Page 79 of The October Arrangement

“Okay. Okay. Starbucks it is,” he said, sliding in the back seat next to me. “Nick, stop at the closest Starbucks to the office.”

“I would like a Grande pumpkin spice latte. Extra whip,” I told him.

“Anything else, Your Highness?”

“Oh, and a pumpkin cream cheese muffin sounds good too.”

We stepped inside Starbucks and got stuck at the door. The line of people was insane.

“Fuck. We are going to be so late,” Simon said. “This is ridiculous. Do you really need to get your pumpkin on right now? We can come back later.”

“I need it now to get through this meeting,” I said. I had an idea. “Follow me,” I said to Simon as I walked up to the front of the line. “Excuse me, I said to the couple who were waiting their turn. “If you let me cut in front of you, your drinks are on me,” I whispered.

“Seriously?” the guy asked.

“Yes. I need to place my order and get out of here. But I need you to place it with yours so I don’t start a riot.”

“Deal. What do you want?” the guy asked.

“A Grande pumpkin spice latte with extra whip and a pumpkin cream cheese muffin.” I slipped him Simon’s credit card I’d forgotten to return. “We’ll be waiting outside.”

“Did you just offer to pay for that couple’s order?” Simon asked as we stepped outside.

“Yes.”

A wide grin crossed his lips. “I can see I’m teaching you well.”

“With your credit card,” I smirked.

“My card? Shit. You never gave it back.”

“You never asked.” I smiled.

“Bella.”

“Simon.”

The couple walked out, handed me my order, and Simon’s credit card.

“Thanks again. We appreciate it.” The guy held up his drink.

“No. Thank you. You just saved me more than you’ll ever know.”

Simon and I climbed into the car. He held out his hand.

“Credit card, now.”

I placed it in his hand and rolled my eyes.

Chapter Thirty

Bella

Simon put me in the conference room so I could gather a few things before the meeting started.

“You’ve already got your pumpkin fix. Let my secretary know if you need anything else,” he said.

The conference room door opened, and William walked in. “There you are. I was looking for you. Bella? What are you doing here?”