Page 46 of An Improper Deal (Elliot & Annabelle 1)
“Because! Who else could it smell like?”
“Some Italian guy named Ferrari?”
She makes a face. “You’re no fun.” Then she suddenly sits up. “So why did Elliot call you Gigi? That’s not your name.”
“It’s a long story.” How can I tell my sister I’m going to pretend to be some woman named Gigi so Elliot can marry me and get his kicks in return for a million dollars?
“I’ve got time,” she insists in that stubborn tone of hers. It reminds me of my younger self…before everything came crashing down and I had to grow up.
“No, you don’t. You have school tomorrow.”
She pouts. “Fine. Then how come you never told me you’re dating Ryder Reed’s half-brother?”
I roll my eyes, but at least this is something I can answer without lying. “It never came up, and I didn’t know.”
“You didn’t know?”
“Do you ask boys in your class if they’re related to somebody famous when you first meet them?”
Nonny’s mouth purses.
“Right. And Elliot didn’t volunteer the information. So…”
“Well I’d sure volunteer the information! I’m going to tattoo I’m related to Ryder Reed on my chest after you marry Elliot.”
“Agh! No!”
“Why not?”
“My gosh, Nonny. You’re too young for that. Besides, what if…uh…Ryder loses all his hair prematurely? You still going to be okay with the tatto
o?”
“The men in his family don’t really go bald. I checked.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “There will be no talk about tattooing in this household until you’re at least eighteen.” I give her my sternest look. “I’m serious.”
She huffs. “Fine.”
“And Nonny… Don’t breathe a word about Elliot—or Ryder—to anyone.”
“But—”
“Please.”
Her stubborn look says she won’t give in so easily.
I wrack my brain for something, and finally say, “Talking about good things too early can jinx them.”
She frowns. “You think so?”
“Yes. That’s why you don’t even think about it until it’s a done deal. It would be really bad if you didn’t get to meet Ryder Reed because you talked too soon.”
“No way! A jinx? That’s just a silly superstition.”
I shrug. “Fine. Jinx it. It’s only your chance to meet the Ryder Reed…”
“Oh my god, that’s so evil!”
