Page 80 of The Holiday Clause

“You’re playing all the angles, aren’t you?”

She stilled, her hand an inch from the door. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

He shrugged. “It’s not a bad position. Pick the right brother, and you’re set. It’s not the life of a fisherman’s wife everyone imagines, that’s for sure. I’m not sure Soren even remembers how to cast a line, but you two will find other hobbies.”

When she turned, her eyes glistened again. “Why are you acting like this?”

“Like what?” He leaned casually against the wall, stroking Rat’s head. The cat climbed onto his shoulder. “I’m always supportive of your business endeavors.”

“Fuck you, Greyson.” The words tripped out on a laugh but there was no humor in her eyes.

“Why fuck me?”

“Stop implying I’m some sort of gold digger.”

“Are you saying you would’ve agreed to go out with Soren under normal conditions?”

“As a matter of fact, yes.”

His body stiffened, but he played it off.

“Your brother and I actually had a nice time on our date.” She hesitated the way she sometimes did whenever she stretched the truth. “We barely talked about your father or the fishery or his money.” She lifted her chin, petulant and pissed. “For your information, we have plenty of other stuff in common.”

“Good.”

“It is good. And I’m going out with him again this weekend.”

His jaw locked and nostrils flared, but he still refused to admit that he was bothered by the thought of her and Soren. “Great,” he said through clenched teeth.

Her hands balled into fists at her side. “Maybe he’s the right kind of guy for me. Unlike some people, Soren’s not afraid to talk about his intentions or feelings.”

“Good for him.”

She vibrated with tension, but she gave it right back. “Not just good for him. It’s good for me. As a matter of fact, it’s sexy and refreshing.”

He didn’t want to play this game anymore. “Then you better call him back.”

Now, only anger glittered in her eyes. “You’re a child.”

“That’s me.”

She shook her head and walked out the door, but not before muttering, “Grow up, Greyson.” The door slammed behind her and he growled.

Fucking Soren.

CHAPTER 11

“Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin’”

Wren seriously neededa break from Hawthorne men. The moment her phone stopped buzzing, it instantly started again.

As soon as she reached the safety of her soundproofed car, she snatched the phone out of her bag and snapped,“What?”

“Wren, thank God. I need you!” Soren said in a panic, his voice cracking with desperation.

Her frustration immediately transformed into concern. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m going to fucking kill Logan! He signed me up for some bachelor auction with a bunch of feral romance readers! I was getting lunch at Hook, Wine, and Sinker this afternoon when your horny author friend accosted me.”