Not Husband Material (Billionaire's Contract Duet 1)

“I might surprise you. I’m a solid negotiator. I’ve talked my way through mergers and company buyouts.”

“This isn’t a negotiation. You married his daughter without the essential father-son talk. You’ve disrespected him in his eyes. He is the kind of man to hold a grudge.”

“Shit. I didn’t know we were living in the Godfather world. It’s going to make for an awkward family Christmas.”

She giggled. I couldn’t help but smile. At least she wasn’t pissed anymore.

“I might have retold our history a little bit.”

“What did you tell them about me? Does your husband already embarrass you?” I teased. “You had to make up a story about me? You can’t rewrite history. They know me from Newton Hills.”

“Of course not, but I might have extended how long we’ve been talking, or dating, or whatever it is that led to us eloping.”

I shrugged. “What? You told them we talked longer than six hours? Did you stretch it to twenty-four? That makes it sound much more believable.”

She burst out in laughter. “That sounds insane.”

“Just tell me the spin. I’ll go along with it.”

“I told them we found each other on a website and reconnected after all these years. Things moved faster than either of us expected. That’s why I never mentioned you to them sooner. I tried to make it sound wildly romantic, but I think that part of the story fell flat. They’re angry. They’re hurt.”

“That doesn’t seem too hard to go along with. It could have happened.”

Her eyes lifted to mine. “Thank you.”

“Hey, didn’t Bridgette and Danny get married after they met again on a dating site?”

“You know about that?” She looked surprised.

“I read the alumni notes sometimes.” I grinned. “And don’t forget, I remember everything.”

She laughed. “How could I forget? They should have named you Most Likely to Remember Useless Details,” she mocked.

“Aww, that hurts, Evie.” I chuckled. “Want another omelet?” I asked. “The stove is still hot and I can always make more bacon.”

“No. I think I better go back to bed. I can try to sleep now. It was delicious. A nice surprise to know you can cook.”

She slid off the stool and padded away from the island.

“Wait. Before you go.” I rushed around to the other side of the kitchen and grabbed the box that had been sitting there since I got home.

“I have a surprise for you.” I held it forward. “This is yours.”

The lid cracked as I opened the ring box.

Evie gasped. Her hands flew to her mouth.

“I don’t know if that means you like it, or I picked the ugliest ring on Fifth Avenue.” I plucked it from the velvet cushion.

It was three carats of perfection.

“I-I…” Her eyes darted wildly. “I can’t wear that, Jer.”

“Why not?” I reached for her left hand. “I saw it and thought it was perfect for you.”

She was frozen while I slid the diamond over her knuckle. It fit as if it were meant for her hand alone.

“It’s just so…huge. So real.”