Page 123 of Forty, Flirty & F*cked

"I'm what?"

"The internet loves animals." She heads for the dining room. "Especially ones in sequins."

"Ariana."

"Is that a yes to the animal charity?”

Jesus. The things I do for this woman. “That's a maybe, alright?”

But her smile suggest she hears something else entirely. "Also, you might want to check your email. Someone sent the board a very interesting PowerPoint presentation from 1995..."

"You didn't."

"What can I say?" She backs away, grinning. "I'm very thorough at my job."

"Ariana!"

But she's already gone, her laugh echoing down the hallway.

I check my email, and sure enough:

FROM: Mrs. Eleanor Reeves

TO: Clearwater Board of Directors

SUBJECT: My grandson's first venture into data analysis

ATTACHMENT: Prom_Proposal_Final_Final_FINAL.ppt

I'm going to kill my grandmother.Or better yet, I’m going to have her removed from the local Seattle hospital board.

That’ll show her.

Right after I figure out how to get my hands on my wife. And not in the sexual way…for once.

My phone buzzes.

GRAMS: Oh darling, don't be cross

GRAMS: I had to share. It has pie charts!

Slipping the phone in my slacks pockets, I head out to grab a hold of my wife.

Until the penthouse elevator dings.

Oh God.

"What did you do now, Mrs. Reeves?” I call into the empty hallway.

From another room in the penthouse, I hear: Nothing!"

"SURPRISE!" Multiple voices ring out as her family pours in, led by Lily brandishing what appears to be a sequined banner.

"Happy Vegas-iversary!" She announces, while their father wheels in what can only be described as a protein powder volcano.

"It's ceremonial!" He beams. "For good luck!"

"Though maybe step back," Kat advises. "The last test run was a little... explosive."

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