Page 88 of All Tied Down

That shouldn’t light me up like a god damn Christmas tree but it does. It really does.

“Anyway,” Theo says slowly, enunciating all the syllables until I glare. “Tom and Kat will be there as well as Jace, Ozzy, and Grimm. The guys will be on the periphery. Tom and Kat are normal guests unless something happens then Tom said he’d step in.”

“Look at you knowing all the things,” Emerson croons, making Theo roll his eyes.

“Just for the record, I’ve been doing this well before you came along, missy,” he fires back, making her laugh as she pulls him into a side hug.

“Aww, don’t be like that. You know I’m your favorite.”

He harumphs but doesn’t argue.

He doesn’t argue!

“Hey!” I whine. “I’m your favorite.”

“Yes, you too,” he concedes halfheartedly, but it’s too late. The damage is done. I’m pouting and he’s growling as Emerson barks out a laugh and shakes her head.

“You’re a little troublemaker,” Theo tells her, but she just shrugs one delicate shoulder.

“It’s a gift.”

“Uh-huh.” He doesn’t sound convinced at all. “Well, please continue that gift by not getting into trouble because I’m salaried and don’t get overtime.”

“I just gave you a bonus for putting up with me.”

“Yes, and at the rate we’re going, you’re not going to be able to afford me.” He sniffs and Emerson smirks, but I just laugh because it’s an empty threat.

“I can,” Emerson offers slyly, flipping her long dark hair over her shoulder.

“Are you trying to poach my assistant?” I scoff as she makes a show of studying her nails.

“I’m a great boss—just saying.”

“I can be bought,” Theo coughs into his hand, the exaggeration of the words making him unable to keep a straight face.

“Everyone wins.” Emerson looks far too pleased with herself, her smile beaming as she winks at me.

“Everyone does not win. Who is going to run my life? I can’t be trusted to do that.”

“Ain’t that the truth,” Theo deadpans.

“I could retire you but then you’d have to have dinner on the table every night when I get home from work. But I’d have one request…”

Her eyes drag down my body, lingering below the waist before moving back up again.

“What’s that?” My voice is full of gravel, a myriad of fantasies flashing through my mind.

“You could only wear an apron, you know, just enough to protect the goods.”

“And that’s my cue to leave. Emerson, this has been…enlightening. Garrett, I’ll be sending you the bill from my therapist.”

His parting words are shouted as he heads for the door, the wood slamming and the lock engaging as Emerson closes the distance between us.

“I bet we can get overnight shipping on that apron. I’ll be a kept man by morning.” Gripping her ass, I drag her up my body until her legs wrap around my waist.

“If I’m going to pay for overnight shipping, you better give me one hell of a performance.”

“Baby, I’m a rock star. Performance is my middle name.”