Page 62 of Spurred On

“You’ve been a real ass for months,” Claire said. “And you’re not paying attention to details. It’s screwing up the business.” She gestured to the sheaf of papers before her. “Look at these orders. You ordered three birthday cakes and one case of champagne for the Wellington event.”

“So?”

“It was supposed to be the other way around.”

Crap.

“And look at this one. You booked fifteen dancers for a party of ten.” She punched a bunch of buttons on her calculator as though the thing had annoyed her. “That is one point five dancers per woman.”

“They had fun.”

“I’m sure they did,” Claire said sourly. “But it’s not good for our bottom line. So now, Cade and I want to know what’s going on with you. Besides the business stuff, it’s hard for both of us, living with you, and watching you be so unhappy.”

“I’m not unhappy,” he muttered.

For some reason, they exchanged sarcastic glances.

“You might as well tell us,” Cade said. “Are you worried about money?”

“Because screwing up orders won’t help with that,” Claire added.

Cade frowned at her and then sent Cody a goopy, compassionate glance. “We’re here for you, Cody. You can trust us. Tell us what’s going on.”

“Nothing.”

“Liar.”

Shit, his sister never had believed him when he prevaricated.

But it was so humiliating to admit the truth.

Too bad he knew them both well enough to realize they wouldn’t let this go. He had to tell them something.

“Okay,” he said, staring at the table. “It’s a woman.”

Silence fell like an anchor.

He glanced up to find his siblings gaping at him. Even Lisa had abandoned her muffins to stare at him.

“A woman?” Claire said, her eyes wide.

“I swear to God, if you laugh, I’m out of here.”

“I’m not going to laugh.” But his sister did nibble her bottom lip. To keep from smiling.

Cade shook his head. “I don’t understand. You never have women troubles. They fall at your feet.”

“Yeah, well, this one hasn’t.”

“Oooh,” Claire cooed. “Who is it?”

He glared at her.

“You have to tell us who it is,” Cade said. “Or we’ll just guess.”

Cody waved his hand. “Guess away.”

“Mrs. Dunleavy,” Claire bleated.