Page 89 of Bling

“I can handle that,” he said. “One condition, though.”

She frowned. “How is that fair?”

He chuckled. “I didn’t say it was fair. But you haven’t heard my condition yet.”

She huffed. “OK. I’m listening.”

“I get to take you shopping for another dress.”

She shook her head. “I couldn’t possibly let you. I saw the price tag on the last dress.”

“That’s my condition, Isabelle.”

“You are so not playing fair. But OK, fine. I’ll agree.”

He smirked and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “We’ll go at lunch on Friday.”

She rested her head on his shoulder.

“I need to get going, Doll. Send me the date for your family reunion and I’ll make sure Regina clears my schedule.”

“You mean dates,” she said with a smirk.

He scowled. “Dates? How long does a family reunion need to be?”

She giggled. “Have you seriously never been to one?”

“God, no. Why would I?”

“Oh, my dear, sweet, Sir. You are in for a treat. It starts with a beach bonfire on Friday night, free time, and more beach time Saturday afternoon, then the gigantic party on Saturday night. Finally, we’ll have brunch with all the cousins who aren’t too hungover on Sunday afternoon. It only happens every two years, so it’s a big deal.”

None of that sounded like a treat to Garrett.

“Fine,” he said, standing. “But if I don’t get to share a bed with you, I’m out.”

She giggled. “Don’t worry. We all get our own hotel rooms. I usually share with the girls, but they can just share a room on their own this year or maybe stay with some cousins on the beach.”

“Fine. I’m booking the hotel. How will we get there?”

“Since they happen every two years, we save a little at a time and rent an SUV to make a two-day road trip out of it. You can just fly in and meet us though.”

“Wait. You said beach. Where exactly is this?”

“California.”

He frowned as he pulled on his shirt and buttoned it up. “I feel like I didn’t display good negotiating skills here,” he muttered. “I’ll fly us all out on the jet. There’s no need for you to drive that far right now.”

“Please no,” she said climbing out of bed. “I can fly with you but don’t ask my entire family to join us. I don’t want to make my dad and uncle uncomfortable. They don’t mind the road trip.”

“I’m making the offer, Isabelle. End of discussion. Ask your security. They’ll tell you they can keep a better eye on everyone if we all fly together.”

“You really think Darren has a partner who’s going to follow us to California?”

“I’m not taking any chances with your safety. Besides, I may not know a lot about teenagers, but you can’t tell me they won’t love having a story about a ride in a private jet,” he said, grabbing her by the waist and pulling her close.

She sighed. “Fine. You win. As always.”

He chuckled and pressed a kiss to her cheek. “I’m late for a meeting, Doll. I’ll see you at work in a little while.”

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