Page 54 of Whatever You Need

Was I having second thoughts? Yes, I was. But I was also at a loss on how to get out of this mess without risking everything that I’d worked for over my lifetime. Things between Marco and I were moving faster than I expected, and Owen’s ill-timed visit tonight was a reminder that I couldn’t keep this secret for much longer.

“I don’t know what you want me to say, Owen. We both verbally agreed to the deal, but now that it’s quickly approaching, it’s getting more real.”

“Amelia, I’m willing to do my part. Things would be a lot easier for both of us if you stopped acting like this is the worst thing that could possibly happen to you. Marrying me won’t be the end of the world. Who knows, you might actually end up liking me once you stop hating me. And once you do, it will be easier to convince everyone that you’re in love with me.”

“You know what, Owen?” Ava cut in with a forced smile. “Maybe you should save this conversation for another time. Amelia and I are trying to have a girls’ night out and you’re cramping our style.”

He tilted his lip and smiled at her, but there was nothing friendly about it. “Maybe you could be a good friend and convince her she needs to get on board and take one for the team. Going through with this doesn’t have to feel like a funeral dirge.” He looked between us. “Do you know how many women would love to be in your shoes?”

Ava rolled her eyes. “Owen, while I’m sure your privileged, entitled ass is convinced that any woman would be fortunate enough to get a piece of you, what your conceited head doesn’t understand is you are a dime a dozen. Amelia is the catch here, not you.”

The two of them have never gotten along. Ava’s sharp tongue and Owen’s arrogance never meshed well. They have tolerated each over the years at best. If I had to score this round, it would go to Ava, but I felt slightly bad for her laying Owen out flat.

He narrowed his eyes on my friend. “For a girl whose mother used to clean houses in my neighborhood, you sure learned how to use a lot of big words.”

She slammed her drink down. “For a guy who spent his entire youth in expensive prep schools, you sure are a brainless fuckwad.”

He clicked his tongue. “Always so classy.”

“All right, you two.” I held up my hands. “Enough.” I looked around the crowded bar and was thankful that no one was paying attention. Ava was always insecure about her upbringing, and he knew exactly what buttons to push.

Owen ran his hand across his chin, looking annoyed. “This company needs us, Amelia. We can take Eastan West in a direction and really make a name for ourselves.” He reached for his phone to check the time and tapped his knuckles on the bar. “I’m going to head out. I’ll see you on Wednesday. We have important things to discuss, so please don’t reschedule or blow me off.”

I watched him finish his drink and walk away. Just as he was winding his way around the crowded pub tables, he bumped into Marco as he was entering the lounge. Owen didn’t even look up or apologize as he continued to make his way toward the front of the lobby. Marco shook his head and spotted me across the room.

I stood up on shaky legs to greet him, because, Jesus Christ, that was close. “Hey there.”

He dipped his head toward mine and wrapped his arm along my waist. “Sorry I’m late.”

“Better later than never.” I smiled.

He looked down at my outfit and grinned. “You look nice.” Unlike when Owen’s eyes took me in, this was different.

“You got a little more scruff than usual,” I pointed out, running my fingers across his stubble.

“I’ll shave.”

“Please don’t.” I slid my hands up his chest and folded them around his neck. “I love it.”

He quirked an eyebrow. “Then it stays.”

I was laughing against his mouth at how accommodating he was being when Ava cleared her throat.

I pulled away and shook my head. “Sorry, Marco, this is my friend, Ava.”

She extended her hand; she was practically glowing in excitement. “It’s a pleasure.”

He accepted her offering while draping his free arm along my shoulder, tucking me into his side. I should have been nervous that someone from the office would see me, but I was so happy that he was here that I couldn’t care less.

“I apologize for being late. I was following up on a lead at the airport and I got stuck in traffic.”

Ava waved him off. “Amelia and I don’t get a chance to see each other as much as we like, so this worked out perfect. Plus, I’m glad I finally got to meet you.”

Marco held his hand out, signaling for the bartender to bring us a round of drinks.

“So, is this your first time here?” she asked, with a teasing smile. “Oh, that’s right. I just remembered you’ve actually stayed here in one of the rooms before.”

Marco coughed in his hand and I narrowed my eyes on my best friend. Our freshly poured drinks were placed in front of us.

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