time. And good luck on your presentation.”

* * *

The airport was busy when we got there, which wasn’t unusual for an international airport in the middle of the afternoon. We went to the counter since I was checking a bag. I never bothered trying to pack everything in a carry-on.

“Where are you headed today?” the lady at the counter asked.

“Las Vegas,” I answered as we handed over our driver’s licenses to get our boarding passes.

“Oh, fun.” She looked at our IDs and faces and handed them back to us.

“Thanks,” I said, neither of us bothering to explain we were going for work. She was just being polite and didn’t really care what we were flying out of town for.

After getting my suitcase on the conveyor belt behind her, she smiled. “Have a wonderful vacation, Mr. and Mrs. St. James.”

The comment jolted me a moment, but without a single pause, Preston grabbed my hand and grinned. “Thanks. It’s the first time we’ve gone somewhere alone without the kid.”

She smiled back. “I’ve been there. Enjoy the extra sleep.”

“We will.” We turned to leave, and Preston leaned over to whisper, “I’d rather fuck you all weekend than get extra sleep.” He kissed my knuckles, and we headed toward our next destination. “Let’s go and get through security so we can find our gate.”

Since the line was long and crowded, I didn’t say anything to him about his conversation back at check-in until we had all our stuff in our hands again after going through security.

As we broke away from the crowd and headed toward our gate, Preston grabbed my hand again.

“Why did you let the lady back there think we were still married?”

He shrugged. “It seemed easier than to tell her we’re divorced and try to explain that we’re going out of town together.”

“You could have told her we’re going for work at least. You made it sound like it’s a vacation.” I didn’t know why I cared so much, but I did.

He shrugged again. “Yeah, we’re going for work, but itisalso our first time away from Paxton together. It sounds more fun than a work conference.”

He made it sound like we were still together and we just hadn’t had time. And going by his casual attitude, I didn’t think he realized what he was doing or that a part of me liked hearing him talk like that.

I wasn’t mad or upset, but my conversation with my sister tickled the back of my brain. She’d meant well, but now, I was overthinking this weekend and even this whole arrangement. It was supposed to be fun, no strings attached.

At least, that was what I wanted it to be.

I needed a minute to clear my head.

* * *

PRESTON

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