Page 77 of Mr. Edwards

“Anyone would look good in this ride.”

“Not as good as you, sunshine.”

“I’m not saying this car isn’t amazing, because it is. And I appreciate the sentiment behind you buying it, but I can’t accept it.”

“You can and you will.”

“Stop being a brute.”

“I will as soon as you stop being a brat.”

“You’re pissing me off.”

“Ditto. Just suck it up and accept the damn car. You know you want to.”

He’s right, I do, but it doesn’t sit right with me. Roxy mooched off her men her entire life, it’s how she got by,but I swore to myself a long time ago I’d never be anything like her.

“You’re infuriating.”

“And you’re a feisty little spitfire, who’s now the proud owner of a brand-new Mustang. Let me do this for you, it’ll give me peace of mind to know you’re safe when I’m not around to escort you home from work.”

“You don’t play fair.”

The cocky fucker that he is, looks over at me and winks. “I never claimed I did.”

An hour passes, maybe longer, before we finally pull up outside his house again. I’m sure my hair is a windblown mess, but I don’t care. Once I got used to driving the Mustang, there was no stopping me. I tried to make the most of my time in the car because tomorrow Grayson’s going to have to take her back.

“That was… fun.”

“I knew you’d love it. It’s a done deal, you’re keeping it.”

“No. I meant what I said, Grayson.”

He pinches the bridge of his nose. “Give me one good reason why?”

That’s an easy one. “I’m not my mother.”

I go to exit the vehicle, but Grayson intercepts me by grabbing hold of my wrist. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

I blow out a puff of air. “Roxy used her men for whatever she could get.” I turn my face to look at him. He needs to understand this. “I’m not her.”

“Carlee,” he says, somehow managing to lift me over the center console and onto his lap. “Is that what this is about?” I dip my head, lifting one shoulder. “Hey, look at me.” He places his finger under my chin and tilts my face toward his. “I know you’re nothing like her.”

“Still, I don’t feel right taking it.”

“Our situation is nothing like hers. You’re going to be my wife.”

“So, you keep saying.”

Grayson’s eyebrows pinch together into a frown. “You’re going to be my wife, Carlee!”

“Do I get a say in any of this?”

“When I ask you, and believe me that day will come, as long as you say yes then of course you do.”

“And if I say no?”

“Then we’re going to have a problem.”