Page 11 of Tormented Billionaire Romance Series

She took a deep breath, stared at the page in front of her, and then nodded as she exhaled. “Okay—if I'm considering her comfort, then I can consider yours.”

“That's all I ask.”

“But if Ihaveto do it—”

“Jennifer.”

She giggled. “You're really cute when you're mad. Have your ears always turned that red?”

I rolled my eyes. “I'm about to throw a biscuit at you.”

“Don't you dare! They're Mother's favorite and she would loathe you for wasting food.”

“Oh, is that a challenge? I think I heard a challenge.”

I reached for the plate in the center of the table, resting my fingers gently but menacingly on top of a crisp biscuit. I stared Jen down. We held our gaze for a hot minute while trying not to crack. But no matter how much I tried to be mad at Jen, it wouldn't stick.

I broke into a hearty laugh.

Mom stared at us. “I see you two resolved your differences.”

“As always, Mother,” I joked. “You know your children don't stay angry.”

“I'm glad you don't because I love you both too much to see you fight.”

“When have weeverfought?” Jen joked. “We're adults now. We know how to get along.”

“Can't say the same for your mother,” Dad teased.

Mom turned with a shocked expression and playfully punched his arm. “How dare you, Steven!”

I laughed harder. “That's where Jen gets her anger from!”

“I do not!” Jen retorted. “Mom, tell him toquit it.”

“Here they go again,” Mom joked. “You see what you've done, Steven? You've caused chaos at the dinner table.”

“It wouldn't be a proper Milford dinner without a little chaos!” Dad claimed.

The table roared with laughter. I reached for my water, happy for the distraction. As much as I still had feelings for Clara, I didn't necessarily want to talk about her. I felt bad that her plans had been spoiled, but I was also relieved that she wasn't leaving.

Old habits die hard, right?I sipped my water as the laughter at the table faded.I mean, I haven't changed much either. I'm still traveling the world—same as always.

“So, how's the seating chart coming along?” Mom asked. “Is there still time for my input?”

“No, not quite,” Jen replied. “I've been working on it and it's almost finished. I think I like how everything is set up.”

“Are we mixing the families up or keeping their tables separate?”

“I think mixing them up is a good way to get people talking to each other.”

I eyed Jen carefully and almost blurted another boundary. But I didn't want to anger her. I didn't want to make her day any more stressful than it was.

I sighed as I relaxed into my seat.

“Betsy and I have always gotten along,” Mom continued. “Your fiancé’s family has always been good to us. I would love to sit with her.”

“I think I have you guys seated together.”

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