Page 35
“I know you want that money for the nonprofit you’re planning on opening,” my granddad says in a somber voice. “And I would hate for you not to have that access just because you’re hell-bent on being single for the rest of your life.”
“Granddad, I cannot have this conversation right now. You already know how I feel about the clause, and you know I have no plans on getting married right now.”
“Then I suppose you don’t want the money. It will go to your sisters.”
“If that’s how you feel about it, then sure. I have to go.”
I hang up and lean back against the wall, closing my eyes as I rub my forehead. I want and need the money. It’s the only way I’ll be able to establish the nonprofit, but I’m not going to be blackmailed into doing something I don’t want to do. I take a deep breath and head back into the living room.
Rosie looks up at me, a curious expression on her face. “You okay? Your demeanor looks like it shifted.”
“I’m fine,” I say stiffly. “I’m going to grab some water. Do you want anything?”
“No, I’m good.”
“Okay.”
I walk to the kitchen, open the fridge, and take a few deep breaths. My grandfather rattles me more than I’d like to admit.
Rosie gets up from the couch and heads to the kitchen. She stands next to the island and taps her fingers against the marble countertop. “You sure everything’s okay? You look like you’re angry about something.”
I turn to her in surprise. Not many people can read my moods. “I’m okay. Thank you for asking though.”
“You can talk to me. I mean, I know we tease each other, and we’ve got a weird thing going on here, but ultimately, I’m your friend if you need someone to talk to.”
Her lower lip trembles, and I take a step toward her. I grab her around the waist and pull her into me, my eyes boring deep into hers. I run my fingers up and down her spine, and she shivers. She presses her hands against my chest and then moves them up to my shoulders. I feel her fingers running down the back of my neck and playing with my hair.
“If you need to talk, Brett, I’m here.”
“I know,” I say, looking down at her lips.
I press my lips against hers softly, and she kisses me back more passionately than I would’ve expected. For a few moments, I forget the lesson I’m trying to teach her, and I kiss her back. Her lips part, and her tongue slides into my mouth, and I suck on it for a few seconds before I pull back.
“That was lesson number three,” I say quickly as she gawks at me breathlessly.
“Wait, what?” Her jaw drops.
“Yes. Sometimes, men will use any excuse to get you into their arms to seduce you. You always have to have your wits about you.”
I tilt my head up, my own body stiff and hot, but I don’t want to admit to myself or to her that the kiss wasn’t a lesson, but an actual want. I want her badly, but I’m not going to let myself succumb.
She steps forward and pulls my head down to hers and kisses me thoroughly, hard, as she presses her body against mine. Her breasts crush into my chest, and I don’t know how to react as she pulls back and gives me a sexy, sultry smile.
“One thing you should know, Brett”—she grins—“it’s not always the man who goes for what he wants. Sometimes, it’s the woman as well.”
She runs her finger down my chest and toward the front of my pants. She plays with my belt, and for a few moments, I think she’s going to undo it, but then she steps back.
“So, Brett, maybe you’re the one who needs the dating coach. We’re not living in the eighteenth century anymore. Sometimes, women can go after what they want as well.”
Chapter Seven
ROSIE
I stare at my friend as we eat ice cream for breakfast.
“Izzy, I need your advice.” I speak casually, but my insides are churning.
I’ve been up half the night, tossing and turning, thinking about Brett, and I’m scared I’m actually falling for him. Which was not a part of the plan.
