Page 103 of A Pizza My Heart

Bastard.

Tonight is date five, but Wren’s already warned me she’s on her period so there will be no banging.

And because I’m human, I’m naturally bummed.

But I also don’t give a shit. I’m not dating her to bang her; that’s just going to be a bonus when we get to it.

“So…” she draws out as we climb into the bed of my truck and onto the air mattress I have back there. After our first night in here we discovered we are way too old to still be lying in the back of this thing like we used to. We need more cushion. “Something crazy happened today.”

“Yeah?”

She bobs her head up and down, smiling brightly. Her grin is infectious, and I find myself smiling too.

“Well, don’t leave a guy hanging. Tell me.”

“I—”

“Hold that thought,” I interrupt, reaching for the cooler tucked off to the side. “I have a feeling we need drinks to celebrate whatever this is.”

“How do you know it’s good news?”

“Because you can’t stop smiling and you’ve been practically bouncing in your seat all day.” I pull two beers out, pop the tops on them both, and hand one to her.

She grabs the beer and takes a drink, grinning around the rim of the bottle. “You have me there. It’s definitely good news.”

I mock gasp. “Please tell me the good news is that your period ended early and we’refinallygoing to bang.” I cross my fingers and squeeze my eyes shut, praying to the gods for a miracle.

She smacks at my chest. “Shut up.”

“Oh, she’s still testy. Never mind. A man can dream.”

Her eyes fall to slits, but the smirk curving her lips tells me she’s not upset. She loves it when I give her shit.

“I’m all out of guesses then. Tell me your mediocre news.”

“Mr. Carlton called today. He’s decided to put any decision-making on the back burner and keep up our original contract for a year, which means no more palpitation-inducing month-to-month living.”

Her face is alight with pure delight. I can’t remember the last time I saw her this happy.

It feels good to know I had a hand in it.

I beam at her. “That’s amazing, Wren. I’m happy for you.”

“My business is safe!” She lifts her bottle in the air. “For now.”

She laughs, but I can tell she’s still a little worried about losing everything she’s worked so hard for.

I wish I could tell her if I’m able to wear Carlton down like I plan to over the next year, she won’t ever have to worry about her business again.

“I was flabbergasted when he called out of the blue. I guess my tears and begging at our last meeting finally got to him.”

Tears? She’s been crying at their meetings because of this?

I’ve never wanted to shake an old man as much as I do in this moment.

All because his damn greedy children have gotten into his head about how much money his property is worth. Meaning…they don’t want him to sell becausetheywant to sell it and get more money.

Spoiled rotten asshats.

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