Page 7 of Secret Seduction

As much as I’d love to have a relationship with my mom, I’ve learned over the years that she has no desire to have one with me. I honestly don’t even know why she asked me to come here when she’s yet to spend any time with me.

Nicole nods in understanding, and a look of sympathy briefly crosses over her features before she reins it in.

“It’s all good,” I tell her, forcing a smile onto my face. “I get to spend time with you, and your company is way better than hers.”

My mother met Eric during my freshman year in high school. While he fell for my mom instantly—and why wouldn’t he? She’s twenty years younger, beautiful, and determined to be the perfect trophy wife—he wasn’t thrilled that we were a package deal. And since all she wanted was to find a rich man to take care of her, I wasn’t about to mess that up for her.

When he insisted that I switch to an all-girls boarding school—not wanting his stepdaughter to be seen attending South Harbor Point’s public school and wanting me as far away from him as possible so he could set up his position to run for mayor—I went along with it, knowing it would help me get into a college of my choice as far away from here as possible.

And I was right. Three and a half years at that pretentious school, and I not only got into every school I’d applied to, but I got enough money in scholarships that I didn’t need a single dime from Eric for college. My mother might be okay with a man supporting her, but I’ll be damned if I have to ever rely on a man for anything.

“I can take your measurements and notes on what you’re looking for and send you pictures along the way,” I tell Bri. “It shouldn’t take too long since school doesn’t start back up for a couple of weeks.”

“Really? I can totally pay you.”

“Just the cost of the material would be good. Honestly, I’ve never done a maternity outfit before, so it would be good practice.”

Thoughts of creating a beautiful maternity line swirl in my brain. Stylish dresses and cute rompers. I grab my phone and start typing to remind myself to check out various maternity lines, and Nicole laughs.

“I can practically see your creativity flowing.”

“You know designing clothes is my happy place.” I waggle my brows. “When would you need it by?” I ask Bri.

“I’m due in November, so I’d like to get the pictures done in October, when it cools down a bit.” Bri grins. “Can we do the measurements in a few days? We’re leaving tomorrow for the Bahamas for my wedding.” I glance down at her wedding ring, and she laughs. “We’re renewing our vows.”

Nicole snorts out a laugh, and I feel like I’m missing something here, but when neither of them explains, I let it go. I learned a long time ago to mind my business. It’s what keeps me out of trouble and off everyone’s—including my stepfather’s—radar.

“Oh! You should totally come,” Bri continues. “It’s only for three days.”

“I appreciate it, but I wouldn’t want to intrude.” And I can’t even imagine what the cost of a room would be wherever they’re staying.

“We booked an entire wing of the resort for privacy, so we have plenty of rooms available,” Bri says. “A private bar and a beach that’s within walking distance, and we’re not allowing anyone to pay for anything.”

Damn, that does sound nice … and I haven’t been on an actual vacation in … well, ever. When I was growing up, we were too broke to go anywhere. And once my mom snagged Eric, they shipped me off, and he always made sure I wasn’t there for any family vacations—not that I’m complaining because the thought of spending any more time than necessary with that man makes my skin crawl.

“You should totally go,” Nicole says. “We’ll have so much fun.”

“Really?” I give her a playful side-eye. “Me, you, and⁠—”

The door opens, the bell chiming, and right on cue, in walks Nicole’s boyfriend, James.

According to her, they’ve only been dating for a short time, but they’re practically attached at the hip. I wouldn’t be surprised if they were engaged and married by the end of the year.

“James!” Nicole pops out of her seat and flies into her boyfriend’s arms.

He’s dressed in a suit since he’s an attorney, and I chuckle to myself, remembering what Nicole said when she told me about him.

“I didn’t know what he did for a living when I met him, so I’m willing to look past his job title since I like him.”

Bri laughs. “If it helps, you won’t be the only single person there. Lorenzo—my brother’s best friend—is coming, and he’s completely unattached.”

She waggles her brows, and I shake my head.

“Not happening. My focus is on school.”

Men are a distraction I don’t need.

It’s not that I’m against dating. One day, I plan to find a man to spend my life with. I want to get married and have babies and maybe even get a cute dog or cat.