“Was working,” I corrected. “But you guys are right, anyway. I’m hardly a dick magnet, so it’s not like it matters. What’s important is just getting some time away from everything so I can think straight for once.”
Bree gave my leg a comforting squeeze. “Don’t worry, Andi. Nobody is a dick magnet. They’re not metallic, so it’s basically impossible.”
I grinned. “Unless they are heavily pierced.”
She made a face. “Gross.”
Audria nodded, as if she had some experience on the topic. “Everybody thinks dick piercings are cool until they come loose and get lodged up your cooch.”
“Wow,” I said, sticking earbuds in and turning on some music. “What a great time to end the conversation.”20LandonJames and Grant were standing inside my office—James with his arms crossed broodingly by the door and Grant doing some kind of yoga stretch against the wall.
“Could you focus, please?” I asked Grant.
He turned his head to look at me but was still digging his palm into the small of his back as he tried to arch himself into the shape of a “C”. He groaned in satisfaction. “There it is.” He straightened, rolled his neck, and raised his eyebrows. “I can focus better when I don’t have a tight back.”
“People in the club are talking,” I said. “After the little show down by the bar, they are convinced Andi is going to inherit the club.”
“So, go to the lawyers,” Grant suggested. “Claim that shit. If your conscience is a problem, just sort it out later. Once it’s in your name, it’s still your call. What difference does it make if she gets the club from the lawyers, or from you?”
James pulled a disgusted face. “You’re not seriously considering giving her the club.” It wasn’t even a question. It was a statement, like the idea was so idiotic he didn’t even need to ask.
I shrugged, glaring. “I don’t know what I’m considering. I just wish I had more time to think.”
“Yeah,” Grant said. “But you don’t. And unlike you, I don’t need days to figure out something as obvious as grilled cheese and ketchup. Go to the lawyers. Say she bailed on the list. Get your papers, and then you can at least put a pause to the rumors. Show anyone who cares your goddamn name on the title for this place.”
I scratched at the stubble on my chin in irritation. What he was saying made sense, but it didn’t feel right. It would be yet another move to undermine Andi’s trust. And if I hadn’t already shattered the last hope of fixing things with her, it seemed like finding out I’d gone ahead and stolen her inheritance would.
“He’s thinking about doing something stupid,” James said in a bored voice.
Grant squinted. “Yep. Definitely.”
“There’s something I need to handle first.”
“Think Sydney and Edward are fucking?” James asked offhandedly.
“Ohh,” Grant said. “Twisty. I like that. Think they’re fucking? Nah. Sydney’s not the type to join a harem. She’s freaky, but more in a lick your asshole kind of way.”
I stared. “How would you know?”
Grant held his hands up. “People tell me things, man. Something about my wise eyes or my friendly disposition, I guess.”
“Yeah, I’m sure that’s it,” I said dryly.
“How bad is the affliction?” Grant asked.
“What?” I asked.
“These feelings you have for Andi. It has clearly passed beyond the point of logic, or you wouldn’t be making so many stupid decisions for her sake.”
“Yeah, I have feelings for Andi,” I said. “This would be a lot easier if I didn’t.”
“I hate to break it to you,” Grant said. “But the situation between you and that girl is a recipe for disaster. I mean, you’re basically one step removed from being the guy who took her hostage. Not only that, you’re sort of compelling her toward sexual acts with you. You also lied about who you were from the get-go. I mean, if that doesn’t round you out to being the last man on earth she’d develop feelings for, I don’t know what does.”
I’d never admit as much out loud, but Grant had a point. Several, in fact. While I didn’t sign up for this, I also hadn’t done anything to stop it from happening. I could’ve refused my inheritance or agreed to pass it back to her. I could’ve done plenty to avoid how things had played out. Instead, I’d only selfishly focused on my own best interests. I didn’t care if I made some spoiled granddaughter of a wealthy old man uncomfortable. Admittedly, I’d figured she’d run after the first night.
“What about the wedding?” Grant said.
“What wedding?”
“The one Andi left for this morning.”
I stared. “She left?”
“Damn,” Grant said. “Your stalking skills are so weak. It’s pathetic. But yes, the woman getting married is the daughter of some rich asshole who was close to William. The wedding is going to be in Florida.”