Page 123 of The Husband Contract

“I mean, hopefully with husbands at one point too,” Brielle says, and we all giggle.

“Even if we all end up single, I know we’ll be okay.”

“I know,” Katherine says. “But you are about to go and get your man. And maybe one day me and Brielle will find someone too.”

“Well, Sebastian does have a number of friends—friends we’re pitching our idea to tomorrow,” Katherine says. “Brielle and I can’t get mixed up with any one of them, though. At least not until someone gives us a deal.” She grins. “Plus, we haven’t seen them. What if they’re fungos?”

“Trust me, they’re not. In fact, Sebastian’s best friend?—”

My phone starts ringing. “I guess we’ll have to continue this conversation later. It’s Sebastian. Do you mind if I take it?”

“Not at all,” Katherine says with a smile. “Me and Brielle will work on the presentation.”

“Thanks.”

I grab the phone and jump off the bed. “I’ll be back in a little bit.”

“Hey, beautiful.” Sebastian grins at me as he opens the door to his penthouse.

“Hi,” I say shyly.

I walk inside the suite for the first time since I left and look around. It feels so different now. I’m really able to appreciate the beauty of his home.

“Is Janice here? I brought her some chocolates.” I hold up my hand.

“It’s actually her day off, but you can put them down on the counter. She’ll be happy for them. She asked me how you were doing.”

“Oh, that’s so nice of her.”

“Yeah, she’s a good one. Would you like something to drink? Some wine, perhaps? Coffee, beer, soda?”

“I’ll just have some water, please.”

I smile at him, and though I do want a glass of red wine, I know I don’t want to get drunk. Whatever conversation we have right now, I want it to be one I have with a clear head.

“One glass of high-quality H2O coming right up.” He grins at me as he grabs a glass from the cupboard, then opens the fridge and fills it. “You and your friends excited and ready for tomorrow?” He turns to me with a small smile.

“I think so. I think we’re prepared,” I nod. “Thanks so much for setting this up. It’s a great opportunity.”

“You’re welcome,” he says. “Anytime. I’m serious that I thought the Whispering Haven Bed and Breakfast was run beautifully, and the suites looked amazing.”

“Charlotte chose many of the decorations,” I admit, “but she didn’t work there. She didn’t run it. She didn’t give it that homely feeling. That was me and my friends.”

He smiles. “You made it that.”

“Thanks. I appreciate that.”

I try not to take in how handsome he looks in his crisp blue shirt and blue jeans. I try not to look at his lips nor his hands. I try not to think about making love to him. I need to focus.

“Here’s your water,” he says as he hands me the glass. “Want to take a seat in the living room?”

“Sure,” I say as we head toward the living room.

“How are you liking the suite at the hotel?”

“It’s magical.”

“You’re magical.”