Page 134 of The Contract Marriage

“Stop working. You have to say yes to the date with London. You know you owe her one.”

I lift my head and stare as Max walks into the house. “Didn’t you go to work? I saw you leave with Angelo.”

“Nope. Went to the store because the baby wants Hershey’s Kisses.”

I look away, guilt gnawing at me. Does Olivia have any special cravings? She hasn’t texted in a couple of days. Maybe she’s gotten over the initial shock and tiny bit of guilt or something. By now she’s probably back to her old self—independent and brilliant.

My eyes drift to the picture of the diamond. My heart throbs. I’m scared she’ll just end things because she has no reason to keep me. But I can’t just give up. She hasn’t served me with divorce papers. If I don’t attempt one last-ditch effort to convince her to give us a chance, I’m going to regret it for the rest of my life. Pride? Fuck that. I’d trade anything—everything—to have Olivia’s love.

“He says he’s married and can’t have this date with London,” Rhys says, ratting me out. “He doesn’t care about the veterans the auction was designed to help.”

“That isn’t what I said—”

“You know she’s going to want her money back. The woman isn’t stupid.” Max crosses her arms.

I give her a look.

Rhys, of course, sides with Max. “Just go and have dinner together. Then you’re done.”

“You just had lunch with Olivia. Can’t believe you want me to backstab her,” I grumble to Max.

“Oh, for—No one’s asking you to sleep with the woman! Just make sure you hold up your end of the bargain. Men who don’t keep their word are not attractive. I know, because I have a father like that. And an ex.”

Rhys pats her shoulder. “Their loss, Freckles. Their loss.”

I grind my teeth. “Fine. Fine! I’ll go.” I pick up my phone and text the pesky woman.

–Me: Hey, give me a time and date, and I’ll be there. But let’s keep it short because I’m married. I don’t want my wife to get any wrong ideas.

I flip the screen and flash the message at Rhys and Max. “There. Happy now?”

“Yeah,” Max says.

They exchange relieved glances—which is weird, but whatever. I go back to my ring designs.

Chapter Fifty-Eight

Olivia

I check everything on the gently rocking deck ten times to make sure it’s all in order. My heart beats wrong. Even my blood seems to flow wrong with apprehension and anxiety.

I can’t remember the last time I was this nervous. Not even when I was an eighteen-year-old girl trying to start my own business. I figured if it failed, it wasn’t meant to be, and I’d just find something else to do. I stare at the gorgeous dinner setting on the yacht.

–London: Your hubby is so grumpy. I can’t believe I thought he was hot. What’s wrong with a yacht date? Everyone loves them, and I told him he didn’t even need to pay!

I laugh softly.

–Me: Maybe he isn’t a boat person.

–London: He was on the sailing team at Stanford! The auctioneer said so. If he didn’t want to have dinner with anybody, he shouldn’t have agreed to auction himself.

He isn’t normally this moody, but I know why he’s like this now—me. I sigh. I’ve really been a horrible wife.

–Me: Just think of your godchild.

–London: True! You have to send me all the updates! And I’ll go with you to every OB-GYN appointment! This is so exciting!!!!!!

–London: Also I forgive him because he said he can’t stay out late due to being married. A man who’s loyal is worth keeping.