Sebastian’s probably not too bad, but it’s easy to be good playing against people at places like Tilden Courts. Its sole criterion for membership is “Can you afford the annual dues?” If the answer’s yes, you’re in.
Speaking of which…I should cancel Roderick, Karl and Vonnie’s memberships. They joined while Mom was alive, even though they don’t play tennis or ride horses. They just want to be able to brag they’re members at Tilden. Well, they can start paying for that bragging right with their own money now.
Sebastian and I take his Phantom to the courts. The Rolls isn’t flashy, but it’s so luxurious, it’s like being inside a motorized spa. The buttery leather, the gorgeous line of the dash, and the remarkable colors—midnight blue, dark wood and a dab of deep purple with a splash of jade. The combination is unusual, but it blends well.
He maneuvers the half-million-dollar vehicle with confident expertise, and the ride is amazingly smooth. Although he looks super-hot in a suit, he’s also stunning in his short-sleeve shirt and shorts. His forearms are lean with ropey muscle. He could film himself flexing those forearms and sell it on porn sites for women. It would add another billion to his fortune.
The immaculately verdant grounds of Tilden Courts come into view. The place is always green and lush, but then, members don’t pay the fees for brown, dried-up fields.
“Meet you outside the locker rooms?” I say as I climb out.
“Fine with me.”
I give him my cocky pre-game you’re-going-down smile—in more ways than one, baby—and go into the locker room to change into tennis whites. When I come outside, Sebastian’s nowhere to be found. Guess he’s still changing…? I head to the refreshment area to grab a bottle of Gatorade, then stop in my tracks.
Preston.
I haven’t seen him since that infuriating encounter in Barcelona. I assumed he was busy being a scumbag because he never tried to get in touch. Well, not that he could, because I blocked his number. But given that the agreement I have with the Comtois family includes the ownership of Sebastian Jewelry, I thought he’d make some effort and at least write an email to plead his case.
He’s dressed to play. His racket looks like it’s never been used before. That wouldn’t surprise me. If he’s anything like the other members here, he’s a dabbler.
He stops short as he sees me. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m here for a match.” I make myself stand taller. Even without heels, our eyes are almost level.
He gives me a once-over and smirks. “Oh, I get it. Looking for a husband.”
I try not to snort. He doesn’t watch the news—thinks it’s boring—and his family apparently hasn’t updated him about my new status. Maybe they disowned him. Wouldn’t that be great?
He continues, “I don’t know why you waste your time like this. Look, I’m happy to let it go if you’ll just see the light and change your mind about our—”
“Don’t hold your breath.” He’s dumber than I thought, bringing up the engagement when I still can’t find enough mind bleach to erase seeing him with Vonnie.
“There you are,” comes Sebastian’s voice from behind me. “Oh, hello, Preston.”
When he stops next to me, I put my arm around his waist. “Whatperfecttiming.” I smile up at him.
He gives me a mildly curious look, but wraps an arm around my shoulders.
See? This is what you get when you’re with a smart man. He knows the role you’d like him to play without your having to spell it out. The fact that he’s willing to play along without some prior commitment to reciprocate warms my heart. So many people want something first before doing anything for me.
Preston’s brow knits as he takes in the tableau. “You guys are together?”
I triple the wattage of my smile. “Preston, have you met my husband, Sebastian Lasker?”
“What?” His shout rings in the wide-open space. “You can’t marry him!”
“I can’t? Oh, that’s too bad.” I tighten my hold on Sebastian, pressing my side against his. “’Cause I kinda already did.” I extend my left hand, so Preston can see my gorgeous Toi et Moi ring and the wedding band.
Sebastian flashes his as well. Man, we make a great team.
Preston blinks rapidly, his eyes fixed on our hardware. Finally, he jerks his head up, his face blotchy. “Why would you want him when you could haveme?”
“Seriously? Are you blind?” I ask.
“I can see well enough to know those diamonds are tiny compared to the one I was going to give you!” He points at my finger.
I drop my gaze to his crotch for a second before lifting it back up. “His is bothbiggerandbetterthan yours.”
