Page List


Font:  

“I’m good with numbers and computers, so I’m sure I can be good with money, too.”

Joyce pats my shoulder. “Joslin chose well for me. I warned her not to send me anyone who wasn’t up for a challenge.” Her eyes rove over me. “You’ve got good bones.”

Then, she just walks away.

Well, that was the weirdest compliment I’ve ever received. At least, I think it was a positive comment.

I turn for the door, intent to ignore the way Bentley has been staring daggers at me ever since I began chatting with Joyce, but he isn’t having any of that.

“McKenzie.” His voice is deep and low, and the irritation I’m sensing from him makes a grin rise on my face while I twist around.

“Yes, Bentley?”

His hands press down on the table, and he leans forward as if he means to intimidate me. “Did you know who I was before you spilled your drink on me?”

I keep my smirk and trail my gaze over his chest and toward his hips since the rest of him is hidden behind the table. “No.”

“So, it’s just a freak coincidence that you’re the new volunteer at the only place in Charlotte that I freely give my time to?” His cheek has this lovely twitch in it that I decide I like.

I shrug. “Seems so. Now, I don’t expect you to teach me anything. I’ll figure out what I need to know on my own, but I do expect you to pull your weight with these assignments. I can handle the—”

A resounding snarl cuts me off. “Resolutions means a lot to me. You’re not going to fuck this up. You’re going to take everything we do here seriously. More importantly, we’re going to pretend the other night never happened.”

I rest my hands over the table, copying his movements, only mine aren’t full of anger. They’re relaxed and confident. Bentley might think he knows me, but I’ve watched my father in his lawyer element. Showing emotions never works well for anyone.

“You’re right about all of that, Bentley,” I say sweetly, then add, “Whatever disappointment we shared can be our little secret. A mistake to never be spoken of again.”

He straightens and scoffs. “Disappointment? Right. Whatever you need to tell yourself to feel better, sweetheart.”

“My recently used vibrator says my words are no lie, but that’s not important. This event is. And as I was saying before I was rudely interrupted, we’ll split the duties. I’ll take catering and rentals. You can have donations. I’ll let you know if I have questions or when I’m done. Preferably the latter.”

His jaw is wound so tightly that I don’t hear anything more than a grumble as his reply.

Considering this a win, I turn sharply on my heel and head toward the front door.

I may have never wanted to think about Bentley Abbott again, but maybe torturing him could be the kind of fun I’ve been missing in my life.


Tags: Harper Reed Romance