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That much was true. “Mariana is the one who encouraged me to move. She wanted me to have my own life. But she does appreciate the money I’ve been sending.” She’d sent all of her wages from the part-time work and half of her weekly allowance.
“Does she know about the college fund yet?”
“What college fund?”
“I started one for your sister. Your mother doesn’t have to worry about her schooling anymore.”
Emma’s mouth dropped open as he began to relate the particulars.
Her sister had the Rolls Royce of college funds. Stella could go to any school in the world with the account he’d set up for her.
The room was still spinning. “Mom is going to go ballistic.”
He settled against the pillow more deeply. “Won’t she be relieved knowing it’s taken care of? Iamfamily now.”
Emma wrinkled her nose. “Uh… she still thinks ours is a marriage of convenience, that we did it for the insurance.”
A line appeared between his brows. “You haven’t told her that it’s real now?”
She sighed. “That seemed like one of those things you should do in person.”
“Okay,” he said slowly. “When is the next school break?”
“Thanksgiving.”
He frowned. “That’s more than two months away.”
Garrett paused and she knew what he was going to say. Because she couldn’t deal with going back to Verdant Falls. Except her mother didn’t live in Verdant Falls anymore. Mariana had moved one town over. It had been closer to the hospital where Emma had convalesced.
“Perhaps they can come sooner. Colorado isn’t far. A long weekend would be a good start.”
“If my mother’s work schedule allows.”
“Of course.” He stroked down her arms. “So… is this all right?”
“Leaving me tied up in your secret bedroom so you can come and take your pleasure between meetings? Is that what you mean?”
Garrett nodded, a very innocent expression on his face. “Yes, please.”
Emma laughed and held up her wrists. “Then you better practice those knots.”
“Googling it now,” he said, taking out his phone. “Do you need to go to the restroom first? Need some food?”
“No.” She’d used the facilities in the predawn hours while he was still sleeping. It had been easy. Because his knots did suck. “But I am starving,” she added.
“Of course you are. I’ll order us somebreakfast.”
Emma turned very hot for another reason. “FromDe Olla?”
“Err… yes. Unless you want something else?”
“Well, I could go for a Danish for breakfast. And thecafé de ollaof course. It’s just funny. I feel like I’m playing hookyatwork. Except I’m doing it naked, playing harem girl for the boss’ pleasure.”
Garrett leaned over her, pressing kisses down her neck. “This is usually where I vehemently deny being your boss in any way, shape, or form, but I’m half tempted to go get thatDe Ollaapron. I’d love to fuck you in it. The apron and nothing else.”
“No,” she squealed as he reached a particularly sensitive spot. “I could never wear it at work again after. I’d have to ask Hector for another, and then he’d ask me what happened to the first one.”
She twisted her head to press her face against her arm, squirming.