Page 43 of Break the Rule
“Special,” Charlie finishes, reminded why he likes her so much. She’s not just a killer agent. She’s got morals for days, something Charlie respects the hell out of. Other agents could maybe make him more money, but none of them are Amanda.
“I was going to say some of the best work of your career, but special works too.” She grabs her purse off the table beside Charlie, whacking him on the backside of the head.
“Ouch! You could say sorry.”
“I would, if I was sorry,” Amanda replies. “That’s for ignoring my texts and phone calls for a week. Don’t make me regret having you as a client, Charlie King.”
“But you love me. I’m handsome and talented and earn you a lot of money.”
Amanda arches one elegant eyebrow.
“Fine, I earn you some money, and you put up with me because you and Denise are obsessed with Andrew.”
“All lesbians need their emotional support queer man.”
“Why can’t I be that?”
“I don’t think you want that answer, sweetheart.” She pulls her purse up onto her shoulder. “I’m going inside now because I know Andrew made me coffee. I’m going to sit down at the table, and you’re going to follow me, sign the papers I sent you, be a good boy and commit to your showcase pieces. And don’t give me any excuses about names or permission because I expect you to lock that shit down. Soon please. You are a grown man. Use your goddamn words and handle this like a mature adult.”
Charlie grimaces. “A mature adult? That sounds boring.”
“Alternatively, I could call Denise and tell her to hold your suit hostage until you can get your ducks in a row.”
“You wouldn’t. She wouldn’t.”
“There isn’t a damn thing that woman wouldn’t do for me, and we’re all lucky I don’t take advantage of that. Now get your ass in that kitchen. I want to go home to my girlfriend who is going to rub my head, tell me I’m pretty and make me forget about stupid boys and their stupid problems. Ugh, men.”
“Are we talking about me or your hockey player?” Charlie questions.
“Both of you,” she replies. “Chop, chop. I don’t have all day.”
With that she disappears, forcing Charlie to trail after her. She’s right, he can handle this. He just needs to find his Cinderella, get his permission to use the pieces—then fuck and forget him. Preferably in that order.
Charlie has totally got this.
9EDEN
“Can I wake him up?”
“No, sweetie.”
“But I want him.”
“I know you do, but he’s asleep and?—”
“M’not asleep,” Eden grouses, even though his body is certain this is a lie. His back aches from sleeping in a weird position and his head is pounding, likely because he was up half the night scrolling websites he has no business being on.
“See, Momma.” The door is opened, banging the wall before Ella sprints across the room, the familiar jingle of her beads soothing away some of Eden’s displeasure at being reminded of his own existence every morning.
Ella barrels into the room with all the grace of a baby elephant, his bed bouncing as she crawls on top of his legs with the clear intention of trying to sneak under the covers.
“You said you wanted to tell him goodbye, not cuddle,” Addy points out from the doorway. “You have school, little missy.”
“But Momma,” Ella whines, already inching her way backwards.
“Five minutes,please.” Eden knows it’s a low blow since he never begs but with his new job at Juanita’s, he’s gotten home after Ella was already in bed every day this week. He misses her.
“Fine.” Addy's wide smile gives away that she’s not remotely put out by the delay. “Five minutes only though, or I’ll be late to work. I’m going to go get your jacket and lunchbox ready by the door, and when I come back we gotta go. You promise to listen?”
