Goody Two Shoes (Invertary 2)

“Pity,” Brian muttered. “I was trying to live vicariously. It’s not like there’s a lot of action in this town.”

One of the other men cleared his throat and nodded at the door. A second later, Caroline swept through.

“Okay.” She stood beside him. Her back straight as a board. “I’ve cancelled my appointment. Let’s go to my office and talk.”

The men’s shoulders slumped with disappointment. Caroline glanced pointedly at her watch. Josh smothered a chuckle. Everything about her made him want to mess with her. “Pull up a chair, baby. I’m happy here.”

He thought he saw her jaw clench. She stared at him for a moment, as though trying to figure out the best way to get him to comply. He winked at her. Her eyes went wide, then she blinked hard. Without a word, she turned a chair from the table beside them and perched on the edge of it. She folded her hands in her lap and waited. The domino boys were astonished, and Josh felt kind of smug. It was then he caught her thin smile and realised his actions would have consequences. It sent a thrill right through him.

“As I was saying before…” Josh gave Caroline his best dazzling smile. She was unimpressed. “There’s a work crew in my house and none of them are there to build a studio. Want to explain it to me?”

The men leaned in towards them.

“And explain loudly,” James said. “I don’t have my hearing aids.”

Caroline frowned at Josh. “You agreed that I could do whatever I liked with the castle. Did you not?”

“Yes, I did. But I also remember telling you I needed a sound studio.”

“You can build one in the grounds, or rent a portable one, or something.”

“Or you could put one in the room where I want it to be.”

“That wasn’t our agreement. You said I could do what I want without interference. I want to restore the castle.” She gave him a frosty look.

“I like the castle the way it is. It’s comfortable.”

“It looks like a city apartment. All the period details have been wiped out. I’m putting them back.”

“I didn’t want a restoration. I wanted a renovation. I need somewhere to work on my next album.”

Her eyes narrowed. “How about New York?”

Josh burst out laughing. She glared at him. Her perfect little nose thrust in the air and her pink lips were in a tight line.

“You can’t get rid of me that easy,” he said. “We have an agreement.”

“Yes. We agreed that I get the castle.”

“Yep, you get the castle.” Josh grinned wide and slow. “And I get you.”

CHAPTER FOUR

Caroline wanted to melt into the ugly brown carpet—straight after she wiped the smug smile off of Mr. America’s face.

“Caroline.” Archie folded his arms and frowned. “What’s the Yank talking about?”

Josh folded his arms and raised an eyebrow in her direction. His eyes twinkled with amusement. The message was clear. She was on her own.

She took a slow, steadying breath. “Josh and I have agreed to get married.”

There was a stunned silence.

“To each other?” Findlay said.

Josh burst out laughing, and Caroline had the uncharacteristic urge to kick him.

She fought for patience. “Of course to each other. What else would I mean?”