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“Um, I was thinking that it’s my turn to pay since you guys paid last time.”
Instantly, she knew it was the wrong thing to say. They both stiffened. Then Steele turned to her. She swallowed heavily.
“Would you like to make that five, ten?” he asked.
Uh. What?
“The five spanks you’re owed,” Grady said almost casually. “Would you like it to be ten?”
“No.” What kind of question was that?
“Then you won’t mention paying for anything, but especially anything for us, ever again,” Steele told her darkly.
Definitely in trouble.
32
Effie, you aren’t in your crummy apartment anymore.
She looked around Grady and Steele’s house. Only, it wasn’t a house.
It was a freaking mansion.
She’d guessed they had money. They dressed nicely, had a driver, and an expensive-looking truck. Plus, they owned several businesses.
But this was still next-level. This place was immense. There were security gates at the front and a long, tree-lined cobblestone driveway that led to the most stunning house she’d ever seen.
It was enormous with two floors. A wide porch wrapped around three sides and on both levels. The bottom half was stone, while the top was timber boards. It looked like the most luxurious ski chalet she’d ever seen.
And the inside was even more spectacular. Huge high ceilings. Rooms that were big but not cold. A sunken living room with an enormous stone fireplace and a big, comfortable-looking sectional in front of it.
Curling up in front of that fire with a blanket, a book, and hot chocolate was her idea of heaven.
“You okay, Effie?” Steele came up behind her, wrapping his arm around her.
He’d picked her up on his own, explaining that Grady was working on something but would meet them at their place.
She still hadn’t seen Grady. Then again, she was barely in the door.
“This place is amazing.” Ahead of her were wall-to-ceiling windows that offered peeks of the backyard and the wall of trees that surrounded them. “It’s magical.”
“Glad you think so, baby girl. You and Brooks are welcome to come stay whenever you like. In fact, I think we should have a sleepover soon.”
Oh, she liked that idea. A lot.
“Brooks would love it here, but I’m not sure I’m ready to bring him.”
“Understood.”
“However, he did mention staying over at a friend’s place on Saturday . . .”
Whoa. That was forward for her.
Don’t push yourself on people, Effie. No man will respect a girl who just gives it away.
She clenched her hands into fists. Damn it.She was getting super tired of Nan’s voice in her head.
“Baby girl? You all right?” Steele turned her, cupping her chin in his hand.
