Page 91 of Hot Stuff
“Because the marriage was never my idea. I did it to gain access to my trust funds.”
“Wow.” Cami sinks back into her chair. “Why didn’t you tell us?”
“Because I knew as soon as I said I do that I’d made a mistake and it’s been easy to keep my life separate from his. Most of the time.”
“What do you need from us?” I move to her, sit beside her, and place an arm around her shoulders. “Whatever you need, it’s yours.”
“Patience.”
“He’s going to be a dick, isn’t he?”
“He already is, why would he change now? Especially when Nat is taking away his money vault.” Blake slips her arm around Nat from her other side. “Can I be there when you boot him out?”
“I’m giving him the house.”
“What?” Cami is on her feet again. “Why?”
“It’s easier. Plus I never liked it. I’m moving into an apartment in our complex for now. It’ll suit me better, being close to the arena. And let’s be real, I’ve been pretty much living in the company apartment for months.”
She had. I hadn’t thought too much about it because we’ve been so busy building the new manufacturing facility as well as bidding on the franchise. I figured with all the late nights and the fact we’ve all, except for Cami, spent a number of nights in the apartment each week, it was convenient.
Now I see it was her way of moving away from Johnathon sooner than she officially could.
“When are you serving him the papers?” I ask. “Is this going to cause a problem for the Rogues?”
“Before the phone call I would have said no. Now I’m not so sure. I need to think about it, talk to him next week when he gets back from Europe.”
“When did he go to Europe?”
“Last month. He’s staying in the chalet. Skiing.”
I can’t stop the bark of laughter from bursting out. It isn’t long before the others join in.
Walker eyes us all. “Why is him skiing funny?”
“Because he’s the least coordinated man on the planet. Last summer he broke his nose surfing.”
“Yeah, about that. He wasn’t surfing when he broke it. He was hitting on his instructor and her husband didn’t take too kindly to that,” Nat explains.
“Oh my god, that just makes it funnier.” Blake puts her hands up in a prayer position. “Please tell me all the other injuries occurred the same way.”
Nat shrugs. “Don’t know. I’ve only been having him followed for the last few years.”
“Followed? You’ve been collecting evidence for years?” I ask, still confused as to why she’s waited. “That doesn’t explain why you didn’t do it before now.”
“I couldn’t do anything until after I turned thirty and all the clauses and stipulations on the family trusts became void.”
“Oh. Your grandfather tied it all up until then?”
“Yes. It’s why we never moved into the family home. I couldn’t live there until after thirty and only if I was married. I still won’t be able to live there because I won’t be married in a few months.”
“Jesus. This conversation needs wine. Got any wine, Walker?” Cami asks as she moves toward the kitchen. “Or maybe champagne? We do have a few things to celebrate.”
She’s right, we do. The Rogues contract and announcement, Nat’s impending divorce, and my engagement.
The next few years are looking bright, and I can’t wait to get started on them with four people who mean everything to me.
Walker
