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Archer wants all of us there at the opening for PR. Something about that personal family touch going a long way in a city where the Rory name still carries weight.
He’s probably right.
Regardless, I’m busy planning Patton’s funeral.
My hands tighten on the steering wheel as I grind my teeth.
He knew.
He fuckingknewexactly what he was doing when he blabbed about Junie to Mom, and he knew I’d be the one picking up the pieces with another meeting between my mother and my not fiancée. All because he knew Mom would take Archer’s side in that scuffle.
She usually does.
Thanks to his bullshit, my own mother is one more person we need to deceive.
Which is why I bought the damn ring and spent more than I ever fathomed on a piece of jewelry.
Junie’s face flashes in my mind while I stop at a red light.
The way those big green eyes blew up when she saw the box.
The vulnerability lurking in the tight press of her mouth.
The frantic way she laughed and then looked at me like I hung the stars in the sky when I did my little mock proposal.
She likes the ring, sure, but that wasn’t the whole story.
Deep down, she must hate the fact that I’m the jackass who gave it to her.
Does she seriously think I’m the only one who’s ever going to give her a ring?
She’s young and gorgeous and full of life, sunshine on a stick. I’m not the only one who notices.
Hell, if she took a little time off and let people in—
I huff a sigh and force my attention back to today.
Junie’s love life isn’t my problem.
She accepted the ring, I made her laugh, and she knows the full extent of the deal. When we’re done, she can sell it for a solid boost to her savings and I’ll be a distant memory.
That shouldn’t make my blood storm.
Even if the look on her face when I presented the ring made me feel like the biggest bastard this side of the Missouri River.
Goddammit, I need to focus.
Work.
The condo is a sleek and desirable addition to downtown Kansas City. Although upscale, they’re a great option for folks on a tighter budget who still want some pampering, a traveling couple or a lone business wolf who wants more than a basic hotel.
At least, that’s how we’re selling them.
Affordable luxury. Awesome amenities. Impeccable location.
Of course, we’re talking elite affordability, with all the perks they ought to expect from an outfit like Higher Ends.
Before, it didn’t bother me, but after seeing Junie’s apartment, the whole idea stings a bit.
