Page 94 of The Player + The Pact = I Do

“What?”

“You’re doing such a good job with The Mayfair. Oh, that reminds me, I went ahead and transferred that into your name. That’s why I need another hotel. The guys will get pissed if I’m not playing their little game.”

“Wait a minute, what did you say?”

“I’ve got to buy another one or I won’t qualify for the competition.”

“And The Mayfair doesn’t count because…?” I think I heard him the first time, but I want to make sure.

“The Mayfair is yours now.” He shrugs. “It seemed fitting. If it hadn’t been for that place, I would have never got my second chance with you. A second chance that will last a lifetime.”

“You gave me a hotel?” I ask. It’s like I’m in a real-life game of Monopoly. “You can’t just give me a hotel.”

“Actually, that’s true. I have some papers at home you need to sign to complete the transfer. My lawyers are sticklers.I suppose it’s not technically required, as you’ll own half of it anyway when we get married.”

I roll my eyes. We’ve been arguing about a prenup. I want to sign one. Leo doesn’t want us to. He thinks we should be equal partners. And it’s sweet and romantic, but I’m not used to taking things from people. I’m used to being independent, not relying on anyone.

“But,” he continues, “this is a transitional time. I get that it’s going to take you a while before you allow yourself to need me. I need to prove to you that I won’t let you down. During that time, you’ll have the hotel.”

“I wouldn’t have agreed to marry you if I didn’t trust you. I hate that you think I’m expecting you to disappoint me.”

He smiles at me and pulls me closer. “I know you know intellectually. But it will take a while to unpick what your father did. I know that and I’m okay with it. I’m sure enough for both of us.”

This is only one of the reasons why I love him—because he’ll shoulder any burden I give him and take care of me no matter what.

“You don’t need to be sure for me,” I say. “I’m sure of you for myself. You haven’t tilted my worldoffits axis, you’ve done the opposite. Now, I feel right. I feel whole in a way I never have before.”

Leo hasn’t rocked my world—he’s made my world safe. Better. More. His love has filled every space and doubt. I’m the woman I was always meant to be becauseof Leo.

Another Week Later

Leo

It feels like we’re merging families today. More than when I went to Jersey or when Jules and I went to Florida. That felt like Jules wasinductedinto my family. They loved her and I could feel her heart expand as they treated her like the daughter they never had. The stakes are higher today. If our friends don’t like each other, then it’s a problem.

“We should seat Sophia there, opposite the view,” I say to Jules.

“You going to put place cards out for people?” she asks, her eyes sparkling with teasing.

“Maybe,” I say. “This is important. Sophia should feel comfortable.”

“She’s fine. Having a view of Manhattan won’t make her feel more comfortable. Although…” Her gaze shoots to mine. “The idea of place cards might not be a bad thing.” She rolls back her lips like she’s trying to keep a secret.

“What?” I ask.

“Well, Sophia is very single now that Jamie made the break a breakup. I mean, she’s not even dating since that last guy turned out to be, you know…”

“The ex-felon who pretended to be an accountant.”

“I think he actually used to be an accountant, but was working in Davy’s Diner because he wasn’t allowed to… account anymore. Since the conviction.”

I sigh. What an idiot. First rule of accountancy—don’t steal your clients’ money and buy a yacht. “Right. So Sophia is single— Oh. I see where you’re going.” I shake my head. “You’replaying with fire.”

“But it would be so great if— I mean, she has four to choose from.”

“Byron just texted. He’s in Acapulco. He can’t make it.”

“Acapulco? Really? Does he make this shit up?”

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