Page 45 of Haden

They all giggle.

The men have filled their plates and are headed for the dining room. We’ve gotten to the point where we’re running out of space in the breakfast nook for ten people to crowd around. Besides, it’s probably for the best. I’m sure the men are in there already leaning over those blueprints while they eat.

“So?” Claire asks.

I lift a brow. “So what?”

“Who wins? When’s the wedding?”

I shrug. “We didn’t get that far yet.” I don’t meet their gazes.

“But you talked about it,” Reagan comments.

“Maybe…” I say noncommittally.

Arianna elbows me. “Don’t hold out on us. We’re sisters. What’s the deal?”

I decide to make their eyes pop out. “I’m due to start my period today. He has it all worked out that we’ll get married in two weeks when I’m most fertile so he can be sure I get knocked up on our wedding night.”

Everyone’s eyes are wide.

“That’s intense,” Claire says, sipping her never-ending lemon-lime soda. There’s also a plate of crackers in front of her. Breakfast is still not her friend. Sometimes lunch and dinner aren’t either.

Melody looks a bit pale, too. Also not surprising. She’s picking at a croissant and sipping orange juice. “Well, we certainly never had a discussion about my period. I didn’t have one between meeting him and getting pregnant. I doubt I’ll ever have one if Brody has his way.”

“Lucky,” I groan.

Arianna swallows a bite. “Dallas says you’re going to work for Haden, starting today.”

“Yes. We haven’t even discussed what that means or what my duties are. I think all he cares about is keeping me close so he can boss me around.”

“Which you love,” Reagan adds.

“Apparently,” I grumble, even though I can’t keep from smiling. The surprising thing about this morning is that I should be in a foul mood. I can tell by the cramping that I’m going to bleed to death in a few hours. That’s how my first day often is. I suspect the hard spanking that caused me to cry helped me purge some of the melancholy I often feel when I start my period.

Soon, everyone scatters. They all have jobs to get to.

Haden returns to the kitchen to collect me, and we head out for the new office. I’m surprised when we enter. It’s already furnished and ready to go. The men worked hard yesterday. There’s a small waiting room inside the door with a desk, laptop, and phone.

Haden points to the ergonomic chair. “This will be yours, jitterbug. Go ahead and sit so I can adjust the height.”

I plop my butt in the chair and watch as Haden works the levers at the side until he’s satisfied with my seating arrangement. It’s difficult not to feel like a pampered princess.

“Why is it so cold in here?” There are goosebumps on my arms. My teeth are chattering.

“I had Brody turn down the air earlier before we arrived. It’s hotter than hell outside. When the workmen come in, they need to be able to cool off.” He takes long strides into the room next to this reception area.

When I lean forward, I can see most of the inside. It must be his office. He returns with a giant navy San Antonio sweatshirt and tosses it at me.

I narrow my gaze at his smirk. “You turned down the fucking AC so I would freeze to death and need a sweatshirt because you think my jeans are too tight and my T-shirt is too revealing.” I knew he didn’t approve when I picked this outfit out this morning. I was surprised when he didn’t say a word at the time. I should have known he would figure out a way to get me to comply.

He shrugs. “Did it work?”

I huff as I pull the soft, thick sweatshirt over my head. “Yes, but you’re a neanderthal.”

“And you now have three swats coming later tonight, potty mouth.”

I roll my eyes.