Page 314 of Tormented Billionaire Romance Series

This isn’t going to be good.

Naomi says, “Sure,” but instead of leaving the room, she just crosses her arms.

I’m not in the mood, but I don’t want to make things worse, so I keep my quiet.

“Nan, now,” Grace commands and Naomi’s eyelids go wide. She leaves the room, leaving Grace and me alone. Grace turns back to me, asking, “What was that all about?”

“I’m sorry,” I respond. “Things at the office are …” I trail off. “It doesn’t matter,” I tell her. “I shouldn’t have snapped at either of you the way I did. I apologize.”

“Is everything okay?” Grace asks.

“I’m fine,” I answer. “I think I just need a drink.”

Grace nods, saying, “Yeah, I’d say so.”

“How about some champagne? Are you in the mood?” I ask.

“I should probably keep my head clear until I’m done mangling this recipe,” Grace answers with a soft smile. “You go ahead, though.”

“You sure?” I ask. “I’ve got a bottle of Dom Perignon we could—”

“Was it the Rose Vintage?” Grace interrupts, wincing.

“Yeah,” I answer, looking at Grace out of the corner of my eye. “Tell me she didn’t.”

Grace winces again.

“I thought you were going to talk to her about that,” I say. “Since she’s been here, she's drunk all my expensive booze, used more than three ounces of caviar as a beauty mask, and she’s claimed the north end of the house as her own.”

“I know,” Grace says. “Come here. She steps closer and puts her arms around me. “I know she can be a pain sometimes, but she’s my sister,” Grace says. “I’ll talk to her, okay?”

“I think I have a bullhorn around here somewhere. From what I’ve seen, you’re going to need it to get through that thick head of hers,” I say.

Oh, I was close. I was so very, very close.

“Excuse me?” Grace says. “I get that you had a bad day at work, and Naomi’s been a pill, but that is no reason for talking about her like that. I know she doesn’t listen, and I know that bugs the crap out of you, but could you keep the snotty comments to yourself?”

My mouth is open to apologize, but that’s when I notice the smell.

I say, “I’m not trying to get out of anything here, but—”

“But what?” Grace interrupts.

I answer, “I think your sauce is burning.”

CHAPTER11

ALL THAT COOL AIR

GRACE

Things have been a little tense around the beach house. Zach’s behaved himself since that night in the kitchen, but Naomi’s not making it easy.

I know she’s a lot to deal with, but Naomi’s going to be in my life for quite a while. I just hope the two of them can come to some understanding.

As for now, Naomi’s out swimming in the surf, and I’m getting some sun on the deck. I’ve found it easier to keep the peace if I keep an eye on her.

My phone rings and I reach over and pick it up, answering, “Hello?”

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