Page 9 of The Inn Dilemma

Zack: I’ll be waiting, princess.

I grimace at the nickname but push aside the irritation it brings. Zack may not be the brightest crayon in the box, but he knows how to kiss. And making out with my current boyfriend feels like the perfect way to numb myself before pretending to be the trophy daughter Dad and Mom expect me to be.

I check my face in my handheld mirror, dab on lip gloss to replace what Zack’s lips smeared, then adjust my dress. Closing my eyes, I steal my spine and strengthen my composure.

It’s showtime.

The event center’s opulence shouldn’t be overwhelming after attending countless other events here, but each time I step into one, I’m floored by the amount of time, money, and energy people put into these things.The room’s ceiling reminds me of checkered waves, but has been decorated with red and white linens draped out from the center that match the tablecloths. The linens join together at the chandelier in the center of the room. Each table is decorated with a gorgeous arrangement of flowers in a crystal vase.

“There she is,” Dad says, his perfect teeth gleaming under the atmospheric lights. He pulls me into a firm embrace and whispers into my ear, “Be on your best behavior tonight. There’s a client I’d like to land, and I expect you to impress his son to help me out.” To an outsider, he must look like a doting father who loves his little girl. But his words only confirm what I’ve already known: I’m an asset he thinks he can manipulate with money and things.

“Yes, Dad.” I nod, forcing my smile back in place.

He takes me around the room, introducing me to new business associates. I kindly greet the ones I’ve already met, all while weaving the little details I memorized about them into our stiff conversations. They each seem impressed with my memory, and Dad preens at their praise.

“Wow, Kent, she is absolutely stunning.”

“Your daughter is gorgeous.”

“So polite and sweet.”

Compliments ping-pong around me. To a normal girl, they’d be flattering. To me, they confirm my status as a Stepford daughter.

Mom eventually joins us, bringing with her the only person who could make this event a little less terrible.

“Look who’s home visiting!”

It’s Holt, my brother’s best friend and the hero of my childhood.

“Nova!” Holt opens his arms wide and gives me the first genuine hug I’ve felt since he last visited. After releasing me, he grips my shoulders and pushes me back to look me up and down. “I can’t believe how much you’ve grown up!”

“I could say the same of you.” I poke his harder-than-stone bicep. The Navy SEALs are no joke.

He gives me one of his genuine smiles.

“Well, now that this little reunion is taken care of,” Dad says, looking extra annoyed. He grabs my arm and tugs me away. “I think it’s time I introduce you to Justin Waldorf.”

I give Holt an apologetic look and allow my dad to bring me over to a guy who appears to be a year or two older than me. The moment his eyes land on me, appreciation fills his expression.

Dad claps him on the back. “Justin, I’m so glad you could make it. I’d like you to meet my daughter, Nova. Nova, this is Justin Waldorf. His dad owns Waldorf Enterprises.”

Justin takes my outstretched hand and kisses it. I’d find him attractive if it weren’t for the fact that my dad set this whole thing in motion. He’s tall, appears to be athletically built under his suit, and has blond hair, blue eyes, and a perfect smile. I look over Justin’s shoulder and catch Dad’s look of expectation. He’s probably writing our prenup as we speak.

“So nice to meet you. Dad has told me a lot about you,” I say, fitting my flirty smile on my lips.

Dad pecks my forehead and whispers, “Make this count” before leaving to mingle with the other guests. Mom stands dutifully by his side, her head held high, and a terrible realization hits me. That could be my future.

My smile slips.

“Hey, you okay?” Justin asks, stepping closer and placing his hand at the small of my back.

My gaze flits to his. “Oh yeah, sorry. It’s been a long day.”

His eyes wander down to my chest and then the rest of me. Unease slithers beneath my skin.

“Why don’t you and I move somewhere more private so you can tell me all about it?” His voice takes on a sympathetic yet seductive edge. It’s an odd combination.

“I think we can talk perfectly fine right here.” I point to a spot on the marble floor we’re standing on.

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