Page 44 of Bargain With the Boss

I nodded.

“Well, our mother believes that I should marry for money.”

“Or property,” Claire said and held up her cup.

He groaned. “Or property.”

“You guys make me feel way less awful about my mother and father.”

Claire giggled and got up for more of the punch. She refilled my cup even though I was well past tipsy. I didn’t say no. “The design queen doesn’t have you lined up with suitors?” She sat on the bottom of my chaise.

I moved my legs and she slid into the chair with me, wrapping an arm around my thighs. Her easy affection wouldusually unnerve me, but I was feeling quite mellow thanks to the watermelon goodness.

“Michelle Keller doesn’t trouble herself with things like my love life. I’m simply her tool toward greatness.”

“Yikes.”

“Did you know that Miss Design Queen doesn’t design half the things she says she does?”

“Really?” Claire lifted her head. “You?”

“Yep.” Loose tongue, alert. I couldn’t stop it though. “I do all the Christmas collections. Me. And I get none of the credit.” I sat up and swung my legs off the side. I needed to walk.

Heath held up his cup. “Damn right you deserve the credit.”

“I don’t even want the credit. She just railroads me into doing what she wants.” I huffed out a breath as I stood and paced. “Then she tells me that if I don’t fall in line then she’s going to?—”

I broke off, noticing a form in the shadows.

Xavier walked into the space. “She’s going to do what, Duchess?”

Heath got up from his lounger. “What the hell are you doing here, Hastings?”

Xavier held up a hand. “I’m not here to make trouble, just here to collect Sydney.”

“From the enemy camp? Are you supposed to be some sort of knight or something? Or are you a rook?”

Xavier crossed his arms over his chest. “This isn’t a game, Syd.”

“You sure about that? All you guys are moving pieces all over the chess board of Crescent Cove.”

“You’re drunk.”

“Maybe.” I stumbled a little. Stupid flip flops never stayed on my feet right.

He dropped his arms and moved my way.

“Back up. I’m fine.” I held up my cup and he took it from me. “Hey!”

He sniffed and then zeroed in on Heath. “You plying her with drinks?”

“She’s a grown woman.” Heath rolled his shoulders and set his own cup down. “If she wants to be here, she can stay here.”

Xavier turned toward Heath. “Is that right?”

Heath grinned. “She sure is pretty. My sister likes her. What’s not to like?”

Xavier’s hand fisted.