“Good day to you, son.”
“What can I do for you?” I could almost laugh. I sound like I don’t know why he’s calling, like I’m not waiting for him to sign the contract and be done with his bullshit.
“I simply didn’t want to keep you waiting. After meeting your better half last night, I decided I’d like to move forward with the contract.”
I still, hope and relief surging through me like a shot of adrenaline.
“But,” he adds, stopping any thought of closure in its tracks.
“But what?” I ball my hand into a tight fist.
“There’s something I need you to do first.”
“What?”
“I’d like you and the little lady to join me and my Ellie Mae on the Lockwood Legacy Tour for the next six weeks. We have six events—one per week. Two of them will be held at my vineyard in Texas Hill Country. That’s where the real work happens. Join us, and that contract of yours will be signed before the end of summer.”
Something in me sinks.
This…
This fucking shit is the bad feeling that’s been riding my nerves all night.
Arthur believes Piper is my girl.
Piper doesn’t want to be my girl.
And me… I’ve just been pushed deeper into the hole I dug when I told him I had a girlfriend.
“Are you still there, son?” Arthur presses. I’ve been silent too long.
“Arthur, you know I’m a busy man. And you expect me to attend your tour for six whole weeks?Andgo to Texas?” I try to sound measured, like I’m not already calculating how trapped I am.
“Busy is a relative concept.”
“Not when it can be quantified.”
“Now listen, son. Don’t take that tone with me. Those are my terms. Either you want me to sign the contract or not. Your choice. It’s win-win for me.”
Fucking bastard.
He can go straight to hell.
But… he’s right.
Arthur Lockwood holds all the cards. Even the ones tied to my future.
So, it’s his way or nothing at all.
God. This is a damn nightmare.
If I accept his terms, there’s only one way to make it work.
Piper.
I’ll need her.
“Can I get back to you on Monday?” I say, gritting my teeth. “I’ll need to move a few things around.”Like convincing a woman who already asked for distance to be my fake girlfriend for six weeks. Fuck.
