Page 11 of Platinum Love: A BWWM Romance

Twice the amount? I straighten. Two million dollars to create a business of my own.

“Morning, Ma. Where are you off to?” I give her a hug and kiss. My mind still spinning with this new piece of information. But do I have a million dollar concept? Meeting with Ben is looking more promising.

“This and that.” Mom pours coffee in her to-go mug. “Your father told me about this little challenge of his.”

“Challenge?” I look over at him. His face gives nothing away.

A little challenge? He is dangling millions, set aside for me at birth, like a platinum carrot and I’m the rabbit racing to get my hands on it. This is much more than a little challenge.

Mother chats for a while about her charity events and a meeting with her sorority sisters. Then she kisses us each goodbye.

“Have a great day, Junior.” He turns to leave.

“Daddy. I want to propose a revision to this little challenge.” At this moment I’m growing a pair. My heart is creeping up my throat, knowing I can go hard or go home. He’s dangling a single carrot, and I want the whole damn bushel.

“I’m listening.” I swear his eyes are twinkling like a night sky.

“When I deliver this plan and you approve,” I step closer, “I want immediate access to two million of my trust and the two million to fund my business.”

“Four million dollars?” He doesn’t look surprised, which fuels my gumption. “You’re sounding more like my seed, Junior.” I can’t keep the smile off my face. “I’ll take your request into consideration. But Hunter, you better bring it. Because you have everything to lose and everything to gain.” He kisses my cheek. “Have a productive meeting.”

“Of course Daddy.” He leaves, and I can’t feel my legs. I crumble to the floor, gasping for air. Did I just set my own damn rattrap with cheese?

Chapter 5

Ben

Hunter enters S&J like she owns the place. She pulls her shades off scanning the interior, stopping once our eyes meet.

Hunter Preston is off limits. I start a chant as she walks the length of the room to the tune of the clicking of her heels on the hardwood floors. I stare at the ground to see if a runway magically appeared. But the floor is the same.

My eyes scan up as her legs tug at the slim pants showing off her thick thighs and full hips. Legs I can imagine wrapped around my waist.

I quickly open my notebook and scribble…

$50,000…

Zoe’s private school tuition.

Not bedding Hunter Preston. The thought makes my mouth water. I better write this business plan like my life depends on it. Because spending time alone with her is going to be a problem and we haven’t even started.

“Good morning, Hunter.” I clear my throat.

“Ben.” She tosses her purse in a chair, slipping out of her jacket. “Is Ben short for Benjamin?”

I nod. Keeping my eyes on her face.

“Benjamin…”

“Abbott.”

“That has a nice ring to it.” Smiling, she pulls her glossy bottom lip between her teeth. She sits across from me, and her knee brushes mine. A bolt of lightning passes between us. Her gaze levels and her sweet lips part.

I’m drunk, gotta be, because I hear angels. Oh, sweet Jesus, I hear them. I hold her gaze drumming my fingers on my knees beneath the table to release the flood of energy in my body. I feel like I’m in a crazy Hallmark-type Twilight Zone. All I need is a soundtrack…and then Cuffing Season blares through the speakers.

“My bad man, we thought…” Asher holds up an apologetic hand while holding his wife Jazz close.

“No man, I’m early. Uh…” I push the frog out of my throat so he can hear me over the music. “Don’t let us stop you.”

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