And she repaid me by fucking, bagging, and tagging the only man in New Orleans she damned well knew was off-limits.
The only one who could hurt me like this…
I stand, pacing to the window. Outside, my team is nearly done transforming the backyard into something incredible. Special. Beautiful. All by simply following my explicit directions. I’m unmatched at what I do, the queen of unforgettable experiences that shape the fabric of people’s lives.
Maybe I should start using my skill to shape myownlife into something even more beautiful than it is already.
Something crafted to exact maximum revenge…
Makena’s voice echoes in my head, from the day Teddy’s cruel wedding invitation arrived—What about Nix? I mean, think about it. Gorgeous professional athlete who’s clearly into you. Bring him to the wedding. Make Teddy regret every stupid decision he’s ever made.
I’d dismissed her at the time. Decided it was too petty.
But right now?
Petty is starting to sound pretty good…
Nix.
Baylor Nix.
Six-feet-two inches of pro-athlete man meat with a sexy as fuck laugh and a surprising degree of intelligence. He has a philosophy degree from Boston University, dark brown eyes that look at me like I’m his idea of perfection, and a mouth that…
No.
I press my palm to where my pulse flutters at my throat, willing it to calm down. If I reach out to Nix, it won’t be forthat. It will be purely business.
Makena told me just last week that he was in some kind of trouble, his reputation hanging by a thread after a bar fight or something. I hadn’t paid much attention to the gossip at the time, but now…
Well, I imagine Nix is in a place where it could be good for him to seem more stable. Settled.
And I’m in a place where a hot, adoring, successful, clever,youngerman on my arm would make me feel a whole lot better about showing up at Teddy and Madison’s stupid wedding…
It would be transactional. Professional, even.
The fact that we have chemistry—undeniable, fuck-me-until-I-scream-and-I’ve-never-been-a-screamer chemistry that’s been haunting me since June—is irrelevant.
We’re adults. We can handle this.
My phone buzzes again.
Dara: I’m serious. That article is garbage. You deserve so much better than that, Charlotte. Are you okay?
Charlotte: I’m fine! Great, even. Honestly. But thank you for the heads up. And for the offer, but you should go to the wedding. I’ll be there, too. Teddy invited me, and I’m going to call his bluff. And bring a plus-one…
Dara: Oh, yeah?! That’s amazing news! Who’s the lucky guy? I bet he’s way cuter than Teddy and nicer and still has all his hair.
Charlotte: LOL. Totally! I’ll share more soon. Gotta run. I’m hosting my girlfriend’s engagement party tonight.
Dara: Okay! Have fun. And tell her congrats from me!
Charlotte: Will do.
Iset my phone down and check the time. Four-thirty. The party doesn’t start until six. Plenty of time to shower, do my hair, and transform into the version of myself who has everything under control.
The version I suspect will be equally accomplished at plotting revenge…
Three
