I think we need to contract Brooke for this, and I think we need to hire her to train our pastry chef.
This was something I’d thought of way before she and I became an item, but as I watch Henry flip through the pages of my proposal, I know the moment he catches her name on the page.
“Hire B’s Bakery to take over the desserts for all weddings? Have you lost your mind?”
“No.”
It’s a simple answer, but by the way he closes the proposal and tosses it on the desk as if it’s not worth his time, it’s clear as day that’s not the answer he wanted to hear.
“All right, your fun is over, Dutton.”
He holds his hands out.
Am I supposed to know what he’s talking about?
“What fun?”
“This thing with the Sloan girl.”
“Brooke. Her name is Brooke.”
He waves his hand as if details don’t matter.
“Look, if you came in here to get my proposal so you can look it over, take it. If you came in here to talk shit about my girlfriend, you can leave.”
“Girlfriend?” he laughs. “Girlfriend.”
I narrow my gaze on him.
That it’s possible to hate this man more than I already did is wild, but I’m doing it.
I glance at the clock on the wall behind him. It’s three in the afternoon, and seeing as how it’s still a busy part of the day with guests and employees filtering through the halls, I don’t reply.
I mean, really, we’d just argue, so I may as well let him saywhat he needs to say. The sooner he does, the sooner he will leave and there won’t be a scene.
“Listen, Dutton, I was hoping I wouldn't have to tell you this, but I can’t in good conscience leave you this lodge if you are dating that girl.”
That girl.
That.
Girl.
Is he fucking serious right now?
“Her. Name. Is. Brooke.”
He sighs with annoyance.
“This is exactly what I mean. I just told you that I’m not giving you the lodge because of your poor choice in women, and you’re more worried about me remembering her name.”
“Mychoice in women?”
“Yes.”
“Do you really want to go there?”
His head falls back on a laugh.
